This year you want to cook a spatchcocked turkey? We have everything you need to get your bird ready, including how long to roast a spatchcock turkey and a wonderful herb spatchcock turkey recipe.
When you want to roast a whole turkey, chicken, or other bird, you remove the backbone and press the bird flat in the pan. This is called “spatchcocking.”
Cooking a perfectly roasted 20 lb turkey can seem intimidating. But spatchcocking (also called butterflying) makes it easy by flattening the bird for quick, even cooking. For a 20 lb spatchcock turkey, plan on around 2 hours and 30 minutes in the oven.
In this detailed guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to spatchcock, roast, and carve a turkey like a pro.
What is Spatchcocking?
Spatchcocking is the process of 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 technique that makes roasting turkey practically foolproof!
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
Spatchcocking a turkey only takes a few simple steps:
-
Prepare the turkey by patting it dry and placing it breast side down on a cutting board. Have sharp kitchen shears or poultry shears ready.
-
Using the shears, cut along one side of the backbone from the tail to the neck cavity. Repeat on the other side to remove the backbone completely.
-
Flip the turkey over so the breast side is facing up. Press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear it crack. This flattens the bird.
-
Tuck the wing tips under the shoulders so they don’t burn during roasting.
Your spatchcocked turkey is now ready for the oven!
How Long to Cook a 20 lb Spatchcock Turkey
For a 20 lb spatchcock turkey, plan on roasting 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, tender meat.
Turkey Roasting Tips
Follow these tips for perfectly roasted turkey every time:
-
Bring the turkey to room temperature before roasting by letting it sit out for 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.
-
Place the spatchcocked turkey on a rack over a foil-lined sheet pan. The rack allows air circulation for crispier skin.
-
Season simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stuffing the cavity is optional.
-
Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven maintains a steady temperature.
-
Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and thigh to check for doneness.
-
Allow the turkey to rest for 20 minutes before carving so the juices can reabsorb.
How to Carve a Spatchcock Turkey
Carving a spatchcock turkey is much easier than carving a whole bird. Here’s how to do it:
-
Remove the legs by cutting through the joints.
-
Slice along both sides of the breastbone to remove the breast halves.
-
Slice the breast meat crosswise into thin, even slices.
-
Separate the thighs from the drumsticks. Slice off the thigh meat if desired.
-
Arrange all pieces neatly on a platter. Pour the pan juices over the turkey.
Complementary Side Dishes
A big 20 lb spatchcock turkey will yield lots of meat, so plan on plenty of sides like:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Savory stuffing or dressing
- Tangy cranberry sauce
- Roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes
- Dinner rolls
- Turkey gravy
With this detailed guide, you’ll have a show-stopping spatchcock turkey dinner ready in no time. We hope roasting your 20 lb masterpiece goes smoothly. Let us know how it turns out!
How long to roast it
At 425°F / 218°C, estimate 4 to 6 minutes per pound of spatchcocked turkey. Keep in mind that this will vary based on the initial temperature of the turkey when it goes into the oven, so try to bring it to room temperature before you start. Use an instant read thermometer to start checking for doneness at the low end of the estimated time. Using this as a guide, roast:
- 10 pound spatchcock turkey for 40 to 60 minutes
- 15 pound spatchcock turkey for 60 to 90 minutes
- 20 pound spatchcock turkey for 80 to 120 minutes
- 25 pound spatchcock turkey for 100 to 150 minutes
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
- Place turkey, breast side down on a large cutting board. Use paper towels to dry it out completely. This will make it easier to work with.
- Cut both sides of the backbone with sharp kitchen shears so that it can be taken out. (Save the backbone to use for making turkey stock. ) .
- Cut the turkey open and make small cuts or scores along one side of the breast bone with the tip of a sharp knife. This will make it easier to flatten.
- Turn the turkey so the breast side is facing up. Press down hard on the turkey breast with the heel of your hand until the bones break and the turkey lies flat. (This will take a lot of pressure, so push firmly. ) .
- So the turkey doesn’t burn, tuck the tips of the wings under it.
For a great visual, check out this video by Serious Eats. I watch it every year before I prepare my turkey.
Pin this now to save it for later
Did you know that your butcher might be able to spatchcock your turkey before you get it? Save yourself some time and let a pro do it.
Spatchcocked Turkey | Better. Faster. Juicier.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a 20 lb spatchcock turkey?
How big of a roasting pan for spatchcock turkey?
Can you cut a turkey in half and cook it?