Smoking a spatchcock turkey is one of the best ways to prepare a turkey, but knowing how long to smoke an 18 lb bird can be tricky. A spatchcock turkey cooks much faster than a traditional whole turkey, but you still need adequate smoking time for flavorful, juicy meat. With the right technique smoking a spatchcocked 18 lb turkey can result in one of the most delicious and memorable turkeys you’ve ever tasted!
In this comprehensive guide we’ll walk through everything you need to know to smoke a 18 lb spatchcocked turkey to perfection including
- Why Spatchcocking Turkeys Is Beneficial
- Estimated Smoking Times for an 18 lb Spatchcock Turkey
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Helpful Tips and Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
So let’s get started and learn how to make this show-stopping smoked turkey for your next gathering!
Why Spatchcocking Turkeys Is Beneficial
Spatchcocking (also called butterflying) a turkey involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird for more even cooking. While a whole 18 lb turkey may take 5-6 hours to fully smoke, spatchcocking can significantly reduce the cooking time.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of spatchcocking a turkey before smoking:
- Shorter cooking time – Spatchcocking allows for quicker, more even cooking.
- Enhanced flavor – More surface area exposed to smoke results in greater infusion of smoky flavor.
- Easier to carve – With a flattened shape, carving neat slices of breast meat is much easier.
- Better smoke absorption – The optimized shape exposes more skin directly to the smoke.
- Crispier skin – With more direct heat contact, the skin becomes ultra crisp.
- Reduced drying out – The breast and thighs cook more evenly, preventing drying out.
Estimated Smoking Times for an 18 lb Spatchcock Turkey
So how long should you expect to smoke a 18 lb spatchcock turkey? Here are some general timelines:
- At 250°F: Approximately 5-6 hours
- At 275°F: Approximately 4.5-5.5 hours
- At 300°F: Approximately 4-5 hours
The best way to ensure doneness is to use an instant read thermometer. You’ll want to smoke the turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F in the breast and 175°F in the thighs.
We recommend planning for at least 30-40 minutes of smoking time per pound, so 9-12 hours for an 18 lb spatchcocked turkey. You can always finish early if it cooks faster, but it’s better to allot extra time than to rush the process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for smoking an 18 lb spatchcock turkey to juicy, smoky perfection:
Spatchcock the Turkey
Place the turkey breast-side down and use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove the backbone and reserve for making stock. Flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten.
Prepare the Brine (Optional)
For added moisture and flavor, you can brine the turkey. Dissolve 1 cup salt
FAQ
How long does an 18lb turkey take to smoke?
| Weight | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs. | 4-8 hrs. |
| 12-18 lbs. | 6-10 hrs. |
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 350?
The best approach to smoking a turkey breast is to cook it at around 350°F. It’s not a traditional barbeque technique, but instead it’s what I refer to as “smoke-roasting” the bird.
How long does it take to grill a 20 lb spatchcock turkey?
Q: How long does it take to grill a spatchcocked turkey? A: The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey on the grill is typically around 12-15 minutes per pound.
How long to smoke a spatchcock chicken at 225?
How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Spatchcock Chicken at 225 Degrees. It takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to smoke a 4 lb spatchcock chicken. That being said, the best way to track when your bird is done is to keep an eye on the internal temp.
How long do you smoke a Spatchcock Turkey?
15-18 lb turkey – Smoke for around 5-6 hours until fully cooked. 18-22 lb turkey – Estimate 6-7 hours for large spatchcock turkeys. For any size spatchcock turkey, I recommend maintaining a smoker temperature of 225-250°F and smoking until the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F internally.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey?
Follow these smoking time estimates as a guide: 10-12 lb turkey – Smoke for approximately 3-4 hours at 225°F until breast reaches 165°F. 12-15 lb turkey – Allow about 4-5 hours smoking time. 15-18 lb turkey – Smoke for around 5-6 hours until fully cooked. 18-22 lb turkey – Estimate 6-7 hours for large spatchcock turkeys.
What temperature should a Spatchcock Turkey be smoked at?
When smoking a spatchcock turkey at 250°F, use this timetable as a guide: The best way to tell when your turkey is done is to use an instant read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. The turkey is finished when it reaches 165°F. The thighs will be in the 175-185°F range when the breast hits 165°F.
How long does it take to cook an 18 pound turkey?
However, if you set the temp too high, the turkey won’t take on enough smoke flavor. 275 degrees is a good compromise. At this temperature, you can estimate that the bird will cook at a rate of 20 to 25 minutes per pound. Therefore, your 18-pounder should be done in 6 to 7-1/2 hours.
Can you smoke a spatchcocked Turkey on a grill?
Of course, you can use a grill to smoke a spatchcocked turkey. Whether it is a natural gas, kamado, or propane grill, you can convert it into a smoker. First, soak your wood chips for at least 20 minutes. Soaking the wood chips helps produce more smoke.
How do you brine a smoked Spatchcock Turkey?
Flip the turkey so that it is breast side-up and press down on the breasts to flatten it to make this smoked spatchcock turkey. In a container large enough to hold the turkey, prepare the brine according to the instructions. Place the turkey into the brine making sure it is submerged fully.