BBQ Spatchcock Chicken with Charred Lemon & Lemon Oil
Simple, smoky and packed with flavour. A perfectly cooked spatchcock chicken finished with a charred lemons and a generous drizzle of lemon oil.
Using GOOD PHATS Avocado Oil Spray helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning on the barbecue, while GOOD PHATS Lemon Oil adds a bright citrus finish that lifts the rich, smoky chicken.
GOOD PHATS: LIGHT AVOCADO OIL SPRAY & LEMON OIL
SERVES: 4
PREP TIME: 15 mins
COOK TIME: 40-50 mins
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE CHICKEN
1 whole chicken
GOOD PHATS Light Avocado Oil Spray
Salt
Black pepper
FOR THE CHARRED LEMON
1 lemon
TO FINISH
GOOD PHATS Lemon Oil
METHOD
Step One: Spatchcock the chicken
Place the chicken breast-side down on a board. Using sturdy kitchen scissors, cut down both sides of the backbone and remove it completely.
Turn the chicken over and press firmly on the breastbone until the bird lays flat. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and gives you more crispy skin.
Season generously all over with salt and black pepper, then lightly spray with GOOD PHATS Light Avocado Oil Spray.
Step Two: Prepare the barbecue
Set up your barbecue for indirect cooking.
If using a ceramic barbecue such as a Big Green Egg, control the temperature by restricting airflow through the top and bottom vents. Less oxygen means a lower cooking temperature.
Close the lid and allow the barbecue to stabilise. This creates a gentle roasting and smoking environment that cooks the chicken evenly while building flavour.
Step Three: Cook the chicken
Place the chicken onto the barbecue away from direct heat and close the lid.
Cook until the chicken is almost cooked through and has taken on a light smoky flavour. Opening the lid less frequently helps maintain a consistent temperature and smoke environment.
Once nearly cooked, increase the heat if needed and move the chicken over more direct heat to crisp and colour the skin.
Step Four: Char the lemon
Cut the lemon in half and place cut-side down onto the barbecue. Cook until caramelised and lightly charred.
Step Five: Rest the chicken
Remove the chicken from the barbecue and rest for 5–10 minutes before carving.
Step Six: Plate & serve
Transfer the chicken to a serving board. Finish with a generous drizzle of GOOD PHATS Lemon Oil.
Serve with the charred lemon halves alongside for squeezing over at the table.
Chef’s Tip
One of the biggest advantages of a ceramic barbecue is temperature control. By reducing airflow and keeping the lid closed, you can create a gentle low-and-slow cook that delivers juicy meat and subtle smoke. Finish with a little higher heat at the end to achieve beautifully crisp skin.
