Learn How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Chicken on BBQ

Learning how long to cook a spatchcock chicken on BBQ is one of the easiest ways to level up your grilling skills.

Spatchcock chicken cooks faster, stays juicy, and gets crispy skin all over.

If you’ve ever had uneven chicken on the grill, this method solves that problem.

In this guide, you’ll learn exact BBQ cooking times, ideal grill temperature, and how to know when your chicken is done without guesswork.

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What Is a Spatchcock Chicken?

A spatchcock chicken is a whole chicken with the backbone removed.

The bird is pressed flat so it cooks evenly.

This shape helps heat reach all parts at the same time.

Because the chicken lies flat, it cooks quicker than a whole bird.

It also browns better on the BBQ.

Why Spatchcock Chicken Is Perfect for BBQ

Spatchcock chicken works great on a BBQ grill for a few reasons.

First, the flat shape allows steady heat across the meat.

Second, the skin gets direct heat, which helps it turn crispy.

Third, it reduces flare-ups since fat drips evenly.

If you enjoy grilling different cuts of chicken, you may also find this guide helpful:

BBQ Chicken Cooking Times: How Long Each Cut Needs.

It breaks down cooking times for breasts, thighs, wings, and more.

Ideal BBQ Temperature for Spatchcock Chicken

The best BBQ temperature for spatchcock chicken is 375°F to 425°F (190°C to 220°C).

This range is hot enough to crisp the skin but gentle enough to keep the meat juicy.

Set up your grill for indirect heat.

That means the chicken sits away from direct flames.

This helps avoid burning while the inside cooks fully.

Learn How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Chicken on BBQ

Cooking time depends on the size of the chicken and grill heat. 

Most spatchcock chickens weigh between 3½ and 4½ pounds.

General Cooking Time

On average, a spatchcock chicken takes:

40 to 50 minutes total

Flip the chicken once during cooking to ensure even browning.

Time Breakdown

• First side: about 20–25 minutes

• Flip and finish: another 20–25 minutes

Avoid flipping too often.

One flip is enough.

How to Know When Spatchcock Chicken Is Done

Time is helpful, but temperature matters more.

The chicken is done when:

• Thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F

• Thighs reach 175°F to 180°F

Checking temperature prevents dry chicken and food safety issues.

Many grillers keep a temperature reference nearby to avoid guessing.

A simple visual chart can help confirm safe cooking temperatures at a glance, especially when grilling outdoors.

If you often cook chicken quarters instead of whole birds, this related article explains their timing in detail:

Barbecue Chicken Quarters: How Long They Take to Cook.

Resting Time After BBQ Cooking

Once the chicken comes off the grill, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Resting allows juices to settle back into the meat.

If you cut too soon, juices run out and the chicken dries fast.

Cover loosely with foil while resting.

Skin Side Up or Down First?

Start with the skin side down.

This helps render fat and crisp the skin early.

After about 20–25 minutes, flip skin side up to finish cooking.

If flare-ups happen, move the chicken farther from the heat source.

Does Chicken Size Change Cooking Time?

Yes.

Smaller chickens cook faster.

Larger birds take longer.

• 3 lb chicken: closer to 40 minutes

• 4½ lb chicken: closer to 50 minutes

Always rely on internal temperature rather than time alone.

Flavor and Seasoning Tips (Quick Note)

Seasoning does not change cooking time much.

Dry rubs and marinades both work well.

If using sugary sauces, add them near the end.

Sugar burns fast on a BBQ.

Common BBQ Mistakes to Avoid

Many people overcook chicken because they fear undercooking. 

This leads to dry meat.

Another mistake is cooking over direct flame the whole time.

This burns skin before the inside is done.

Also, skipping temperature checks causes uneven results.

A quick check saves the meal.

Helpful Tool for BBQ Temperature Confidence

When grilling chicken, knowing safe internal temperatures makes cooking stress-free.

Some BBQ cooks like using a magnetic meat temperature guide on the grill or smoker for quick reference.

The Easy Function Meat Temp Guide is designed for BBQ and smoking and clearly shows safe temperatures for chicken and other meats.

It sticks to metal surfaces and stays visible while you cook, making it easy to double-check doneness without pulling out your phone.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

Final Thoughts on Spatchcock Chicken BBQ Time

If you want fast, juicy, evenly cooked chicken, spatchcock is the way to go.

To recap:

• Grill at 375°F to 425°F

• Cook for 40 to 50 minutes

• Flip once

• Remove when breast hits 165°F

• Rest before slicing

Once you learn how long to cook a spatchcock chicken on BBQ, it becomes one of the most reliable meals you can make on the grill.

👉 Click the image to check out our BBQ tools and guides that make grilling easier and more confident.