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Traeger Spatchcock Chicken

This Traeger spatchcock chicken recipe is the perfect solution for anyone looking to make a delicious, juicy, and flavorful entree. Perfect for a Sunday supper or any special occasion, this easy-to-follow recipe produces a perfectly cooked bird that is sure to satisfy your guests.

This mouthwatering dish features succulent chicken that has been spatchcocked, covered in flavorful seasonings, and then smoked to perfection.

Traeger spatchcock chicken

How to smoke a spatchcock chicken in Traeger smoker

To get started, you’ll need a spatchcock the chicken. Prepare the wood chips by soaking them for 30 minutes in cold water. Once the chips are ready, place them in the smoker and heat it to 325°F.

Next, rinse the spatchcock chicken and pat it dry. Generously season the chicken with your favorite BBQ rub and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

Place the spatchcock chicken on the smoker and smoke it for about 1.5 hours. Internal temperature should be at least 165°F.

How to spatchcock a chicken

To start, you’ll need a whole chicken, kitchen shears or a sharp knife, and a cutting board. Place the chicken breast-side down on the cutting board and use the shears or knife to cut along both sides of the backbone.

Once the backbone is removed, turn the chicken over and press down on the breastbone to flatten it out. You can then season the spatchcocked chicken as desired.

spatchcock chicken pellet grill

Best rubs to use

The key to making the perfect smoked chicken is finding the right rub. To help you get started, here are some of the best rubs for smoking chicken. 

For a classic flavor, try a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This combination will give your chicken a delicious smoky taste without overpowering it. For a sweet and savory flavor, mix together brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, and cumin. This rub will give your chicken a hint of sweetness with a kick of spice. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, try combining garlic powder, thyme, oregano, basil, and cayenne pepper for an herby flavor. For an Asian-inspired taste, mix together garlic powder, ginger powder, brown sugar, cumin, and five-spice powder. Finally, for a spicy kick try combining garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika. 

No matter what rub you choose for your smoked chicken dish, be sure to let the rub sit on the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will give the flavors time to fully absorb into the chicken and will make for a more flavorful meal.

How to avoid rubbery skin

There are a few things you can do to avoid rubbery skin result when your smoking chicken. First, keep the skin dry and avoid spraying or brushing any kind of liquid such as oil or sauce.

Second, you can refrigerate the chicken overnight as it will help take the moisture out of the skin. Just make sure that you take out the chicken at least an hour before cooking so the chicken is at room temperature.

Lastly, smoke the chicken at higher temperature. For this recipe, we will be smoking it at 325°F instead of the normal smoking temperature at 250°F. 

What to serve with smoked spatchcock chicken

With some careful planning, you can make sure that the flavors of the chicken are complemented by the sides you choose. Rice, potatoes, and salads are all great options that you can pair with smoked spatchcock chicken.

For a simple and classic option, try mashed potatoes with butter and herbs. If you’re looking for something unique, try serving your smoked spatchcock chicken with wild rice and roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for a healthier option, try serving it with a salad made with fresh greens, mangoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.

Traeger spatchcock chicken recipe

What to do with leftovers

Try these ideas to create unique and delicious meals from your leftover smoked spatchcock chicken. First, you can shred the chicken to make tacos or quesadillas. Simply combine the chicken with your favorite spices and veggies for a flavorful meal.

Another option is to create a casserole. Mix the chicken with cooked pasta, your favorite sauce, and some cheese for an easy and tasty dish. If you’re looking for something more unique, try making a smoked spatchcock chicken dip. Simply mix the chicken with cream cheese, hot sauce, and shredded cheese; then bake until it’s hot and bubbly.

Or make a soup by combining the chicken with some vegetables, broth, and rice or noodles. You can also throw it into a salad or wrap for a quick and easy lunch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using leftover smoked spatchcock chicken; so get creative and enjoy your delicious leftovers!

Traeger Spatchcock Chicken

Learn how to make a juicy, flavorful Traeger spatchcock chicken with this easy, step-by-step recipe! A tasty meal that's sure to please.

Course Main Course
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Chicken (3-4 lbs)
  • 4 tbsp Your favorite BBQ rub

Instructions

  1. Spatchcock the chicken using poultry shears.

  2. Cover the whole chicken with your favorite BBQ chicken rub. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes. You can also refrigerate it overnight.

  3. Preheat smoker to 325°F and add your favorite wood chips or wood pellets (if you are using a pellet grill).

  4. Place the spatchcock chicken in the smoker and let it cook for roughly 1.5 hours. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature that it reaches at least 165°F

Recipe Rating