Why You Need to Put a Brick on Your Chicken Tonight (This Grilled Spatchcock Recipe is King)

Looking to make barbecue chicken at home? You’ll want to make this Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken.

Summer or not, there is nothing quite like the smell of a BBQ firing up. I am so excited to share this recipe from Chef Michael Angeloni at Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor in Toronto.

It brings that restaurant-quality crispy skin and juicy meat right to your backyard. This American cuisine main course is perfect for a sunny day but works just as well whenever you crave that smoky flavor.

This comfort food is surprisingly easy to make and the Green Goddess dressing takes it to a whole new level. Who knew a simple brick could make chicken taste this good?

Want more recipes? Try other Toronto Restaurant Signature Recipes or Instant Pot Baby Back Ribs.

What is Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken?

This dish is a classic take on American BBQ where a whole chicken is spatchcocked, or split open, to lay flat on the grill. This technique helps the poultry cook evenly and faster than roasting it whole.

Chef Michael Angeloni coats the chicken in a robust spice rub featuring smoked paprika and cayenne before grilling it under a weight. This method, often called brick chicken, ensures maximum contact with the grates for that irresistible char and crispy skin.

The “glazed” part comes from a fresh, herbaceous Green Goddess dressing made with parsley, tarragon, chives, and avocado. It adds a creamy, acidic finish that cuts through the smoky richness of the meat.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Recipe

“My inspiration of this Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken recipe is a really simple summer BBQ style. It’s a comforting dish that is great to share with family.

The crispy skin on the chicken is really key here. Once the dish is plated up, I really like to drizzle the Green Goddess dressing over the chicken too, as the fresh herbs and acidity compliments it well, and is perfect for summer.“

– Chef Mike Angeloni

You are going to love this recipe because it is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. The technique of weighing down the chicken guarantees that the skin gets incredibly crispy while the meat stays moist and tender.

It is also versatile for different diets. The chicken and rub are naturally gluten-free, and if you skip the sugar in the rub, it fits well into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

Plus, the Green Goddess dressing is a game-changer. It is not just a sauce for the chicken because it doubles as a dressing for the fresh salad served alongside the meat. It is fresh, zesty, and vibrant.

The recipe and image for Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken was provided by Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor to be included in the list of Toronto Restaurants Signature Recipes. If you made this Toronto recipe, share you creation on Instagram and tag @travellingfoodie.

What You Need For Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken

Equipment

• BBQ or Grill: You need a grill that can hold a steady temperature of 300 degrees to cook the chicken through without burning the skin.
• Brick wrapped in foil: This acts as a weight to press the chicken flat against the grill grates.
• Blender: A high-speed blender is essential to get that smooth, emulsified texture for the Green Goddess dressing.
• Meat Thermometer: This is the only way to ensure your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy without guessing.

Main Ingredients

Here are the key players that make this dish so special.

• Whole Chicken: Go for a free-range local bird if you can because the flavor and texture are superior for grilling.
• Smoked Paprika: This gives the rub that signature BBQ smokiness and a beautiful deep red color.
• Lemon Zest and Juice: You use the zest for the marinade to brighten the meat and the juice in the dressing and over the salad for acidity.
• Granulated Garlic and Onion: These aromatics provide a savory depth to the spice crust that fresh garlic and onion cannot achieve on a high-heat grill.
• Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Tarragon, Chives): These are the heart of the Green Goddess dressing and provide a fresh, grassy punch that balances the heavy spices.
• Avocado: This creates a rich, creamy texture in the dressing without needing too much dairy and adds healthy fats.
• Anchovy: It is optional, but I highly recommend it for that savory umami kick in the dressing that makes people wonder why it tastes so good.
• Salad Veggies (Boston Lettuce, Cucumber, Radishes): These provide a cool, crunchy contrast to the hot, smoky chicken..

How To Make Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken at Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor

This recipe moves quickly once you are at the grill, so having everything prepped is a good idea. Here is how Chef Michael Angeloni does it.

Prep the Grill: Fire up your BBQ to 300 degrees and keep the lid closed to build heat.

Season the Bird: Rub your spatchcocked chicken with olive oil and lemon zest. Generously coat it with the spice blend of paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Grill with Weight: Oil the grill grates and place the chicken skin-side down. Place your foil-wrapped brick on top of the chicken to press it down. Keep the lid open and let it grill for about 30 minutes.

Make the Dressing: While the chicken grills, toss the garlic, anchovy, mayo, sour cream, herbs, and lemon juice into a blender. Blend until smooth, then add the avocado and blend for just 15 more seconds. Season with salt.

Flip and Finish: Remove the weight and flip the chicken. Grill for another 2 to 3 minutes until the internal temperature hits 175 degrees.

Rest and Serve: Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute. Plate it with the fresh salad veggies, squeeze grilled lemon over everything, and drizzle that delicious Green Goddess dressing all over the chicken and greens.

Don’t want to use the grill? Try Whole Roasted Chicken and Air Fryer BBQ Chicken!

FAQs and Helpful Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken for Beginners

Here are some answers to common questions that will help you nail this glazed spatchcocked BBQ chicken recipe.

About Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor in Toronto

Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor served up Southern US inspired cuisine alongside carefully crafted cocktails and an ever changing selection of craft beers and wine. Unfortunately, the restaurant closed on June 13, 2021.

Also Read: Best Toronto Happy Hour

What Dishes to Serve with Grilled Whole Chicken With Glaze

Since this grilled chicken is the star of the show, you want sides that complement the smoky flavors without overpowering them. Here are some of my favorites to make it a full meal.

• Air Fryer French Fries: These crispy fries are a classic pairing for roast chicken and making them in the air fryer keeps them lighter so you can enjoy more chicken.
• Ninja Speedi Corn on the Cob: Since you already have the BBQ fired up for the chicken, making corn in the air fryer is a hands-off way to get a sweet and buttery side dish.
• Ninja Speedi Mashed Potatoes: A creamy mashed potato is a staple for any BBQ platter and using the Ninja Speedi makes prep time incredibly fast and consistent.
• Asparagus, Avocado, Rhubarb Salad: The refreshing tartness of rhubarb and the creaminess of avocado balance the heat from the cayenne and smoked paprika in the chicken rub.
• Banana Espresso Tonic: This refreshing fuzzy drink echoes the lemon and herbs in the Green Goddess dressing and is the perfect drink to sip while manning the grill.

Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor’s Grilled and Glazed Whole Chicken Recipe

Be sure to bookmark/save/pin this post so you know how to make grilled whole chicken glazed with green goddess dressing from Uncle Ray’s Food and Liquor Toronto at home!

I would love to see how this recipe worked for you! Please share your creations with me on social media and tag me so I can check them out: @TravellingFoodie on Instagram & Facebook and @TravellinFoodie on Twitter.

Hope this chicken recipe gives you an idea on what dish to make for your main course for dinners or summer patio BBQ. Who knew a simple brick could make chicken taste this good?

Let me know what other chicken dishes or grilling recipes you’d like to see or from which Toronto restaurant.