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INSTANT POT DINNER RECIPES

Juicy and Crispy Spatchcocked Chicken

Juicy and Crispy Spatchcocked Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken (spatchcocked or butterflied)
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (optional)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

To spatchcock the chicken, place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Once the backbone is removed, press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

2. Season the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mix generously over the entire chicken, ensuring you cover both the skin and the underside.
  • Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and to bring the chicken closer to room temperature, ensuring it cooks evenly.

3. Heat the Oil:

  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. If you want to add extra flavor, you can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the oil.
  • Once the oil is hot but not smoking, carefully place the chicken into the skillet skin-side down. You should hear a sizzle, which indicates that the skin is crisping up nicely.

4. Fry the Chicken:

  • Fry the chicken skin-side down for about 8-10 minutes without moving it. This allows the skin to get crispy and golden brown. If the chicken is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning.
  • After the skin has crisped up, carefully flip the chicken over using tongs. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh—it should register 165°F (75°C).

5. Rest the Chicken:

  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays juicy when you cut into it.

6. Serve:

  • Serve the chicken with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness and garnish with extra herbs if desired. Pair the chicken with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Why This Recipe Works:

  • Spatchcocking the Chicken: This method flattens the chicken, allowing it to cook more evenly and quickly. It also exposes more of the skin, ensuring a larger surface area gets crispy.
  • Crisping the Skin: Cooking the chicken skin-side down in a hot pan creates a beautifully golden, crispy crust, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
  • Seasoning: The combination of spices adds depth of flavor, while the use of smoked paprika (optional) gives the chicken a slightly smoky taste, reminiscent of restaurant-style grilled chicken.

Variations and Tips:

  • Oven Finish: If your chicken is large or you want extra crispy skin, after frying the chicken in the skillet, transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) to finish cooking. This method is great if you’re preparing a larger bird or want to cook it more gently.
  • Use of Butter and Herbs: Adding butter and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan while frying adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken. You can baste the chicken with the herb-infused butter while it cooks for even more flavor.
  • Marinade Option: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours (or overnight) in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs before seasoning and frying.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Roasted Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts for a hearty and healthy meal.
  • Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or flavored rice pair perfectly with the juicy chicken and soak up all the delicious juices.
  • Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Crispy Exterior, Juicy Interior: The frying technique ensures that the skin becomes wonderfully crispy while the meat remains juicy and flavorful.
  • Restaurant Quality at Home: This simple trick of spatchcocking the chicken and frying it ensures that you get restaurant-quality results at home with minimal effort.
  • Quick and Easy: While roasting a whole chicken can take over an hour, spatchcocking and pan-frying cuts down the cooking time significantly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

This technique of frying a spatchcocked chicken creates a dish that is both visually impressive and incredibly delicious. By flattening the chicken, seasoning it well, and frying it in a hot pan, you’ll achieve crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat every time. This restaurant-inspired method is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen for both special occasions and everyday meals. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked chicken dinner that’s simple yet impressive!