BBQ Roast Lemon and Oregano Chicken (Printable)
Tender spatchcocked chicken with zesty lemon oregano marinade, grilled until juicy with crispy skin.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1 whole chicken (about 3.5 lbs), backbone removed and flattened (spatchcocked)
→ Marinade
02 - 1/3 cup olive oil
03 - Zest and juice of 2 lemons
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 2 tbsp fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped (or 2 tsp dried oregano)
06 - 1 tsp sea salt
07 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ For Serving
08 - Lemon wedges
09 - Fresh oregano sprigs
# Steps:
01 - In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
02 - Place the spatchcocked chicken in a large dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
03 - Preheat your barbecue to medium (about 375°F) for indirect cooking, or preheat your oven if roasting indoors.
04 - Remove the chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
05 - Place the chicken skin side up on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat). Close the lid and cook for 40-45 minutes, turning once or twice, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
06 - For crispy skin, finish the chicken skin side down over direct heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and lightly charred.
07 - Transfer to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before carving.
08 - Serve with lemon wedges and fresh oregano sprigs.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lemon and oregano combination creates that authentic Greek taverna flavor everyone will ask about
- Spatchcocking means dinner is ready faster and every bite stays impossibly moist
02 -
- Always use a meat thermometer to reach exactly 165°F at the thickest part
- Discard any leftover marinade after removing the chicken for food safety
03 -
- Marinate overnight for the deepest flavor penetration
- A sprinkle of chili flakes in the marinade adds beautiful warmth without overwhelming