Bring the flavors of the Italian countryside to your backyard with this irresistible Grilled Spatchcocked Tuscan Chicken Recipe. Marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon, garlic, rosemary, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil, this Tuscan grilled chicken is packed with bright Mediterranean flavor in every bite. A simple buttermilk brine helps tenderize the chicken while locking in moisture, creating juicy meat beneath perfectly crisp, golden skin.
Spatchcocking the chicken allows it to cook evenly and more efficiently than a traditional whole chicken, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you are cooking on a Big Green Egg, charcoal grill, pellet grill, or gas grill, this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
Serve this flavorful Italian herb chicken with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or your favorite gluten-free side dishes for a memorable meal that is sure to impress family and friends.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Brine Time
12 to 24 hours
Marinate Time
1 hour
Cook Time
1 hour
Total Time
14 to 26 hours
Servings
6 to 8
Chicken
1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds), spatchcocked
Buttermilk Brine
2 cups buttermilk
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
Tuscan Marinade
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
Zest and juice of 2 lemons
6 garlic cloves, finely minced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
3 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Brine the Chicken
In a large container or resealable bag, combine the buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic, and rosemary. Add the spatchcocked chicken, making sure it is completely coated in the brine. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
The buttermilk brine helps create exceptionally tender, juicy chicken while infusing it with subtle herb flavor.
Make the Tuscan Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes until thoroughly combined.
This classic combination of herbs, citrus, and garlic gives this Tuscan chicken marinade its signature Mediterranean flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the brine and discard the liquid. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Place the chicken on a large baking sheet or platter. Rub the marinade generously over the entire chicken, including underneath the skin where possible.
Season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour before grilling.
Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill for indirect cooking at 250°F.
If using a Big Green Egg, install the convEGGtor before preheating. For charcoal or gas grills, create an indirect heat zone.
Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken breast-side up on the grill grate and close the lid.
Cook over indirect heat for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches approximately 155°F in the thickest part of the breast.
This low-and-slow cooking method allows the chicken to absorb smoky flavor while remaining incredibly moist.
Crisp the Skin
Increase the grill temperature to 375°F to 400°F.
Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the skin becomes deeply golden and crisp. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.
Rest and Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving.
Serve this grilled Tuscan chicken alongside grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, fresh seasonal salads, or warm gluten-free bread.
Fresh rosemary and oregano provide the most authentic flavor and aroma for this recipe.
For extra smoky flavor, add cherry, oak, or pecan wood chunks to the grill during cooking.
A digital meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and is excellent for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and meal prep.
