Name: Spatchcock Turkey
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-491721H26M23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12-14 lb turkey; 1/3 cup avocado or olive oil; 1 1/2 tbsp kosher coarse salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp dried rubbed sage; 2 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried crushed rosemary; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2-3 carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 4-5 garlic cloves; 2 cups chicken stock or broth; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups pan drippings (+ turkey stock if needed); Salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional)

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There’s something undeniably magical about walking into the kitchen and being welcomed by the rich, savory aroma of a golden-brown turkey. Picture this: a beautifully spatchcocked turkey resting on your countertop, its skin shimmering and crackling, just waiting to be savored. The inviting warmth fills the air, hinting at the feast to come, and you can’t help but feel excitement bubbling up inside you. This spatchcock turkey recipe isn’t just another roast—it’s a straightforward yet impressive meal that will elevate your holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners into unforgettable moments.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Spatchcock Turkey

I can still remember the first time I tried making a spatchcock turkey. I was a newbie in the kitchen, and my family watched as I nervously wielded the kitchen shears. The clumsy initial attempts led to giggles and encouragements, and in the end, the turkey turned out magnificent! Now, every holiday, it’s a family tradition that brings us all together, laughter included. So, brace yourself for a cooking adventure that promises crispy skin and tender meat that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Grab your apron and let’s make this delight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: This recipe cuts cooking time in half, with only two hours needed for a perfectly cooked turkey.
Irresistible Flavor: Infused with herbs and spices, this turkey delivers a burst of mouthwatering flavor in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A spatchcocked turkey is not just a dish; it’s a stunning centerpiece that will impress your guests.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday feasts, cozy family dinners, or casual gatherings, this turkey shines at any occasion!
Diet-Friendly Options: Adjust seasoning to your preference to ensure everyone enjoys this delicious meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

12-14 lb turkey: Ideally, choose a thawed turkey for the best results. If you opt for a larger bird, adjust the timing slightly.
1/3 cup avocado or olive oil: Use quality oil to ensure a crispy skin; avocado oil has a higher smoke point for roasting.
1 1/2 tbsp kosher coarse salt: Seasoning helps enhance the turkey’s natural flavor. Feel free to adjust according to your taste.
1 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper brings a punch of flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Adds depth without the fuss—perfect for a savory base flavor.
2 tsp onion powder: Use this for that sweet, aromatic layer in the background.
2 tsp dried rubbed sage: The earthy notes of sage are classic with turkey; it adds a warm, herbal aroma.
2 tsp dried thyme: Another aromatic herb that pairs splendidly with turkey and provides an inviting fragrance.
1 tsp dried crushed rosemary: The piney essence of rosemary adds a distinctive flavor that enhances the overall dish.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Aromatics like onions bring in moisture and flavor to your roast.
2-3 carrots, chopped: Adds a hint of sweetness and colorful appeal, serving nicely in your pan drippings.
2 celery ribs, chopped: Incorporates crunch and a mild flavor, balancing the dish beautifully.
4-5 garlic cloves: Fresh garlic cloves add much-needed zest and character to your broth.
2 cups chicken stock or broth: Essential for moisture and flavor, adding depth to your gravy.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: For making the gravy rich and velvety.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This will help thicken your pan drippings into a delicious gravy.
2 cups pan drippings (+ turkey stock if needed): Use these flavorful drippings to create your homemade gravy; the magic is in the drippings!
Salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper (optional): Adjust to taste or to enhance your gravy further.

How to Make Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare your roasting pan by placing a rack in it. This ensures even cooking and allows air to circulate under the turkey. To spatchcock the turkey, place it breast-side down on a cutting board, and using sharp kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove the backbone, and flip the bird over to flatten it, pressing down firmly on the breast to get that lovely bird to lay flat.

Season Generously: Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the avocado or olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme, and rosemary. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, making sure to get under the skin for maximum flavor. The oil will help the skin crisp up beautifully while the herbs infuse every part of the turkey.

Prepare Aromatics: In your roasting pan, scatter the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic cloves. These will provide aromatics for your turkey as it roasts, adding to the moisture and flavor. Place the seasoned turkey on top of the vegetables in the pan, ensuring it stays flat. This veggie bed makes a wonderful addition to any gravy you’ll make.

Roast to Perfection: Place the roasting pan in the oven and roast the turkey for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. You’ll know it’s done when the skin looks golden and crispy, and the juices run clear. Be sure to rotate the pan halfway through cooking to promote even browning.

Rest and Carve: Once your turkey is beautifully browned and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender. After resting, carve your turkey and serve it up family-style for everyone to enjoy.

Make Delicious Gravy: While your turkey is resting, it’s time to make the gravy. Place the roasting pan over medium heat on the stove. Add chicken stock and scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Whisk in the flour gradually to prevent lumps, stirring until thickened. Season with salt and pepper as needed and serve it hot over your sliced turkey.

Storing & Reheating

Once you’ve enjoyed your spatchcock turkey, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for no more than two hours. Refrigerate any remaining turkey, wrapped well, for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, freezing is your best bet—wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to three months. When reheating, try putting it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, but be aware that the texture might not be quite the same. A sprinkle of broth can help refresh it!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Always let the turkey rest after cooking; this is crucial for juicy meat.
Avoid over-seasoning; taste as you go for best results.
Cold ingredients like butter can impede the seasoning process, so ensure everything is at room temperature.
Monitor your cooking time closely since spatchcocked birds cook faster than whole ones.
For extra crispy skin, you can even air dry the turkey, uncovered in the fridge for a few hours before seasoning.
Use the leftover bones and carcass to make a hearty turkey stock that’s perfect for your soups.

The beauty of this spatchcock turkey recipe lies in how straightforward it is, yet the results are truly stunning. It pairs perfectly with traditional sides or even a fresh green salad for something lighter. Get creative with your seasoning, and don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Recipe FAQs

What does spatchcocking a turkey mean?

Spatchcocking a turkey means removing the backbone, which allows the bird to be flattened. This cooking technique promotes even cooking and helps the skin crisp up beautifully while cutting down on roasting time. It’s a clever trick that elevates your turkey game effortlessly!

Can I prepare the turkey a day in advance?

Absolutely! You can spatchcock the turkey, season it, and cover it to let it marinate in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and will save you time on the day you plan to cook. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before roasting for an even cook!

How can I prevent the turkey from drying out?

To prevent drying, make sure to monitor the cooking temperature closely using a meat thermometer. Removing the turkey from the oven once it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the breast will help maintain its moisture. Additionally, the resting period after roasting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

What to do with leftovers?

Leftover turkey can be utilized in various ways! Consider making turkey sandwiches, salads, or even a hearty turkey soup. The options are endless once you have that delicious, seasoned turkey ready to be repurposed! Enjoy the creative process and share it with loved ones.