Prepare bird for the BBQ (10) – Crossword Clue
Answer: SPATCHCOCK
Understanding the Clue
The clue “Prepare bird for the BBQ (10)” calls for a ten-letter method of poultry preparation especially suited for grilling. SPATCHCOCK fits perfectly; it’s the culinary term for splitting a bird (usually chicken) along the backbone and flattening it for faster, more even cooking on a barbecue or grill.
Why SPATCHCOCK is the Answer
To spatchcock is to remove the backbone of a bird and press it flat, which allows heat and smoke to circulate evenly during grilling. This method reduces cooking time and produces juicy, crisp-skinned results. The clue emphasizes both the bird (“prepare bird”) and BBQ (“for the BBQ”), while the specific technique and letter count make SPATCHCOCK the precise solution.
Tips for Solving Cooking Method Clues
- Look for clues indicating preparation steps for poultry, cooking outdoors, or grilling terms like “spatchcock,” “butterfly,” and “quarter” are common but only SPATCHCOCK matches both meaning and length.
- LSI keywords include “grill,” “poultry,” “chicken,” “backbone,” “flatten,” and “barbecue.”
- Cooking-specific language often ties in with the equipment and method (barbecue/grill) featured in the clue.
Prepare bird for the BBQ (10) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why choose SPATCHCOCK for barbecue?
A: It enables rapid, even cooking, crisp skin, and juicy meat—ideal for high-heat outdoor methods like BBQ.
Q: How is a bird spatchcocked?
A: Use kitchen shears to cut out the backbone, then press the breast flat. This increases heat contact and supports faster cooking.
Q: What birds are suitable for spatchcocking?
A: Chicken, duck, and turkey are all good candidates; adjust cooking times for size.




