Step 1

This is the key to tasty, crispy skin! If you have the time, place the spatchcock on a wire rack, coat evenly in 2 tablespoons of Kosher salt (under and over the skin), and refrigerate uncovered for up to 24 hours to remove any excess water from the skin. This will help help make the skin crispy when smoking the spatchcock chicken.

Step 2

Preheat smoker to 225°F. Most pellet grills don’t need it, but you can add a pan of water in the corner of the smoker to keep moisture inside. If using a Traeger with the Super Smoke setting, turn it on as well.

Step 3

In a medium sized bowl, mix together brown sugar, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).

Step 4

Place the chicken breast side down. Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the chicken’s backbone and remove it. Turn the chicken breast side up and press on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. Rub the chicken all over with the seasoning mixture, over and under the skin.

Step 5

Place spatchcock chicken in the smoker breast side up and smoke at 225°F until it hits an internal temperature of 110°F in the thickest part of the breast, approximately 45 minutes depending on the size of the chicken. I recommend using an internal meat thermometer to easily keep track the temperature.Once the smoked spatchcock chicken hits the target temperature of 110℉, increase the temperature of the smoker to 400℉. Continue to cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 160℉ in the thickest part of the breast. The smoked spatchcock chicken will continue to cook once removed from the smoker and eventually reach a final temperature of 165℉ in the breast. Remember, always cook to temperature and not time!

Step 6

Remove the smoked spatchcock chicken from the smoker and transfer it to a carving board. Let it rest on the counter for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute back into the meat and not run out when slicing. There's no need to tent it with foil as it will make the skin soggy.

Step 7

Once the chicken has rested for at least 20 minutes, carve it and serve. Enjoy!