The best grilled chicken


Ingredients

2 tbsp (6 Teaspoons) smoked spanish paprika
2 tbsp (6 Teaspoons) salt
2 tbsp (6 Teaspoons) coarsely ground black pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 chicken, backbone removed
few thick slices of rustic country bread
2 tbsp (6 Teaspoons) extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, halved
½ cup (24 Teaspoons) parsley leaves

Method

  1. Prepare grill for low heat (for a charcoal grill, bank coals on one side of grill). Combine paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl.
  2. Place chicken on a work surface, skin side up. Cut backbone out. Using your palms, press firmly on breastbone to flatten breast. Season chicken all over with paprika mixture, patting to adhere.
  3. Grill chicken on indirect heat, skin side down, rotating occasionally, until charred, 20-30 minutes. Turn chickens skin side up. Grill, rotating occasionally for another 20-30 minutes.  Heat must be medium and if your grill has a lid, close the lid.
  4. Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 30 minutes. The resting is critical!
  5. Meanwhile, drizzle bread on both sides with olive oil and grill over direct heat until toasted and lightly charred, about 4 minutes; transfer to a platter.
  6. Grill lemon, cut side down, over direct heat until lightly charred and juices start to caramelize, about 4 minutes.
  7. Place chicken on top of bread and scatter parsley over. Squeeze 2 or 3 lemon halves over; serve with remaining lemons.