If you’re in the mood for an easy and delicious dinner, look no further than Trader Joe’s spatchcocked chicken made in the air fryer. This delectable dish features a pre-seasoned whole chicken that’s cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat. It’s ready in under an hour and pairs well with any side dish of your choice. Trust me, this simple and mouthwatering dinner will not disappoint.
A Time-Saving Delight
The Trader Joe’s Spatchcock lemon and rosemary chicken is a true time-saver. It comes pre-seasoned and already flattened and butterflied, so all you need to do is pop it into the air fryer and let it cook for 45 minutes. It’s super easy! You can find this convenient chicken in the refrigerator section of your local store.
Marinated in a delightful blend of orange and lime juices, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, garlic, rosemary, parsley, and lemon slices, this chicken is guaranteed to stay juicy and tender. The marinade ensures that the meat remains moist, so you don’t have to worry about dry chicken.
If you own an air fryer, you’re in for a treat. The air fryer is an ideal cooking companion for this lemon rosemary chicken because it roasts in less time compared to a whole chicken, and the results are simply perfect. The flattened chicken allows for more even cooking as it is exposed to the hot circulating air in the fryer. This ensures that you’ll have very crispy skin without sacrificing the moisture of the meat. It’s the perfect combination!
How to Make Trader Joe’s Spatchcocked Chicken in the Air Fryer
Making this delicious chicken is a breeze. Simply open the package and carefully remove the bird, making sure to take out the lemon slices. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket with the breast side up. If the legs stick out too much, push them down slightly. A regular air fryer should be able to fit one spatchcocked chicken without any issue.
Cook the chicken for approximately 45 minutes. Remember to intermittently check the internal temperature. The thickest part of the chicken, usually the thigh or breast, should reach at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s fully cooked. Avoid the bone when checking the temperature, as bones tend to be hotter than the meat.
The Cost of Deliciousness
The price of Trader Joe’s Spatchcocked Lemon Rosemary Chicken may vary depending on the store and the size of the bird. On average, it ranges from $3.99 to $5.50 per pound, making each pack around $15. While it may be slightly pricier, Trader Joe’s offers great affordability for most people. Plus, you’re getting a whole preseasoned chicken, which is definitely a win in my book!
Unveiling the Art of Spatchcocking
Contrary to popular belief, spatchcocking is not a type of bird but rather a method of preparing chicken for grilling or baking. If you’re familiar with a butterflied chicken breast, where the breast is split in half to lay flat, spatchcocking is quite similar.
Spatchcocking involves removing the backbone, allowing the chicken to lay flat. This method of cooking ensures even cooking and reduces the overall cooking time. It also allows the entire chicken to be fully submerged in whatever marinade you choose, enhancing the flavor throughout the meat.
How to Bake Trader Joe’s Lemon Rosemary Chicken in the Oven
Don’t worry if you don’t own an air fryer. You can still enjoy the succulent flavors of this chicken by baking it in the oven. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the chicken, without rinsing off the marinade, in a shallow baking dish with the skin side up and the lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the skin turns a beautiful golden brown.
- To ensure the meat is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, aiming for an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Spatchcocking is the process of removing the backbone from the chicken to allow for more even cooking.
- Cooking Trader Joe’s spatchcock chicken in the air fryer ensures perfectly browned and crispy skin, with tender and juicy meat, in a shorter amount of time.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still roast the chicken in the oven for 60 to 75 minutes.
- To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from the pan or air fryer basket. The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Savoring the Perfect Pairings
When serving this delectable chicken, I love to pair it with rice or potatoes. Potatoes can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled, mashed, or roasted. Alternatively, you can opt for a fresh green salad or any other green vegetables. It’s a healthy and dinner-friendly option. You can even take a different route and make oven-baked french fries or onion rings to indulge your taste buds. Kids will definitely love it!
Leftover Delights
If you happen to have leftovers, fear not! You can store them in an airtight container or a bowl with a flat lid in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken back into the air fryer and heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes. You can also freeze the chicken leftovers by using a freezer-safe bag or container, keeping them in the freezer for up to 6 months. If properly sealed, they can even last longer. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to savor it once more.
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I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section. And don’t forget to leave a star rating if you give it a try! Happy cooking!
