Spatchcock chicken is ideal for the BBQ because the flattened bird cooks more evenly while giving you plenty of crisp, golden skin. Pair it with grilled pineapple, fresh herbs and a creamy peanut dressing for a bright summer meal that works just as well for a relaxed weeknight dinner.
Spatchcock chicken with grilled pineapple salad and peanut dressing
Smoky chicken, sweet pineapple, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs and a savoury peanut dressing.
Chicken
- 1.3kg spatchcock chicken
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper or your favourite BBQ seasoning
Grilled pineapple salad
- 4 tomatoes
- ½ small red onion
- ½ cucumber
- 1 to 2 red chillies
- 200g pineapple
- Fresh mint
- Fresh coriander
- Sesame seeds
Peanut dressing
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cold water
How to BBQ the spatchcock chicken
A meat thermometer is the easiest way to judge doneness. Check the thickest section of the chicken without touching the bone.
Season the chicken
Drizzle the chicken lightly with olive oil and season well with salt and pepper or your preferred BBQ seasoning.
Start skin side up
Preheat the BBQ to around 180°C. Place the chicken skin side up and cook for approximately 15 minutes.
Crisp the skin
Turn the chicken skin side down and cook for a further 8 to 10 minutes, monitoring the heat so the skin colours without burning.
Check the temperature
Continue cooking as required until the thickest part of the chicken reaches at least 75°C internally. Cooking time will vary with the size of the bird and your BBQ.
Rest before carving
Transfer the chicken to a clean board and rest for about 5 minutes before carving.
Make the peanut dressing
Combine
Add the peanut butter, lime juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cold water to a bowl or jar.
Whisk or shake
Whisk or shake until smooth and combined. Refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Prepare the grilled pineapple salad
Prepare the vegetables
Finely slice the cucumber and red onion. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and finely slice the chilli.
Grill the pineapple
Cut the pineapple into slices approximately 1cm thick. Grill for about 2 minutes per side, then cut into smaller pieces or matchsticks.
Toss and dress
Combine the cucumber, onion, tomatoes, chilli, pineapple, mint, coriander and sesame seeds. Toss with a small amount of peanut dressing and serve the remaining dressing alongside the salad.
Make it easier
No BBQ?
Roast the chicken skin side up in the oven and cook until the thickest part reaches at least 75°C. Use the internal temperature rather than time alone to determine when it is ready.
Prep ahead
Slice the vegetables and make the peanut dressing ahead of time. Grill and add the pineapple closer to serving, then toss the salad just before it reaches the table.
Prefer smaller portions?
Chicken thighs can work well with the same salad and dressing if you do not want to cook a whole bird. Adjust the cooking time and still cook the chicken to at least 75°C internally.
Another chicken recipe to try
Spatchcock chicken questions
What temperature should spatchcock chicken reach?
Cook poultry until the thickest part reaches at least 75°C internally. Check with a clean meat thermometer and avoid touching bone with the probe.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
Yes. Roast the chicken skin side up until it reaches at least 75°C in the thickest part. Exact cooking time will vary according to the weight of the chicken and your oven.
Can I make the peanut dressing ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the dressing ahead and keep it refrigerated until serving. Stir or shake it again before dressing the salad.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes. Grilled chicken thighs work well with the same pineapple salad and peanut dressing. Adjust the cooking time for the smaller pieces and cook them thoroughly.
Should I dress the salad in advance?
It is better to toss the salad shortly before serving so the vegetables and herbs stay fresh. Serve extra peanut dressing at the table.
Find your next chicken cut
Explore the Peter Augustus poultry range and choose the chicken that suits your next BBQ, roast or weeknight dinner.
Shop Poultry
