published 6/2/2020
This Perfectly Imperfect whole chicken is so easy to do and the flavor is incredible! I butterflied (or spatchcocked) the bird, covered it in Za’atar Spice, and grilled it. That’s pretty much it. If you are not familiar with Za’atar, it is a Middle Eastern spice blend that tastes like a lemony, salty, thyme mix and is truly unique and absolutely delicious!!
PREP TIME: 5 minutes
COOK TIME: 45 minutes
SERVINGS: 4
ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken (giblets removed)
- 2 TBSP Avocado, Olive, or Grape Seed Oil
- 5 TBSP Za’atar Spice*
- juice of 1 Lemon
- chopped Cilantro (optional)
Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup Yogurt
- 1 TBSP Honey
- 1 TBSP Chili Paste**
- chopped Cilantro (optional)
*Za’atar is hard to find unless you can shop at a Middle Eastern Store or order from Amazon. In a pinch you can make your own. The only unusual ingredient (and what makes it so good) is Sumac.
- 2 TBSP Oregano
- 2 TBSP Sumac (or zest of 1 Lemon)
- 2 TBSP Sesame Seeds
- 1 TBSP Marjoram
- 1 TBSP Thyme
- 1 TSP Salt
**You can substitute Harissa, Red Curry Paste, Chili Oil, or Sriracha.
instructions
- Butterfly the Chicken. Watch this video to see how. https://youtu.be/Ppa1bxB89vg
- Cover the Chicken with the Oil and massage it in. Then evenly spread on the Za’atar Spice. Make sure to cover both sides.
- Heat the grill to medium high. Place the Chicken skin-side/breast-side down first. Close the lid and grill for 10 minutes.
- Turn down the heat to medium low and flip the Chicken over. Close the lid and grill for another 10 minutes.
- Repeat the flipping and grilling 2 more times, until it has cooked for 40 minutes.
- Remove and cover with an aluminum foil tent for 5 minutes.
- While the Chicken is resting, make the Yogurt Sauce. Stir the Yogurt, Honey, and Chili Paste together in a bowl. Add in the Cilantro if using it.
- Pull the Chicken apart and squeeze the Lemon juice over everything. Add more Cilantro if you like.
- Serve with the Sauce and warm Pita or Naan Bread, Potatoes, Rice etc. ENJOY!!
Did you try this recipe? Please share any comments or suggestions below!!
I love chicken on the grill. This looks great.