With this spatchcock turkey recipe, you can cook a large turkey in a fraction fo the time. It comes out with juicy meat and extra crispy skin!
While it’s perfect as a Thanksgiving dinner or for the holidays, this spatchcocked turkey is easy enough that it can be made any time of year.
How Long Does It Take to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey?
Cooking a turkey for the holidays can be an intimidating task. Many home cooks struggle with getting the white and dark meat fully cooked without drying out the breast meat. That’s why an increasing number of cooks are turning to spatchcocking their turkey. Spatchcocking also known as butterflying is a technique where the backbone is removed and the turkey is flattened to promote even cooking. This method allows you to get a crispy skinned, juicy turkey on the table faster. But exactly how long does it take to cook a spatchcock turkey?
What is a Spatchcock Turkey?
A spatchcock turkey is a whole turkey that has been butterflied by removing the backbone and flattening the bird. This enables the turkey to cook more quickly and evenly since the legs are now exposed instead of being tucked inside. Spatchcocking allows the dark meat in the legs and thighs to cook at the same rate as the white breast meat. The end result is a turkey with crispy skin and moist, tender meat throughout.
How Long Does it Take to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey Per Pound?
When estimating spatchcock turkey cook times, the general rule of thumb is to allow about 6 minutes per pound. However, cook times can vary a bit depending on whether you stuff your turkey and what temperature you cook it at. Here are some more specifics:
- Unstuffed spatchcock turkey at 350°F: About 6 minutes per pound
- Unstuffed spatchcock turkey at 425°F: About 5 minutes per pound
- Stuffed spatchcock turkey at 350°F: About 7 minutes per pound
For example, a 12 pound unstuffed spatchcock turkey would take approximately 60-72 minutes at 350°F. While a 16 pound stuffed spatchcock turkey would need about 112-119 minutes at the same temperature.
Cook times may need to be adjusted depending on the shape and thickness of your particular bird. The best way to ensure your spatchcock turkey reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F is to use a good quality meat thermometer.
Estimated Spatchcock Turkey Cook Times
Here are some estimates for how long a spatchcock turkey will need to cook based on the size of the bird:
- 10 lb turkey: 60-70 minutes
- 12 lb turkey: 70-85 minutes
- 14 lb turkey: 80-95 minutes
- 16 lb turkey: 95-110 minutes
- 18 lb turkey: 110-125 minutes
- 20 lb turkey: 120-140 minutes
As you can see, even a large 20 pound turkey won’t take more than 2 to 2 1/2 hours to roast this way. This makes spatchcocking ideal if you are short on time.
Cooking Methods for Spatchcock Turkey
While roasting in the oven is most common, a spatchcock turkey can also be cooked using other methods:
Grilling: Cooking your spatchcock turkey on a grill will impart delicious smoky flavor. Use indirect heat and allow about the same cook time as oven roasting. Monitor temperature closely.
Smoking: For ultimate flavor, try smoking your spatchcock turkey slowly over low heat. Depending on temperature, smoking can take 4-6 hours.
Frying: Deep frying allows the turkey to cook very quickly once the oil reaches the ideal 350°F. A spatchcock turkey will fry up crisp in about 45-60 minutes. Be very careful when deep frying.
On the Stovetop: You can also braise or simmer your spatchcocked turkey right on the stovetop. Cook times will vary, but figure 45-60 minutes.
In a Pressure Cooker: For the fastest method, cook your spatchcock turkey in a pressure cooker. It will be fall-off-the-bone tender in just 30-40 minutes!
Benefits of Spatchcock Turkey
There are several advantages to spatchcocking your holiday turkey:
- Cooks faster (up to 50% quicker!)
- Promotes even cooking so breast stays moist
- Allows skin to crisp up all over
- Easy to carve
- More stable, less risk of tipping over
- Takes up less space in oven
- Dark and light meat finish at same time
With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why cooking your Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey spatchcock-style is worth considering!
Trussing a Spatchcock Turkey
While some cooks choose to truss their spatchcock turkey, meaning tying the legs together, it is not strictly necessary. Trussing does result in a more compact shape and can allow for more even roasting. If you do decide to truss your spatchcock turkey, be sure not to tie the legs too tightly or it can hinder cooking.
Carving a Spatchcock Turkey
Carving a spatchcock turkey is easier than carving a traditionally roasted whole bird. Because the backbone has been removed, you can simply cut straight through the breast bone when slicing rather than having to work around it. Then separate the thighs and legs. If desired, the wings can also be removed. Be sure to let the turkey rest at least 15-20 minutes before carving for the juiciest meat.
Spatchcock Turkey Gravy
One advantage of spatchcocking is that you can use the removed backbone to make an extra flavorful turkey gravy. Simmer the backbone in your gravy along with aromatics like onions, carrots and celery. Don’t forget to also pour the delicious pan drippings from the roasted turkey into the gravy.
Spatchcock Turkey Safety Tips
To safely cook your spatchcock turkey, follow these tips:
- Thaw turkey completely in fridge before spatchcocking
- Use a food safe butcher’s twine if trussing
- Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F
- Never leave turkey unattended while cooking
- Allow turkey to rest 15-20 minutes before serving
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours
Follow the recommended spatchcock turkey cook times for the size of your bird. And use a meat thermometer to eliminate any guesswork and ensure your turkey reaches a safe internal temp.
Let the Turkey Rest
Be sure to allow your cooked spatchcock turkey to rest at least 15-20 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for better moisture. Tenting foil over the turkey while it rests will help keep it warm.
Get Creative with Sides and Sauces
Part of the fun of cooking turkey is all the delicious side dishes you can pair it with. Feel free to get creative with your menu. Classic side options include mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce and yeast rolls. And don’t forget the gravy! For something different, try an elegant sauce like a turkey jus, chasseur or supreme sauce.
Spatchcock Turkey Recipe Ideas
Here are just a few delicious recipe ideas for your spatchcock turkey:
- Apple Cider Brined Spatchcock Turkey
- Brown Sugar Mustard Spatchcock Turkey
- Citrus & Herb Spatchcock Turkey
- Asian Spatchcock Turkey with Hoisin Glaze
- Cajun Spatchcock Turkey – Seasoned with Cajun spice rub
- Thanksgiving Spatchcock Turkey – The classic with gravy
The possibilities are endless when cooking spatchcock turkey. Have fun trying new seasonings and sauces!
Spatchcocking turkey is an easy way to get perfect results every time. In just 60-90 minutes, you can have a gorgeous, golden turkey on the table ready to wow your guests. Give this handy method a try for your next holiday feast!
Choosing a Turkey for this Recipe
I’ve used a turkey up to 20 lbs but keep in mind, it’s really hard to find a pan that fits a spatchcocked turkey larger than 16 lbs (I had to go to a restaurant store to buy a huge pan for a 20-pounder).
I would suggest a turkey of about 10-14 lbs.
When making spatchcock turkey, you can use a butter-basted turkey (like Butterball) or regular turkey. I lower the temperature a bit if using a butter-basted turkey so the drippings don’t burn.
How To Spatchcock A Turkey
With a spatchcocked turkey, you will need to use poultry shears or very strong kitchen shears to cut the backbone out. Regular scissors don’t work and even some kitchen scissors are not strong enough (and a knife is dangerous for this job).
If you plan to spatchcock a turkey, I’d suggest investing in poultry shears or ask the butcher or meat department if they’ll cut the backbone out for you, many of them will and it’ll make your job a lot easier.
- Place a chicken or turkey breast side down on a cutting board. Cut along both sides of the backbone with the poultry shears. Depending on the size of your turkey, it can be very difficult to cut and takes a bit of strength. Be sure to set the backbone aside to make gravy (or freeze it to add to Homemade Chicken Stock).
- Run a knife along the breast bone in the center to “score” it. Flip the turkey over (so it is breast side up) and begin to fold it apart.
- Press very firmly on the center of the turkey breast with the palms of your hand until you hear it snap and flatten out.
- Pull the thighs out to help flatten the bird even more. Once the turkey is flattened, tuck thewing tips under.
This recipe works for spatchcock turkey or spatchcock chicken, the method is the same just the cooking time needs to be adjusted!
Spatchcocked Turkey | Better. Faster. Juicier.
FAQ
How long does a spatchcock turkey take?
How long to grill a 15 lb spatchcock turkey?
What is the target temperature for a Spatchcock turkey?
Does Spatchcock reduce cooking time?
How long do you cook a Spatchcock Turkey?
A spatchcock turkey is a whole turkey that has been butterflied and flattened. This allows for even cooking and browning of the skin. When cooking a spatchcock turkey in the oven, plan on cooking it for about 11 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. How long to cook a 12 lb spatchcock turkey?
Should you Spatchcock a Turkey?
When you spatchcock a turkey you get the juiciest, crispiest roast turkey cooked in a fraction of the time it usually takes to cook a whole turkey. If you’ve never tried it, spatchcocking is easier than you might think! By removing the backbone and flattening out the bird, you’ll reduce cooking time and make carving a whole lot easier, too!
What does Spatchcock mean on a Turkey?
Spatchcocking a turkey results in a wonderfully juicy and evenly cooked bird in a fraction of the time. What Does ‘Spatchcock’ Mean? To “spatchcock” means to remove a bird’s backbone so that it will lay flat while cooking. This method (also known as butterflying) ensures even cooking, juicier meat, and a quicker cooking time. Why?
Can you roast a spatchcocked Turkey?
If you want to roast a spatchcocked turkey, you really should buy your bird from a butcher who will “butterfly” it for you. Make sure you have her or him give you the backbone and other parts that are removed, as they are perfect for roasting and making a rich stock for gravy.