Where Can I Buy a Spatchcock Turkey? Your Guide to Finding and Cooking a Spatchcocked Bird

Spatchcocking, also known as butterflying, is a unique way of preparing a whole turkey that results in even cooking, crispy skin, and lightning fast roasting times. By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, the turkey cooks quicker than a traditional roasted turkey, and all parts finish cooking at the same time

If you’ve never spatchcocked a turkey before, you may be wondering where you can buy one since it requires specialized butchery. While most grocery stores don’t carry pre-spatchcocked turkeys, you have a few good options to get your hands on this uniquely cooked bird.

Order a Spatchcock Turkey from Your Local Butcher

One of the best ways to buy a spatchcock turkey is to request one from your local butcher. Most full-service butcher shops will be able and willing to spatchcock a turkey for you if you call ahead and ask. When you place your order, be sure to specify:

• The size of turkey you want (10-15 lbs is ideal)
• That you want it spatchcocked (butterflied)
• When you need it by

The advantage of going through a butcher is you can ensure the spatchcocking is done properly Butchers are skilled at breaking down birds and will remove the backbone cleanly and flatten the breastbone so the turkey cooks nice and even

Order 1-2 weeks ahead around the holidays to ensure they can accommodate your request. Expect to pay a small upcharge for the extra labor

Spatchcock It Yourself

While the butcher is the easier route, you can DIY spatchcock a store-bought turkey yourself at home with just a few simple tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Sharp kitchen scissors or shears
• Cutting board
• Whole turkey (10-15 lbs)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove neck and giblets from turkey cavities
2. Place turkey breast side down on cutting board
3. Using scissors, cut along both sides of backbone from tail to neck
4. Remove backbone and reserve for stock
5. Flip turkey over, press down firmly on breastbone until flattened
6. Tuck wings behind back and place in roasting pan

It only takes about 10 minutes to spatchcock a turkey once you get the hang of it. I recommend practicing on a couple chickens first if you’ve never done it before. Watch online video tutorials for guidance.

While more hands-on, DIY spatchcocking lets you buy a standard whole turkey from any grocery store and prepare it yourself. You’ll save money over ordering from a butcher.

Buy from Specialty Online Retailers

Several online turkey retailers offer pre-spatchcocked birds shipped directly to your door. Here are some of the best places to order online:

D’Artagnan

This gourmet food purveyor sells free-range organic spatchcocked turkeys between 8-16 lbs. They cost more than supermarket birds but are premium quality.

Porter Road

Based in Nashville, Porter Road offers pasture-raised heirloom spatchcocked turkeys ranging 10-22 lbs for reasonable prices.

Harry & David

Around the holidays, gift basket company Harry & David stocks ready-to-roast spatchcocked turkeys in a variety of size options.

Order 1-2 weeks in advance to get your spatchcock turkey shipped frozen. Make sure to account for thawing time before cooking.

Online mail order allows you to buy a pre-spatchcocked turkey even if none are available locally. The premium turkeys from specialty sellers make sensational holiday centerpieces.

Should You Brine a Spatchcock Turkey?

Because spatchcocking speeds up cooking, keeping the turkey juicy can be a concern. Many cooks recommend brining spatchcock turkeys before roasting.

Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution which helps season the meat and retain moisture. Make a basic brine with:

• 1 cup kosher salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 gallon water

Submerge spatchcock turkey in brine for 8-12 hours before cooking. Rinse turkey, pat dry and roast as desired. Brining infuses flavor and guarantees a juicy bird.

How to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey

Once you’ve got your hands on a spatchcock turkey, it’s time to roast this unique bird. Here are some tips:

• Cook at a high temperature (450°F) for first 30 minutes – This initial blast of heat crisps the skin.

• Roast at 350°F until finished – Lower heat lets the meat cook through without burning.

• Cook to an internal temp of 165°F – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thighs.

• Allow to rest 20 minutes before carving – Letting it sit finishes the cooking and allows juices to absorb.

• Carve and serve – Spatchcocking makes carved portions quicker and easier.

A 12 lb spatchcock turkey will roast in around 1 hour 15 minutes. The flattened shape means white and dark meat cook in sync for tender, juicy meat throughout.

Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Turkey with Spatchcocking

Spatchcocking is an ideal turkey prep method for home cooks looking for evenly cooked white and dark meat and fantastic crispy skin. With proper brining and high-heat roasting, you’ll have a showstopping bird on your holiday table.

Finding a pre-spatchcocked turkey used to be a challenge, but now you can order online or request at your local butcher. With a bit of planning, you can put a beautiful spatchcocked turkey at the center of your next Thanksgiving or holiday feast.