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Crispy skin spatchcock turkey served with gravy for Thanksgiving

Spatchcock Turkey

This spatchcock turkey recipe allows for evenly cooked, juicy meat with crispy skin, perfect for Thanksgiving.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Dry Brine
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt per 4 pounds of turkey
  • 1-2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder (optional) Optional for additional flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color) Optional for color.
Main Ingredients
  • 1 whole turkey (10 to 14 pounds) A bird in this weight range works best for spatchcocking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Take the turkey out of the packaging. Remove the neck and giblets if they are inside. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the turkey breast side down on your cutting board. Locate the backbone running down the middle.
  3. Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of the backbone from tail to neck. Repeat on the other side and remove the backbone.
  4. Flip the turkey over so it is breast side up. Press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a crack and the bird flattens.
  5. Tuck the wing tips behind the breast to prevent burning.
Dry Brining
  1. Pat the turkey dry again after removing the backbone. Sprinkle the dry brine mix all over, including the underside.
  2. Set the turkey on a rimmed sheet pan, ideally on a rack, and refrigerate uncovered for at least 12 hours.
  3. Before roasting, pat the turkey dry one more time if moisture appears on the surface.
Roasting
  1. Let the turkey sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before roasting.
  2. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Roast the turkey for the first 20 minutes to kickstart browning, then drop to 400°F until fully cooked.
  3. Using a thermometer, ensure the breast reaches 155-160°F and the thighs reach 170-175°F.
  4. Rest the turkey for at least 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Notes

This method saves time, and the turkey cooks evenly, resulting in juicy meat. Use the backbone to make stock or gravy.