Smoked Spatchcock Chicken

Step 1

Place the bird breast-side down with the legs pointing toward you. Use kitchen shears to cut down both sides of the backbone through the ribs to remove the spine.

Step 2

Open up the chicken and use a sharp knife to cut a slit through the cartilage in the center of the chicken near the breastbone. Flip the chicken over and press in the middle to lay it out flat.

Step 3

Rub the chicken all over with the oil. Combine the dry rub ingredients and rub a liberal amount all over both sides of the chicken.

Step 4

Preheat Traeger grill to high heat of around 400 degrees F. Place the chicken breast side up on the grill, spreading out the legs so it lays flat. Grill on high for 30 minutes, then turn temperature down to 325 degrees F for the remaining time it takes for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 5

Remove from grill and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Step 6

Preheat Traeger grill to between 225 and 275 degrees F. Place the chicken breast side up on the grill, spreading out the legs so it lays flat. Smoke for 3-4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Step 7

Remove from grill and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.