Butterflied Roasted Chicken With Quick Jus Recipe – Easy Family Meal

As someone who deeply enjoys cooking and feeding others, I’ve spent countless weekends experimenting with various chicken recipes. 

One standout dish that consistently garners rave reviews is my Butterflied Roasted Chicken with Quick Jus. This recipe ensures juicy, flavorful chicken balanced perfectly with a simple sauce.

Gather your loved ones around the table, and let’s dive into this culinary adventure!

What is Butterflied Roasted Chicken With Quick Jus?

Butterflied roasted chicken, or spatchcock chicken as it’s often called, is a game-changing method of preparing chicken. This technique involves removing the backbone of the chicken so that it can lay flat. 

This approach allows for even cooking and a beautiful crispiness on the skin. The quick jus is a flavorful sauce made from the drippings of the chicken, which elevates the dish beautifully without any fuss.

This recipe is straightforward yet impressive. It balances brightness from fresh herbs and lemon with the rich flavors of the chicken. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a gathering of friends.

Why You’ll Love this Butterflied Roasted Chicken With Quick Jus Recipe

Let’s break down the reasons you’ll adore this dish:

Flavorful and Juicy: The technique of butterflying the chicken maximizes flavor while ensuring it remains juicy throughout the cooking process.

Quick Preparation Time: It doesn’t take hours to prepare. A quick marinade and an hour in the oven yield delicious results.

Impressive Presentation: Serving a butterflied chicken looks fabulous and adds a gourmet touch to your dining table.

Versatile: Pair it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.

Simplicity: The ingredients are easy to source, and the steps are straightforward, making this dish accessible even for novice cooks.

The Ingredients

Creating this mouthwatering butterflied roasted chicken requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or just enough to coat the pan)
4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 (3-pound) whole chicken, backbone removed (spatchcocked)

Step by Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully for a succulent butterflied roasted chicken.

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by laying the chicken on a cutting board, breast-side down. With a sharp knife or kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it. Once removed, flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.

Step 2: Season Generously

Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil. Season generously with coarse sea salt and black pepper. Ensure the seasoning gets under the skin as well. 

Then, sprinkle the smoked paprika evenly over the chicken for a delicious, slightly smoky flavor.

Step 3: Add Fresh Ingredients

Place the smashed garlic cloves under the chicken, ensuring they stay nestled within the cavity. Arrange lemon slices on top, covering the breast and thighs. 

Tuck rosemary sprigs around and over the chicken, adding a fragrant herbaceous note.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature helps to achieve that perfect crispy skin we all crave.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for about 50–60 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Create Quick Jus

While the chicken is roasting, you can prepare the quick jus. After you remove the chicken from the pan, set it aside to rest.

 Place the roasting pan on a stovetop burner over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavor-packed bits. Let it simmer for a few minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Carve the chicken into pieces once it has rested for 10 minutes. Serve with the quick jus drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

Tips & Tricks

Here are some handy tips to ensure your butterflied roasted chicken turns out perfect:

Patience is Key: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps achieve even cooking.

Dry the Skin: For an extra crispy skin, dry the chicken in the refrigerator, uncovered, for a few hours before cooking.

Use a Thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer for accuracy. It takes the guesswork out of whether your chicken is cooked perfectly.

Flavor Boost: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for extra flavor.

Crispier Skin: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to further crisp the skin, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on four servings):

Calories: Approximately 350
Protein: 45 grams
Fat: 15 grams (mostly healthy fats)
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Fiber: 0 grams

This chicken recipe is a wonderful option for protein-packed, flavorful nourishment without excess carbs.

Can I Store Butterflied Roasted Chicken With Quick Jus Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. You can also freeze leftover chicken for up to three months. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat it in the oven until warmed through to retain the texture.

What Can I Serve With Butterflied Roasted Chicken With Quick Jus Recipe?

This roasted chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and flavor.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make comfort food at its finest.

Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with herbs and vegetables can absorb the delicious jus.

Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad brings brightness to the plate and balances the richness of the chicken.

Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or artisan bread is perfect for soaking up that luscious jus.

Variations

Here are a few creative twists you can make with this recipe:

Herb Variations: Switch rosemary for thyme or sage. Each herb changes the flavor profile, giving you an entirely new dish.

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat that pairs beautifully with the chicken’s richness.

Citrus Blend: Use a mix of citrus, such as oranges or limes, instead of just lemon for a unique flavor twist.

Sweet and Savory: Incorporate honey or maple syrup into your seasoning mix. The sweetness complements the savory aspects beautifully.

Stuffed Option: Stuff the chicken with garlic cloves and lemon wedges before roasting for an enhanced depth of flavor.

Conclusion

Butterflied roasted chicken with quick jus is not just a recipe; it’s an experience. Between its savory flavors and delightful texture, this dish will have everyone raving at the dinner table. I hope you give it a try and savor the results. 

Don’t forget to share your moments in the kitchen or at the dinner table with family and friends—nothing beats the joy of good food and great company. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat the oven, and let’s make some memories!

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