Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

This Spatchcock Turkey Recipe creates an evenly cooked turkey that's juicy with extra crispy skin. Roasted to perfection in a fraction of the time.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Click HERE to read my policies.

Spatchcock Turkey Recipe Ingredients

• Turkey, 12-16 pounds
• Onion
• Salted Butter
• Dried Parsley
• Dried Rosemary
• Garlic Cloves
• Salt
• Black Pepper

The best way to enjoy a juicy turkey with crisp skin is by using the spatchcock method. The whole bird cooks in much less time than with the traditional method! 

How to Spatchcock a Turkey

Spatchcock simply means to split open or butterfly. So to split open a turkey you are going to cut the spine out.

1. To do this, first dry off the thawed turkey with paper towels so it is easier to handle. Then on a poultry safe large cutting board, place the turkey, breast side down. Find a pair of sharp kitchen shears and locate the spine with your fingers.
2. With your shears, cut along each side of the backbone. Discard the spine or save for homemade turkey broth.
3. Next, using a sharp knife, cut through the cartilage and score the membrane between the breasts.
4. You can either push the breast bone out by holding the chicken with both hands and pushing towards you, or flip your bird over and using all your muscles push down between the breasts until you hear the breast bone break and the bird is lying flat.
5. Now, tuck the tips of the wings behind the breasts.
6. Using paper towels pat the turkey dry one more time.

How to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey

1. Now that you have a butterflied turkey, preheat the oven to 425°F and line a half sheet rimmed baking sheet or rectangle roasting pan with aluminum foil.
2. Slice the onion into half moons and place in a single layer on foiled line pan.
3. In a bowl, combine the very softened butter, parsley, rosemary, minced garlic, salt and black pepper. Stir it all together well.
4. Place the spatchcocked turkey on top of the onions.
5. Next, using your fingers separate the skin from the breasts. Put about a tablespoon of the herb butter under the skin of each breast, pushing the butter around to spread it out under the skin.

6. Then spread the remaining butter mix all over the top of the turkey including the legs and wings, by pushing the butter down and out in one direction. Using a small or mini rubber spatula works best.
7. Sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper over the top.
8. Roast the turkey in preheated oven for 30 minutes on center of oven.
9. REDUCE heat to 375°F and baste the turkey with its juices.
10. Roast the turkey for another 60-90 minutes, basting every 20 minutes. Cooking time will depend on size of turkey. 
11. Once the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 160°F remove from the oven and let the turkey rest uncovered for at least 20 minutes. To check the temperature place the thermometer in the thickest part of the breast while not touching any bones or in the thickest part of the thigh. I like to check multiple spots just to make sure.

How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey

A good rule of thumb to follow is 6 minutes per pound. So if you have a 14 pound turkey it will take approximately 80-85 minutes. It will all depend on the size of your turkey. To be sure the turkey is fully cooked use a meat thermometer. It should read 160°F when it is ready to come out of the oven. As it rests it will continue cooking and reach 165°F or more which means it's time to eat!

What to Serve with Roasted Spatchcock Turkey

This delicious turkey goes well with all the traditional Thanksgiving side dishes. Here are my family's favorite Thanksgiving recipes:

• Loaded Mashed Potatoes
• Homemade Green Bean Casserole
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• Classic Mashed Potatoes
• Scalloped Corn
• Easy Dinner Rolls

Don't need so much turkey? Try this easy Herb Roasted Spatchcock Chicken! So delicious and simple to make!

Storing Leftover Turkey

Storing: Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing: Leftover turkey can also be frozen. Place cooled turkey in a freezer safe air tight container or zip top bag, label, date and freeze. Turkey will last 3-4 months in the freezer.

Reheating: Reheat turkey in the microwave until warm or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.

Reusing leftovers: Leftover turkey is one those ingredients that is great for repurposing. Here are some great recipes for using leftover turkey:

• Leftover Turkey Pot Pie
• Turkey Tettrazini
• Turkey Noodle Soup
• Turkey Pot Pie with Puff Pastry
• Chicken Dumpling Soup-replace the chicken with turkey

Tips for Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

• If you are starting with a frozen turkey make sure you give it enough time to thaw. Rule is 24 hours for every 4 pounds.
• Thaw the turkey in the fridge on the bottom shelf on a sheet pan or in a large enough container so there's no mess.
• Let the turkey sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting. This will help with even cooking as well.
• Dry the turkey off before spatchcocking it. This will make it easier to handle and not so slippery.
• Also dry the turkey off before slathering the butter on it. If the turkey is wet the butter will not stick, it will just slide around.
• Do not use anything larger than a 16 pound turkey for this recipe unless you have a full size sheet pan that fits in your oven or a large enough roasting pan.
• To avoid a mess in your oven, place aluminum foil on the oven rack. It will catch any spillage from basting.
• No need to use the red pop up thermometer, remove it. They are not accurate anyways. Use an instant read thermometer for an accurate reading.
• Allow the turkey to rest for at least 20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat leaving it juicy and tender. If you slice the turkey without letting it rest, it will become dry because all the juices will flow out.
• Save all the pan drippings to make a rich and delicious gravy or drizzle them over the turkey after slicing it.

More Favorite Holiday Recipes:

• Instant Pot Pot Roast
• Homemade Lasagna
• Grilled Spiced Pork Chops
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts Gratin
• Au Gratin Potatoes
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
• Cauliflower Cheese Casserole
• Honey Garlic Glazed Carrots