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Spatchcock Turkey is an easy way to make your holiday turkey. This recipe results in a juicy, crispy and delicious turkey that is sure to impress your family.

Golden Brown Turkey Sliced on a platter with evergreen and cranberries as decorations on the platter
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There are many ways to make a turkey. We have made Grill Turkey, Christmas Turkey, Slow Cooker Whole Turkey and Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe. Our holiday would not be complete without making one of these Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes.

Change things up this year and cook your turkey quick and easy with this simple turkey recipe. It is delicious and your family will be impress with how juicy it is and the flavor.

What is Spatchcock Turkey?

Spatchcock Turkey is know as butterflying the turkey to cook. You remove the turkey’s backbone and lay it flat on the roasting pan. This allows the turkey to evenly cooks as all parts are exposed to the heat.

Most say that the meat is juicier and the skin gets crispier. You may also love it because it cooks faster.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Whole Turkey, butter, salt, paprika, oregano, cumin, onion powder, dried sage, pepper
  • Whole Turkey – Choose the best size of turkey for your family
  • Unsalted Butter – We recommend using softened butter to easily spread
  • Smoked Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute if you are out

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Seasoning Variations

Feel free to use your favorite seasoning to add flavor to your turkey. Here are some other delicious variations.

  • Thyme Leaves
  • Rosemary
  • Fresh Sage
  • Poultry Seasoning

How to Make Spatchcock Turkey

  • Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
Whole turkey on a cutting board being dried with a paper towel and the giblets removed from the turkey

Step 2 – Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Backbone of the turkey being removed from the whole turkey on the cutting board with kitchen shears

Step 3 – Place the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it.

Whole turkey flattened on a cutting board

Step 4 – Flip the turkey over and press firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.

Combining softened butter with the spices in a bowl with a wooden spoon

Step 5 – In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with kosher salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, onion powder, dried sage, and pepper.

Butter and seasoning mixture spread over the turkey on a baking pan

Step 6 – Gently separate the skin from the meat on the breast and legs. Spread about half of the butter mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey. Place the turkey on a large, rimmed baking sheet or in a shallow roasting pan, breast-side up.

Cooked Spatchcock Turkey on a roasting pan

Step 7 – Roast the turkey for 20 minutes at 450°F. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue roasting for about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.

  • Step 8 – Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving on a wire rack.
  • Step 9 – Carve the turkey, serve and enjoy!  

Expert Notes

  • Cooking Time – Make sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature with instant-read thermometer at different spots, especially in the thickest parts of both the thigh and breast, to ensure it’s fully cooked. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey.
  • Crispy Skin – If you want extra crispy skin, you could let the turkey air dry in the fridge, uncovered, for several hours or overnight before seasoning and roasting.
  • Basting Turkey – Since you’re basting every 30 minutes, be sure to open the oven door as briefly as possible to avoid losing too much heat.
  • Cover with Foil – If the skin browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Sliced Cooked Turkey

Serving Suggestions

This Turkey Recipe has become a family favorite. It taste even better with all of your Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Spatchcock a Turkey the Night Before?

Yes, you can prepare the spatchcock turkey the night before and place in the fridge. We recommend to spatchcock first then season it and then refrigerate.

How Should I Thaw a Turkey?

The turkey should be thawed 1 day for every 4-5 pounds of the turkey. Once has thawed, then the turkey needs to cook within 2 days. Make sure to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator.

How Much Turkey Should I Make Per Person?

We usually plan on about 1 pound of turkey per person. This will ensure there are leftovers which taste even better.

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 

Spatchcock Turkey on a platter

More Easy Turkey Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make Spatchcock Turkey Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Spatchcock Turkey

5 from 1 vote
Spatchcock Turkey is an easy way to make your holiday turkey. This recipe results in a juicy, crispy and delicious turkey that is sure to impress your family.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 8 – 10
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 666

Ingredients

  • 1 whole turkey 12-14 pounds
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
  • Remove giblets from the turkey cavity and pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  • Place the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone to remove it.
  • Flip the turkey over and press firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.
  • In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with kosher salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, onion powder, dried sage, and pepper.
  • Gently separate the skin from the meat on the breast and legs. Spread about half of the butter mixture under the skin.
  • Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
  • Place the turkey on a large, rimmed baking sheet or in a shallow roasting pan, breast-side up.
  • Roast the turkey for 20 minutes at 450°F.
  • Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue roasting for about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F. Baste the turkey with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
  • If the skin browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Once done, remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.
  • Carve the turkey, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

To thaw a turkey properly, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in a refrigerator.
Make sure to check the turkey’s internal temperature at different spots, especially in the thickest parts of both the thigh and breast, to ensure it’s fully cooked.
If you want extra crispy skin, you could let the turkey air dry in the fridge, uncovered, for several hours or overnight before seasoning and roasting.
Since you’re basting every 30 minutes, be sure to open the oven door as briefly as possible to avoid losing too much heat.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 666kcal, Carbohydrates 2g, Protein 70g, Fat 41g, Saturated Fat 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat 6g, Monounsaturated Fat 12g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 293mg, Sodium 2289mg, Potassium 772mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 0.4g, Vitamin A 1339IU, Vitamin C 0.2mg, Calcium 63mg, Iron 4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    This Turkey turned out so juicy! It is my new way to make my holiday turkey.