Why don't they sell butterflied chickens?

[Shalmanese]

This seems like a pretty obvious missing niche in the market. While I have no problem butterflying my own chicken, many people are daunted by the process and pre-butterflied chickens would open up a range of new recipes to them.

[heidih]

Packaging issues spring to mind unless they are in the butcher case. Also unless the item is going to move, once you butterfly (spatchcok?) it is hard to re-purpose. It might take some in store demos to get the concept to the consumer. Certainly a great summer grilling item.

[Snadra]

I've occasionally seen them for sale here, although usually pre-marinated.

[KarenDW]

I am able to purchase a butterflied chicken from the butcher, and also from the fresh chicken counter at Whole Foods. Actually, the WF shop in my neighbourhood will cut up a whole chicken, to order, when I purchase a whole chicken. Even on sale. This is a real time saver when I'm roasting 4 or 5 chickens for a party, or making stock.

[Chris Amirault]

Ditto here. All summer long there are spatchcocked chickens in the case at Whole Foods, both seasoned and unseasoned. They use those titanic bamboo skewers.