Grilled chicken halves are a great dinner option especially if you are serving people with different flavor requests.  Some prefer dry rub only, while others like the addition of BBQ sauce. This simple technique using only 3 ingredients is a great way to get started on mastering deliciously flavorful and tender chicken.

Simple prep work.

To start, cut out the backbone from the chicken with sheers or a sharp knife. This process of spatchcocking or butterflying will make it easier to split if into halves but also allow for an even cook. Press down hard on the breast bone to break it so the chicken will lay nice and flat. Next, cut down the back bone to get 2 equal halves.  

Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and season them with Dad’s All Purpose rub.  With a nice mild sweet and savory BBQ flavor and few black pepper flakes, it’s the perfect poultry seasoning.  Make sure to get an even coat throughout.

How to make the perfect grilled chicken halves.

Heat up the grill to 375 degrees and set it for indirect heat. Place the seasoned halves directly on the grates and let them cook for 45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.  If you have a saucy request, brush over the chicken piece once it reaches 160 degrees internally.   Let it continue to cook until it reaches the final temp.  This process will allow the sauce to caramelize on the skin.  If dry rub is the preference, just remove it off the grill at the final 165 degree temp leaving the skin nice and crispy. 

Take the grilled chicken halves off the grill and let them rest by covering them with a sheet of foil. Serve and enjoy!

Printer friendly recipe below:

Check out the Recipes Page for other tasty ideas!