Maple & Mustard Glazed Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Maple & Mustard Glazed Spatchcock Chicken is a flavorful, juicy dish perfect for grilling enthusiasts. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard creates a sticky, golden glaze that enhances the smoky barbecue aroma.

Ingredients
- 1 large whole chicken (around 1.5kg)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: To spatchcock the chicken, place it breast-side down on a chopping board. Using kitchen scissors, cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.
- Step 2: In a bowl, mix olive oil, paprika, crushed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if possible, to allow flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Prepare your barbecue for indirect cooking by pushing coals to one side for high heat, leaving the other side free for low heat. Place the chicken skin-side up on the cool side. Close the lid and cook for about 40 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Step 4: While the chicken cooks, combine maple syrup, wholegrain mustard, cider vinegar, and butter in a pan. Heat gently until well combined.
- Step 5: Brush the glaze over the chicken, then move it to the direct heat side of the barbecue. Cook for another 10–15 minutes, basting regularly with the glaze, until the chicken is golden and sticky.
- Step 6: Check the chicken is cooked by piercing the thigh; the juices should run clear and the internal temperature should reach 75°C. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a board for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Step 7: Serve the chicken with smoky new potatoes, charred spring onions, and blistered chilli dressing on asparagus and broccoli for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra smoky flavor, add a handful of soaked wood chips to your barbecue before cooking.
- If you prefer a milder glaze, reduce the mustard to 1 tablespoon and increase the maple syrup slightly.
- Try using chicken thighs instead of a whole chicken for a quicker cooking option.
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor much more than a short chill.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) to keep it moist, or use a microwave on medium power. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I cook this chicken in the oven instead of a barbecue?
Yes, you can roast the spatchcock chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 45 minutes to an hour. Apply the glaze in the last 15 minutes of cooking and broil briefly to get a sticky finish.
What if I don’t have wholegrain mustard?
You can substitute with Dijon mustard or a smooth yellow mustard. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
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Maple & Mustard Glazed Spatchcock Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Maple & Mustard Glazed Spatchcock Chicken features a flavorful combination of smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and a sweet-savory maple mustard glaze. Spatchcocking the chicken ensures even cooking and crispy skin, while cooking it on a barbecue delivers a smoky char. Perfect for a summer cookout, this dish is served with smoky new potatoes, charred spring onions, and blistered chili-dressed asparagus and broccoli.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 large whole chicken (around 1.5kg)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Glaze
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard
- 1 tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Spatchcock the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side down on a chopping board. Using kitchen scissors, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it completely. Flip the chicken over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten the bird for even cooking.
- Marinate: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, paprika, crushed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare the Barbecue for Indirect Cooking: Arrange the coals on one side of the barbecue creating a high heat zone and leaving the other side free for low heat cooking.
- Cook the Chicken Indirectly: Place the chicken skin-side up on the cool, indirect heat side of the barbecue. Close the lid and cook for about 40 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Make and Apply the Glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the maple syrup, wholegrain mustard, cider vinegar, and butter in a small pan. Heat gently until the ingredients meld into a smooth glaze. Brush this glaze generously over the chicken.
- Finish Cooking on Direct Heat: Move the glazed chicken to the direct heat side of the barbecue. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, basting regularly with more glaze, until the skin is golden and sticky.
- Check for Doneness: Pierce the thigh with a skewer; the juices should run clear. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature has reached 75°C (165°F).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a board for 10-15 minutes. Then carve into portions. Serve alongside smoky new potatoes, charred spring onions, and charred asparagus and broccoli dressed with a blistered chili dressing.
Notes
- Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook faster and more evenly while giving you crispy skin.
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor intensity.
- If you don’t have a barbecue, you can roast the spatchcocked chicken in an oven at 200°C for 40-45 minutes, basting with glaze in the last 10 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked without drying out.
- The glaze can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less maple syrup or mustard.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: spatchcock chicken, maple glaze, mustard glaze, barbecue chicken, grilled chicken, summer recipe, easy chicken recipe

