Cooking a spatchcocked turkey this year? We’ve got you covered below with everything you need to prepare your bird, instructions on how long to roast a spatchcock turkey, plus a classic herb spatchcock turkey recipe.
Spatchcocking is the process of removing the backbone of a whole turkey, chicken, or other poultry for roasting, and pressing the bird to lay flat in the pan.
Cooking a perfect 20 lb turkey can seem daunting, but spatchcocking makes it easy. Spatchcocking (also called butterflying) is the process of removing the backbone and flattening the bird for quick, even cooking. For a 20 lb spatchcock turkey, plan on around 2 hours and 30 minutes in the oven.
Here’s a complete guide to spatchcocking roasting and carving a turkey like a pro!
What is Spatchcocking?
Spatchcocking is removing the backbone and flattening the bird before roasting. It allows the turkey to cook faster and more evenly since the thighs aren’t tucked underneath.
The benefits of spatchcocking a turkey include
- Shorter cooking time
- Even cooking
- Crispier skin
- Easier to carve
- Fits better in the oven
It’s an easy process that makes roasting turkey practically foolproof!
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
Spatchcocking a turkey takes just a few easy steps:
1. Prepare
Pat the turkey dry and place breast side down on a cutting board. Have sharp kitchen shears or poultry shears ready.
2. Remove the backbone
Using shears, cut along one side of the backbone from the tail to the neck cavity. Repeat on the other side to remove it completely.
3. Flip and flatten
Turn the turkey over breast side up. Press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it. You should hear it crack.
4. Tuck wings
Fold the wing tips under the shoulders so they don’t burn. Your spatchcocked turkey is ready for roasting!
How Long to Cook a 20 lb Spatchcock Turkey
For a 20 lb spatchcock turkey, plan on cooking it for around 2 hours and 30 minutes at 350°F.
Use these approximate roasting times as a guide:
- 12-14 lb turkey: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 14-16 lb turkey: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 16-18 lb turkey: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- 18-20 lb turkey: 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
To ensure it cooks through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Breast: 150°F
- Thigh: 165°F
Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving for juicy meat!
Turkey Roasting Tips
Follow these tips for roasting turkey perfection:
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Bring to room temperature. Let the spatchcocked turkey sit at room temp for 30 minutes before roasting.
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Use a rack. Place the turkey on a rack over a foil-lined sheet pan for better air circulation.
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Season simply. Rub the turkey with olive oil or butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stuffing the cavity is optional.
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Maintain oven temperature. Check that your oven is calibrated and maintains a steady temperature.
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Use a thermometer. Insert an instant read thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh to check doneness.
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Let it rest. Allowing the turkey to rest after roasting allows the juices to reabsorb for moister meat.
How to Carve a Spatchcock Turkey
Carving a spatchcock turkey is easier than a whole roasted bird. Here’s how to do it:
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Remove the legs and thighs. Cut through the joints to detach them.
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Slice along both sides of the breastbone to remove each breast half.
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Slice the breast meat crosswise into thin, even slices.
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Separate the thighs and drumsticks. Slice the thigh meat off the bone if desired.
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Arrange all pieces neatly on a platter. Pour the pan juices over and enjoy!
Delicious Sides for Turkey
A 20 lb turkey yields lots of meat, so you’ll want plenty of sides! Here are some classic pairings:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Savory stuffing or dressing
- Tangy cranberry sauce
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
- Rich turkey gravy
With these easy tips, you’ll have a show-stopping spatchcock turkey dinner in no time. Let us know how it turns out! Enjoy cooking and carving your 20 lb masterpiece.
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
- Place turkey, breast side down on a large cutting board. Pat it very dry with paper towels (this makes it easier to work with).
- Use sharp kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone so that it can be removed. (Save the backbone to use for making turkey stock.)
- Open up the turkey and use the tip of a sharp knife to make small slashes / score along one side of the breast bone (this will make it easier to flatten).
- Turn the turkey so the breast side is facing up. Using the heel of your hand, press firmly down on the turkey breast until the bones crack and the turkey rests flat. (This will take a lot of pressure, so push firmly.)
- Tuck the wing tips under the turkey (so they don’t burn when roasting).
For a great visual, check out this video by Serious Eats. I watch it every year before I prepare my turkey.
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Ask your butcher to do it! Did you know that your butcher may be able to spatchcock your turkey before you pick it up? Save yourself some time and leave it to a pro.
Why cook your turkey this way
When it cooks flat, the meat of the turkey is evenly distributed across the cooking surface. It won’t just cook more evenly, it will cook faster. This time-saving technique is a great way to ensure juicy turkey meat and crispy skin.
Spatchcocked Turkey | Better. Faster. Juicier.
FAQ
How long will it take to cook a 20 lb spatchcocked turkey?
How long to smoke a spatchcock turkey at 325 degrees?
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?
What temperature should a Spatchcock Turkey be cooked at?
The best cooking temperature for a spatchcock turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird and the desired level of doneness. However, as a general rule, it is best to cook a spatchcock turkey at a moderate temperature, around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the meat is cooked without being dry or overcooked.
Can you cook a Spatchcock Turkey in a slow cooker?
Cooking a spatchcock turkey in the slow cooker differs from cooking it in the oven. The cook time will be longer, generally around 10 hours on the low setting. Additionally, you will need to baste the turkey periodically during cooking to prevent it from drying out.
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound turkey?
Roast in a preheated oven for about 90 minutes, rotating every 30 minutes. Increase the temperature and continue roasting until the skin is crispy and golden. This recipe should result in a perfectly cooked 10-pound turkey after about an hour and 45 minutes of roasting. You’ll need to adjust the roasting time for larger or smaller birds.