Print

Perfect Spatchcock Turkey Recipe Easy Herb Butter for Juicy Thanksgiving

perfect spatchcock turkey - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy spatchcock turkey recipe featuring a compound herb butter that delivers juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin in less than half the usual roasting time.

Ingredients

  • Whole turkey (10-14 lbs / 4.5-6.5 kg), fresh or thawed, skin on and giblets removed
  • Unsalted butter (1 cup / 225 g, softened)
  • Fresh rosemary (2 tbsp, chopped)
  • Fresh thyme (2 tbsp, chopped)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Lemon zest (1 tbsp)
  • Salt (1 tbsp, kosher salt)
  • Black pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground)
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Optional: splash of white wine or chicken broth for the roasting pan

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. Place the turkey breast-side down on a sturdy surface. Using sharp kitchen shears, cut along each side of the backbone and remove it completely.
  3. Flip the bird over, breast-side up, and press down firmly on the breastbone until it lays flat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated.
  5. Carefully loosen the skin from the turkey breast and thighs. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter underneath the skin evenly.
  6. Rub the remaining herb butter all over the skin. Drizzle olive oil on top and rub it in.
  7. Season the underside of the bird with a little salt and pepper. Optionally, add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the roasting pan.
  8. Place the turkey on a wire rack set over your roasting pan or directly on a rimmed baking sheet, breast-side up.
  9. Roast for 60 minutes at 450°F (230°C) to crisp the skin. Then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) in the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thigh, about 30-45 minutes more.
  10. Remove turkey from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes.
  11. Carve and serve.

Notes

If skin isn’t crispy enough after resting, broil for 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning. Be gentle when sliding butter under skin to avoid tearing. Use a digital meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Compound herb butter can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and add olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: spatchcock turkey, herb butter, Thanksgiving turkey, quick turkey recipe, juicy turkey, crispy skin turkey, holiday turkey

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/perfect-spatchcock-turkey-recipe-easy-herb-butter-for-juicy-thanksgiving/