## Smoking the bird 225 for 45 min and 425 for 45 min
The trick to smoked chicken is to NOT smoke it too long. Cooking chicken at low temperatures will make the skin rubbery and it won't have that nice crisp that you NEED to make a perfect chicken.
Pre-heat your smoker, I'm using my [pellet smoker](https://amzn.to/36YRBX0), to 225°F and lay the chicken breast side up directly on the grill. Make sure the chicken is spread out as much as possible. Smoke for 45 minutes to give it a great smoke flavor.
After 45 minutes, increase the temperature of the smoker to 425°F. No need to remove the bird from the smoker while the temperature increases, just leave it on there. Continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F with an [instant read thermometer](https://amzn.to/3v7ipxk) in the breast and thigh of the bird.
This was another 45 minutes for me when cooking this chicken. So the total cooking time was 1hr 30 minutes.
Remove the smoked chicken from the smoker and rest for 10-15 minutes. I do NOT tent in aluminum foil, this tends to soften that nice crispy skin and makes it soggy and wet. Cut the bird into pieces with a sharp knife and plate.
# Traeger S
patchcock Chicken
**[Nicole Johnson](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/author/nicole-johnson)**February 18, 2022
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This site contains affiliate links.
The only thing better on a pellet grill than a whole chicken is a whole **Traeger** **Smoked****Spatchcock Chicken**. This easy dinner is hearty, flavorful, and delicious and can be used for dinner or lunch all week long.
## Spatchcock Chicken
Have you been looking for a new method to grill your chicken? Try my recipe for this Traeger Spatchcock Chicken! This method will cut your cooking/baking/grilling time and allow you more time to enjoy your meal and guests!
The skin becomes golden brown and crispy, while the meat is evenly cooked and remains tender and juicy throughout the bird.
Get yourself a good pair of kitchen scissors and a nice plump bird and you’re ready to impress.
### What is Spatchcock chicken?
You will be surprised to learn that Spatchcock is simply a word to describe a method of “butterflying” your chicken so that it will lay flat on the grill, allowing all of the meat to be closer to your source of heat which means even cooking.
No more overdone legs and wings while assuring the breast meat is done!
**Get all of my [Traeger Chicken Recipes](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2019/03/easy-traeger-chicken-recipes.html) here!**
### How do I Spatchcock a chicken?
This method is actually very basic and straightforward. All you need is a really good pair of kitchen scissors.
You will want to lay your chicken on a flat surface with the breast down and legs facing you. You will basically be removing the backbone, and in order to do this, you will be cutting through rib bones (this is the reason for your good pair of kitchen scissors).
After the backbone is removed, flip the bird over and press down until it lays flat. All done!
You can also use this method on [smoked spatchcock turkey](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2018/11/traeger-smoked-spatchcock-turkey-recipe.html).
When seasoning your chicken, don’t forget to season the underside, and don’t be shy with your spices. You have a lot of meat to get flavor into!
***\*My [Easy Pellet Grill Recipes](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/easy-traeger-wood-pellet-grill-recipes) here!\****
### How long does it take to cook a chicken using this method?
We never use “time” for cooking meats, it’s all about temperature when it comes to whether or not your meat is done.
If you don’t already have a good meat thermometer, I highly suggest you invest in one.
Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, roasting, grilling or frying.
The nice thing about using this Spatchcock method is that it cuts your cooking time down versus roasting or grilling a whole chicken.
If you want a ballpark estimate for “time”, it really depends on the size of the chicken.
For a 4 ½ pound chicken allow approximately 1 hour 15 minutes if roasting, and 35-45 minutes for grilling.
Keep checking your meat thermometer, and when the chicken is 165 degrees it’s done.
Check out **[our OWYD sho](https://www.shop.orwhateveryoudo.com/)**[**p**](https://shop.orwhateveryoudo.com/)!
### Do you have to “flip” this chicken while grilling?
Many opinions on this subject, so do your research but it all comes down to preference and experience.
I personally do not flip while grilling this chicken. The skin gets golden brown, as with roasting. No need to disturb while cooking other than checking internal temperature.
[**Join our Easy Traeger Recipes Facebook Group!**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/easytraegerrecipes)
### What should I serve with this Spatchcock Chicken?
Almost anything will pair well with chicken. Plan your sides around the type of seasoning you’ve used to season the meat.
If you’re using a traditional chicken seasoning with poultry seasoning, **[mashed potatoes](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2014/12/extra-creamy-roasted-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html)** and a **[vegetable](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2018/09/traeger-grilled-vegetables-bbq-wood-fired-veggie-tray.html)** will be the perfect comfort foods to add to your table.
You can season your chicken with almost any spices and herbs which allows for a wide variety of choices when it comes to sides.
#### **Here are a few other suggestions:**
- [Creamy Macaroni Salad](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2019/06/creamy-macaroni-salad-recipe.html)
- [Spicy One-Pot Mexican Rice](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2016/04/spicy-one-pot-mexican-rice.html) (if you’re seasoning your chicken with a Mexican flair)
- [Traeger Corn on the Cob](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2018/08/traeger-corn-on-the-cob.html)
- [Homemade Coleslaw](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2014/02/better-kfc-coleslaw-recipe.html)
As you can see the possibilities are endless!
### How can I use the leftover chicken?
If you’re lucky enough to have any leftover, there are many ways to use this leftover chicken!
1. Grab a picnic basket! Pack up your cold chicken, some fruit and bread and head to the park.
1. Cut up your leftover chicken and add it to or [make a nice soup](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2018/03/instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-soup.html) for dinner the next night.
1. [Chicken Casserole](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2013/05/chicken-enchilada-cassarole.html)
1. [Chicken Pot Pie Soup](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/2014/12/chicken-pot-pie-soup.html)
You will definitely want to make this Spatchcock Chicken again and again. It is easy, delicious, versatile, and economical. Buying a whole chicken is a choice your wallet won’t regret.
### Featured Reviews!
> *“Very easy and tastes great!”*
>
> ~ *[Lynn](https://www.pinterest.com/cosby1024/)*
>
> none
## Why is this recipe hidden?
Some of our content is only for OWYD+ members. Membership is FREE! [Find out more here](https://www.orwhateveryoudo.com/owyd-plus), or sign up below!
Yield: 1 chicken
Spatchcock Chicken is the best turkey! Get used to evenly cooked, moist, juicy, and delicious meat – both white AND dark.
**Prep Time** 30 minutes
**Cook Time** 1 hour 15 minutes
**Total Time** 1 hour 45 minutes
## Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 
Traeger Ironwood Grill
### Nutrition Information:
Yield:8Serving Size:1
*Amount Per Serving:* Calories: 328Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat:0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 76mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber:0gSugar: 0gProtein: 22g
*Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!*
How do you cook a perfectly moist chicken on a pellet grill? The challenge here is to get the breast and the thigh done at the same time. (Hint: Placement on the grill and temperature go a long way.) Check out this video to learn how to spatchcock with out a lot of hassle to cook a perfect bird everyone will enjoy – and make sure to catch all 7 Tips 🎰
## Chapters
[REMOVE THE BACKBONE0:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqDDxiAeL0&t=32s)
[SEASON UNDER THE SKIN1:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqDDxiAeL0&t=81s)
[FLIP THE BIRD FOR SOME CHAR2:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqDDxiAeL0&t=157s)
[DON'T FORGET FLIP THE BIRD BACK OVER! !3:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqDDxiAeL0&t=209s)
[REST FOR ABOUT 10-15 MINUTES7:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgqDDxiAeL0&t=436s)
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