How to Spatchcock a Peri-Peri Chicken

Spatchcocked Peri-Peri Chicken

Step 1: Cut out the backbone.
Cut out the backbone of the chicken by cutting along both sides of the spine using a pair of sturdy poultry shears.

Step 2: Spread the legs

Set the backbone aside for now, then spread the chicken's legs apart and flip it over so it is skin side up.

Step 3: Press and crack the backbone.

Press down firmly on the chicken's breastbone until you hear a crack—that's the wishbone breaking—and the chicken lies quite flat. If you'd like, you can also remove the wishbone by cutting it out with a paring knife..

Step 5: Roast or Smoke

We prefer smoking the Peri-Peri chicken in our RecTeq smoker.