If you’re a fan of juicy, evenly cooked, free-range chicken that’s full of flavour, you may have already heard of spatchcock chicken. But what exactly does “spatchcock” mean, and why is it one of the best ways to cook a bird?
At Herb Fed Poultry, we’re passionate about raising high-welfare, herb-fed chickens that deliver on both taste and sustainability. And spatchcocking? It’s one of our favourite ways to prepare them. Read on to learn everything you need to know about this delicious technique.
Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a whole chicken by removing the backbone so it can be flattened out before cooking. This allows the bird to cook more evenly and quickly, especially when roasting or grilling.
The term spatchcock is believed to be an abbreviation of “dispatch the cock,” a phrase thought to originate in 18th-century Ireland. It referred to a method of quickly preparing a bird for the pan. The word may sound a bit quirky today, but the method has stood the test of time — and for good reason.
There are plenty of benefits to spatchcocking your chicken, especially when you’re working with a premium free-range bird like those from Herb Fed Poultry.
✅ Even Cooking
When laid flat, the chicken cooks more evenly — no more dried-out breasts and undercooked thighs.
✅ Faster Cooking Times
A spatchcocked chicken can roast in as little as 35–45 minutes, compared to over an hour for a whole bird.
✅ Crispier Skin
Flattening the chicken allows the skin to be fully exposed to heat, resulting in a beautifully golden, crispy skin.
✅ Great for BBQs & Grilling
Spatchcocking is perfect for barbecues. It lays the bird flat, making it easy to grill and baste.
Now for the fun part — cooking your spatchcock chicken! Whether you’re roasting, barbecuing, or pan-searing, here’s how to get the best results.
Top tip: Herb-fed chickens already have deep flavour from their diet — simple seasoning is all you need!
Top tip: A meat thermometer is your best friend. Aim for 75°C in the thickest part of the thigh.
At Herb Fed, our chickens are free-range and fed on a unique diet of over 10 herbs, from oregano to basil. This results in meat that is naturally flavourful, tender, and ideal for spatchcock-style cooking.
Spatchcocking enhances the taste by exposing more surface area to seasoning and heat. With our herb-fed birds, that means more golden skin, more flavour, and more satisfaction.
Looking to try it for yourself? You can buy pre-spatchcocked chickens or whole chickens to spatchcock at home via our Online Shop.
We also offer:
All reared to the highest welfare standards.
Spatchcock chicken is more than a trendy cooking technique — it’s a smart, flavour-enhancing method that works brilliantly with high-quality, ethically raised poultry like ours. Whether you’re roasting a Sunday lunch or firing up the BBQ, this method will save time and elevate your meal.
Ready to try it? Visit Herb Fed Poultry’s online shop and taste the difference a herb-fed, high-welfare chicken makes.
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