Best 9 Butterfly Chicken With Lemon And Thyme Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Experience the tantalizing flavors of zesty lemon and aromatic thyme as you delve into our culinary masterpiece: Butterfly Chicken. This dish presents a stunning centerpiece for any dining occasion, featuring a succulent, juicy chicken that has been meticulously butterflied and infused with a delectable blend of lemon and thyme. As you savor each tender bite, the vibrant citrus notes dance on your palate, perfectly complemented by the earthy fragrance of thyme.

Our collection of recipes takes you on a culinary journey, offering a variety of options to suit every taste and skill level. Whether you prefer a classic preparation or a modern twist, we've got you covered. Explore the traditional method of roasting the chicken in a flavorful citrus-herb marinade, or indulge in the convenience of a skillet-seared version that delivers a crispy skin and tender interior.

For a touch of Mediterranean flair, embark on a culinary adventure with our Greek-inspired recipe, featuring a tantalizing marinade of lemon, oregano, and garlic. Or, if you're in the mood for something spicy, our Peri-Peri Butterfly Chicken promises a fiery kick with its piquant blend of chili peppers and paprika.

For those with a penchant for Asian flavors, our Asian-inspired recipe offers an explosion of aromatic spices, ginger, and soy sauce. And if you're looking for a healthier option, our Air Fryer Butterfly Chicken provides a guilt-free indulgence with its crispy coating and juicy center.

No matter which recipe you choose, you're in for a delightful culinary experience with our tantalizing Butterfly Chicken. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a journey of taste that will leave you craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

ROASTED SPATCHCOCK CHICKEN (BUTTERFLIED CHICKEN)



Roasted Spatchcock Chicken (Butterflied Chicken) image

Quick and easy roasted spatchcock chicken (butterflied chicken) seasoned with garlic and thyme is juicy, tender, delicious and flavourful with minimal prep.

Provided by Sam | Ahead of Thyme

Categories     Chicken

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 whole chicken (3 to 4 lbs.)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, peeled (+ 1 tablespoon minced)
1 sprig rosemary
2-3 sprigs thyme (+1 tablespoon chopped)

Steps:

  • Pat dry the whole chicken completely dry with a paper towel before adding seasoning. This helps create extra crispy skin when roasting.
  • Place chicken breast-side down on a clean and dry chopping board (wearing disposable gloves helps with easy handling).
  • Cut along the backbone in the middle with kitchen scissors and remove the backbone, which is about 1-inch wide.
  • Make a small cut with a knife along the white cartilage that connects the breastbone and remove the breastbone by pulling it out through the cut.
  • Turn the chicken over with the breast-side up and flatten it out . Tuck the wings under the chicken breasts.
  • Pat dry the spatchcock chicken again to remove any excess liquid.
  • In a small bowl, stir together one tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper, until combined.
  • Generously smear the seasoning mixture over the whole chicken inside and out and let it rest on a clean plate for at least 15 minutes. Make sure the seasoning covers the entire whole chicken including the inside cavity.
  • Preheat the oven to 450F.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove for 5 minutes over medium high heat (or preheat the iron skillet in the oven for 5 minutes). Once the skillet is sizzling hot, sear the chicken by placing chicken breast side down in the hot skillet for 3-5 minutes, until skin gets a little crispy.
  • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 30 minutes until the skin on the breasts turns brown. You can add an oven-safe weight over the chicken such as a Dutch oven lid to promote browning.
  • Remove the skillet from the oven and turn the chicken over with the breast side up. Tuck whole garlic cloves and sprigs of rosemary and thyme underneath the chicken to add flavour.
  • Combine the remaining oil, chopped thyme and minced garlic in a small bowl and brush the seasoning mixture over the chicken breasts.
  • Transfer the skillet back into the oven and continue to bake the chicken for another 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Remove the chicken from oven and place it on a large plate. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes. Then, carve and serve.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 271 calories, Sugar 0 g, Sodium 1305.2 mg, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 1.1 g, Fiber 0.3 g, Protein 40 g, Cholesterol 154.7 mg

BUTTERFLIED ROAST CHICKEN WITH LEMON AND ROSEMARY



Butterflied Roast Chicken with Lemon and Rosemary image

Want to cook whole chicken quicker and more evenly? Remove the backbone with a knife or kitchen scissors to flatten the chicken. The breast meat doesn't dry out, the dark meat is tender and juicy, and there's lots of crispy golden skin to enjoy. Here, it's simply roasted with lemon and rosemary, but butterflied chicken is especially good on the grill.

Provided by foodelicious

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Whole Chicken Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon olive oil, or as needed
1 (3 pound) whole chicken, backbone removed
kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
½ cup white wine

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a rimmed baking pan with aluminum foil. Place a rack on top of foil.
  • Rub olive oil on both sides of chicken and generously season with salt and black pepper. Arrange lemon slices and rosemary on the rack and place chicken, skin-side up, onto the rack.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 45 to 55 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, near the bone should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Transfer chicken to a serving platter and tent a piece of aluminum foil over it. Discard lemon and rosemary and remove rack.
  • Pour wine into the baking pan and gently loosen the bits of food in the pan with a wooden spoon, being careful not to tear the foil. Strain pan juices into a saucepan and bring to a boil; cook until sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283.4 calories, Carbohydrate 2.6 g, Cholesterol 113.5 mg, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 0.9 g, Protein 37.1 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 178.1 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

LEMON & THYME ROASTED CHICKEN



Lemon & Thyme Roasted Chicken image

I love lemon and thyme together so I decided to roast a chicken with that combo. The seasoning is simple, and the meat comes out moist and tender. -Pam Nelson, Beaverton, Oregon

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h55m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 roasting chicken (5 to 6 pounds)
1 medium lemon, halved
1/4 large sweet onion
1/4 cup fresh thyme sprigs
6 garlic cloves, peeled
Lemon wedges

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Mix minced thyme, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Place chicken on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck wings under chicken; tie drumsticks together. Squeeze juice from lemon halves over chicken; sprinkle with thyme mixture., Loosely stuff chicken with squeezed lemon halves, onion, thyme sprigs and garlic. Roast 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 170°-175°. (Cover loosely with foil if chicken browns too quickly.), Remove chicken from oven; tent with foil. Let stand 15 minutes before carving. Serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts :

BUTTERFLIED CHICKEN WITH THYME, LEMON AND GARLIC



Butterflied Chicken With Thyme, Lemon and Garlic image

Recipe Courtesy Bobby Flay - Show: Grill It! with Bobby Flay - Episode: Whole Chicken in No Time Flat

Provided by ElizabethKnicely

Categories     Whole Chicken

Time 3h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh garlic, with salt made into a paste
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh garlic, with salt made into a paste
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leave
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 (3 lb) whole chickens, butterflied
salt
fresh ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Whisk together oil, 2 tablespoons of the garli, 2 tablespoons of the thyme, 1 tablespoon of the lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of onion in a large baking dish. Add the chicken and turn to coat in the oil. Cover and let marinade in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
  • Preheat the grill to medium. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill, skin side down and slowly grill until the fat renders and the skin becomes golden brown and crisp, about 15 minutes. Turn thechicken over, close the cover and continue grilling until just cooked through, about 20 minutes longer. Remove from the grill, loosely tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes before cutting.
  • Mix together the remaining garlic, thyme and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and sprinkle over the cut chicken.

SKILLET-ROASTED LEMON CHICKEN



Skillet-Roasted Lemon Chicken image

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h25m

Yield 3 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon whole fennel seeds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup good olive oil
1 lemon, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 yellow onion, halved and sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 (4-pound) chicken, backbone removed and butterflied
1/2 cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
Juice of 1 lemon

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Place the thyme, fennel seeds, 1 tablespoon salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper in a mini food processor and process until ground. Pour the olive oil into a small glass measuring cup, stir in the herb mixture, and set aside.
  • Distribute the lemon slices in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and distribute the onion and garlic on top. Place the chicken, skin side down, on top of the onion and brush with about half the oil and herb mixture. Turn the chicken skin side up, pat it dry with paper towels (very important!), and brush it all over with the rest of the oil and herb mixture.
  • Roast the chicken for 30 minutes. Pour the wine into the pan (not on the chicken!) and roast for another 10 to15 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155 to 160 degrees.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven, sprinkle it with the lemon juice, cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cut the chicken in quarters or eighths, sprinkle with salt, and serve hot with the pan juices, cooked lemon, and onion.

LEMON THYME CHICKEN



Lemon Thyme Chicken image

Buttered onions are a great addition to this easy lemon chicken recipe. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to brown the lightly breaded chicken on the stove top. -Kay Shimonek, Corsicana, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons minced fresh thyme

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine flour, salt and pepper. Set aside 4-1/2 teaspoons for sauce. Sprinkle remaining flour mixture over both sides of chicken. , In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until juices run clear, 7-9 minutes on each side. Remove and keep warm. , In the same pan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-5 minutes. Stir in thyme and reserved flour mixture until blended. Gradually stir in broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Serve over chicken. Sprinkle with thyme.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 308 calories, Fat 14g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 647mg sodium, Carbohydrate 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 36g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

FLATTENED CHICKEN THIGHS WITH ROASTED LEMON SLICES



Flattened Chicken Thighs With Roasted Lemon Slices image

An easy, superfragrant weeknight version of classic chicken under a brick, this recipe uses chicken thighs instead of a butterflied whole bird. Lavish quantities of lemon, garlic and fresh herbs season the flesh, and the skin gets shatteringly crisp and salty. This recipe makes great use of a cast-iron skillet (or two) and is a great dish to cook when seasoning a new pan because of the large amount of fat that melts into the pan. (You pour it off before serving.) If you have a pan that is large enough to fit all the thighs, you can cook them in one batch.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 9 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 lemons, rinsed
1/4 cup fresh thyme or oregano leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley
10 to 12 medium or large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon red chile flakes
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
9 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, rinsed in cold water
18 fresh sage leaves
3 to 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced (to yield 18 slices)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 lemons, rinsed
Fresh thyme or oregano sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

  • Make the marinade: Use a vegetable peeler to shave 9 large strips of peel from the lemons, taking care to cut into only the brightest yellow outer layer. Put strips in a large bowl or container and add thyme or oregano, sage, parsley, garlic, red chile flakes and olive oil.
  • Prepare the chicken: Pat each piece dry with paper towels. Using your fingers, gently separate the skin of each piece from the flesh, taking care to leave the skin attached at one end, to create a deep pocket between the skin and the flesh. Tuck 2 sage leaves and 2 garlic slices under the skin. Put the thigh in the bowl with the marinade and repeat with remaining thighs, sage and garlic. Turn the thighs gently to coat with the marinade. Cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
  • When ready to cook, remove thighs from marinade and place them skin side up on a baking sheet. (Reserve garlic cloves and lemon peel from the marinade; discard the liquid.) Sprinkle 2 teaspoons salt over the chicken, then turn over and sprinkle with remaining 2 teaspoons salt.
  • Transfer 5 chicken thighs, skin side down, to a 10- or 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Put it over high heat and weigh down the chicken with the bottom of another cast-iron skillet. (Or, use a lighter skillet weighed down with a large full can, a brick or another heavy object. Make sure the bottom of the skillet is clean, or place a sheet of parchment paper between the chicken and the top skillet.)
  • Once chicken is sizzling loudly, reduce heat to medium and cook without moving for 10 to 12 minutes, until skin is brown and crisp. To check for doneness, gently lift the corner of a chicken thigh with a metal spatula. The skin will come away cleanly from the bottom of the pan when it is done. If it is still stuck, do not pull but let it cook a little longer.
  • When thighs are done, remove the weight and lift the chicken out of the pan, taking care to keep the skin attached to the thighs as you lift them. Transfer the thighs, skin side up, to a clean baking sheet or plate. Cook the remaining 4 chicken thighs in the same way. Pour off most of the fat from the skillet.
  • Meanwhile, heat oven to 450 degrees. Cut lemons in half and squeeze gently to remove some of the juice. Cut crosswise into 1/8-inch slices and lay on paper towels to absorb more juice.
  • Place a layer of lemon slices in the skillet. Return all the browned chicken to the skillet on top of the lemons, skin side up. Tuck reserved lemon peel and garlic cloves down between the pieces.
  • Transfer skillet to oven for 20 to 30 minutes. To test, remove a thigh, pierce it on the flesh side with a knife, and check that the juices are clear and there is no redness near the bone. Remove pan from oven and let thighs rest in the pan 5 to 10 minutes. Tuck thyme or oregano sprigs around the thighs and serve from the pan at the table, with roasted lemon slices and garlic cloves.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 454, UnsaturatedFat 22 grams, Carbohydrate 9 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 29 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 510 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram, TransFat 0 grams

GRIDDLED CHICKEN WITH LEMON & THYME



Griddled chicken with lemon & thyme image

A brilliant way to transform chicken breast in less than 20 minutes

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Lunch, Main course, Supper

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 skinless chicken breasts
1 lemon , grated zest and juice
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil , plus extra for drizzling
2 garlic cloves , crushed
¼ tsp dried thyme
hummus , kalamata, olives and lemon wedges, to serve

Steps:

  • Mix the chicken breasts with the lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, the olive oil, garlic and thyme.
  • Season, then cook on a heated griddle or on a barbecue for 4-5 mins each side. Serve the chicken with a generous dollop of hummus, a drizzle of olive oil, plus the olives and lemon wedges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 201 calories, Fat 7 grams fat, SaturatedFat 1 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 1 grams carbohydrates, Protein 34 grams protein, Sodium 0.21 milligram of sodium

CHICKEN AND POTATO GRATIN WITH BROWN BUTTER CREAM



Chicken and Potato Gratin With Brown Butter Cream image

This gratin is decidedly autumnal, inspired by a recipe from one of my favorite food writers, Richard Olney. Olney's chicken gratin calls for making a savory custard, but here you'll combine brown butter and heavy cream with aromatics for a flavorful and easy sauce instead. It's still a luxurious dish. The breadcrumbs for the topping get toasted separately, so they stay crisp and the chicken (ideally seasoned a day in advance so the salt has time to work its way into the meat) and vegetables can get nicely browned and crisp too. I love that this gratin can reinvent itself based on what's available at the market (or in my fridge). In the spring, you might make it with asparagus and young onions; in summer, with tomato wedges, swapping in olive oil for the cream. I recommend serving this fall version with lemon wedges for squeezing over to cut the richness of the dish. A brightly dressed arugula salad would also do the trick.

Provided by Christian Reynoso

Categories     Dinner     Casserole/Gratin     Chicken     Potato     Shallot     Butter     Milk/Cream     Garlic     Pepper     Nutmeg     Thyme     Sage     Lemon

Yield 4 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 lb. skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
7½ tsp. kosher salt, divided
1 lb. small potatoes (such as fingerling or baby Yukon Gold), halved lengthwise
8 oz. small or medium shallots, halved through root ends
5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
¾ cup heavy cream
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp. freshly grated or ground nutmeg
8 sprigs thyme
8 sage leaves
3½ oz. country-style bread, preferably day-old, torn into large pieces
1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)

Steps:

  • Season chicken all over with 4 tsp. salt. Place in an airtight container and cover. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
  • Place a rack in middle of oven; preheat to 425°F. Toss potatoes, shallots, and 2 tsp. salt in a large bowl.
  • Melt 4 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring often, until butter foams, then browns, 5-8 minutes. Immediately remove from heat (it will continue to darken) and stir in cream, garlic, pepper, nutmeg, and remaining 1½ tsp. salt. Set saucepan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring, until salt is dissolved and mixture is warm to the touch. Stir in thyme and sage; remove from heat.
  • Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. butter in a large stainless-steel skillet over medium-high until melted and bubbling. Working in 2 batches, cook chicken, skin side down, until golden underneath, about 5 minutes. Transfer chicken to a 13x9" or 3-qt. baking dish and arrange skin side up. Set skillet with pan drippings aside. Nestle potatoes and shallots around chicken (don't place on top). Pour brown butter cream over chicken and vegetables, making sure herbs and spices are evenly dispersed and tucking herbs into vegetables so they don't get too crispy when they bake.
  • Bake gratin until cream is mostly reduced and chicken and vegetables are dark golden brown, about 40 minutes. Let gratin cool 5-10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, pulse bread in a food processor until pieces are about oat-size (you should have about 1¼ cups). Toss breadcrumbs in pan drippings in reserved skillet to coat. Cook over medium heat, scraping up browned bits with a spatula, until deep golden brown, 5-7 minutes. Let cool.
  • To serve, top gratin with breadcrumbs. Serve lemon wedges alongside for squeezing over if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Butterfly Chicken with Lemon and Thyme:

- Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts. This will help to ensure that they cook evenly. - Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will also help them to cook evenly. - Marinate the chicken breasts in the lemon-thyme mixture for at least 30 minutes. This will help to infuse them with flavor. - Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat. This will help to prevent them from drying out. - Baste the chicken breasts with the marinade while they are cooking. This will help to keep them moist and flavorful. - Serve the chicken breasts with your favorite sides. Some good options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Conclusion:

Butterfly chicken with lemon and thyme is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. The chicken is moist and flavorful, and the lemon-thyme marinade adds a bright and refreshing flavor. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Related Topics