Blackened spiced spatchcock chicken
This spatchcock chicken is what barbecues were created for, marinated in a combination of coffee, sugar, and rich spices for a stunning scorched look. It'll go down a storm because it's high in protein, low in salt, and acceptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1.8kg large chicken
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp instant coffee granules
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp allspice
Directions
- Remove the chicken backbone with sturdy scissors or poultry shears.
- Turn it breast side up then flatten it with your hands*.
- Thread a metal skewer diagonally through a thigh to the opposite wing.
- Repeat with another skewer from the opposite thigh.
- Mix the oil, coffee, sugar, allspice, paprika, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Season, then rub all over the chicken.
- Marinate for 30 mins in a shallow roasting dish at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C.
- Cook the chicken in the oven for 45 mins.
- Meanwhile, if using a gas barbecue, preheat to medium-high or, if using charcoal, light it and wait until the coals are glowing and the flames have completely died down.
- Put the chicken on the barbecue, breast side down, for 5-10 mins until the skin is golden and charred.
- Turn over and cook for 5-10 mins, until the chicken is cooked through with no pink meat showing and the juices run clear when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of the leg.
- Leave to rest for 10 mins, then remove the skewers and slice to serve.