Spatchcock Turkey

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

• 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Serving Suggestions

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

• How to Make Turkey Gravy
• Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole
• Homemade Mashed Potatoes
• Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes Recipe
• Gluten Free Turkey Gravy
• Turkey Neck Gravy

You can even make Leftover Turkey Soup, Turkey Salad Recipe or Turkey Noodle Soup with your leftover turkey.