How to Spatchcock a Turkey

To spatchcock a turkey or chicken means to break it down so that it lays flat. Some people use the terms "spatchcock" and "butterfly" interchangeably, but they are different.

Spatchcock refers to breaking down a whole bird (chicken or turkey). Whereas, a butterflied turkey refers to slicing turkey breast meat without bones in almost half, and then laying flat - like a butterfly.

Once you try the spatchcock method, you'll see why this is the best way to cook a turkey!

There are three main benefits to making a spatchcock turkey versus roasting your turkey upright:

1. It's faster. Because the turkey lays flatter, the meat cooks in a fraction of the time. In fact, it generally takes HALF the time to roast a spatchcock turkey than it does an upright turkey. Less time in the oven means more time for eating!
2. All of the extra crispy skin. If you love golden brown, crispy turkey skin like I do, you will LOVE how crispy all of the skin gets when you spatchcock a turkey! This is because the turkey is laying flat, so all of the skin is exposed. Whereas, when you roast an upright turkey, some of the skin is hiding underneath chunks of meat and bone.
3. Dark meat and white meat sections cook evenly. Again, because the turkey is laying flat as opposed to upright, all of the juicy meat gets equal attention from the heat. This allows the dark and white meat to cook evenly.

You really don't need any fancy kitchen gadgets to spatchcock a turkey. You can get the job done with just a few basic kitchen tools.

• Cutting board - You will need a large, non-slip cutting board. I use a 14 x 18 cutting board which fits up to a 20-pound turkey. Make sure your board is sturdy and flat, not warped; you don't want the board slipping around your countertop while you are breaking down the turkey.

• Kitchen Shears - Use a pair of sharp kitchen shears or poultry shears to cut out the breastbone. If you don't have kitchen shears or you find that yours are dull, you can use a serrated knife. Or, a very sharp knife (butcher knife or boning knife). Whatever tool you use, be very careful with the tool as you cut down the side of the backbone.

• Baking Sheet Pan or Roasting Pan - If you are roasting the bird without anything else, use a large half sheet baking sheet. If you want to roast vegetables with the turkey, use a large roasting pan with roasting rack. I explain how to use both in the instructions below.

• Basting brush - Use a good basting brush or pastry brush to brush oil or butter on the turkey. I love this brush because it's easy to clean.

There are so many wonderful Thanksgiving turkey recipes out there. This post focuses on how to spatchcock a turkey. So we're going to be using basic ingredients to get you a flavorful, delicious turkey.

• Turkey - Obviously, you'll need a whole turkey. Spatchcocking works best on turkeys no more than 25 pounds. Last year, I spatchcocked a 25-pound turkey, and it was the maximum size to fit onto my extra large roasting pan and baking sheet. Any larger, and the turkey won't fit. Remember: it needs more surface area since it lays flat. Turkeys in the 12 to 15 pound range are about the perfect size.

• Butter - I prefer to use unsalted butter to coat the chicken, but you can use olive oil instead.

• Fresh herbs - use a combination of herbs commonly found in poultry seasoning for the best flavor. These are thyme, oregano, and sage.

• Aromatics - onions and garlic are essential to build flavor when it comes to roasting a turkey.

Optional: vegetables - If you want to roast vegetables at the same time, I've included instructions for how to do so below. The best vegetables are classic fall root vegetables, like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash. Be sure to cut them into equal sizes so they cook evenly.

Okay! Now that you have your kitchen tools and ingredients, here are the super EASY instructions for spatchcocking a turkey. Be sure to print out the recipe card at the bottom of this post! It has the full ingredient measurements and instructions.

1. Be sure to defrost your turkey completely if it is frozen. This could take a couple of days, depending on your turkey, so plan well ahead.
   
   If your turkey comes with giblets in the cavity, be sure to remove all of the giblets completely. Don't discard those giblets! Save those to make homemade turkey stock later!

2. Dry the turkey with paper towels, then place onto an extra large cutting board.

Using sharp kitchen shears or a knife, carefully remove the backbone. Watch our spatchcock turkey video to see how it is done.

4. If roasting the turkey on its own, place the flattened turkey, breast side up, onto a rimmed baking sheet. Baste with olive oil or butter (your choice), dress with herbs, aromatics like onions and garlic cloves, and season with salt and pepper.

If roasting with vegetables, follow the next set of instructions.

If you want to roast vegetables at the same time as your turkey, follow the steps 1 - 3 above. Then, place chopped vegetables at the bottom of a deep roasting pan. Place a roasting rack on top of the vegetables.

Then brush the turkey with the herb mixture and place it on top of the roasting rack.

Bake at 450°F for 20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 400°F. Continue to cook for at least one hour more, checking on the turkey every 15 minutes.

It's important that you check the turkey with a meat thermometer (instant-read thermometer). This is the only way you will know for sure when your turkey is done. The turkey is done when an internal temperature reaches 165°F.

🍁 More Thanksgiving dinner recipes

Complete your Thanksgiving meal these delicious and classic Thanksgiving side dishes and appetizers. Some of our favorites with turkey:

• Green Beans and Bacon
• Brussels Sprouts with Apples
• Whipped Sweet Potatoes
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

These fall side dishes would also be delicious with any traditional roast turkey, or our Air Fryer Turkey Breast or Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin:

• Garlic Parmesan Knots
• Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
• Mushroom Marsala
• Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs

For an un-traditional but sure to become a new tradition side dish, try my recipe for Filipino Lumpia. These Filipino spring rolls are always a crowd pleaser, and once you make them at home, you'll want to serve them at every holiday like we do!

🥧 Thanksgiving dessert recipes

And of course, you can't forget Thanksgiving dessert! Try this Sweet Potato Pie with Graham Cracker Crust recipe. Or one of these delicious fall dessert recipes.