Even Cooking, Golden Skin, and Herb-Infused Perfection for Your Feast
This spatchcock turkey recipe ensures a perfectly roasted bird with crispy skin and juicy meat. A rich lemon herb butter enhances every bite, making it the ultimate centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or holiday table.
Note: For those that don’t know, spatchcocking is simply raising the skin of the bird, removing it’s backbone. This typically lowers the rise of the bird, but you can bind it so it stays the same look and feel of a normal roasted Turkey! It’s quicker, more reliable, and juicier this way! You can buy it this way, or do it yourself.
Crispy Spatchcock Lemon Herb Turkey – Perfectly Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe
DifficultyMedium
Servings8-10
Prep time30 minutes
Cook time1 hour30 minutes
Total time2 hours
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Herb Butter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Turkey:
- 12-14 lb whole turkey, spatchcocked (backbone removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Roasting Base (Optional):
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- 1
Prepare the Lemon Herb Butter:
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- 2
Prepare the Turkey:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the spatchcocked turkey dry with paper towels. This helps ensure crispy skin.
- Place the turkey breast-side up on a sheet pan or large roasting pan lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Gently loosen the skin from the breast and thighs using your fingers or a spoon.
- Spread half of the lemon herb butter under the skin. Rub the remaining butter over the top of the turkey.
- Drizzle olive oil over the skin for added crispiness. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the turkey.
- 3
Add the Roasting Base (Optional):
- Arrange onion quarters, lemon slices, and fresh herbs around the turkey on the sheet pan. This enhances flavor and creates a delicious base for pan juices.
- 4
Roast the Turkey:
- Roast the turkey for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F (71°C) and the thighs reach 170°F (77°C).
- Baste the turkey with pan juices every 30 minutes for extra moisture.
- 5
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the turkey from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve and serve with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Equipment
Recipe Notes and Variations:
Substitutions:
- Swap rosemary and thyme with sage or marjoram for a different herb profile.
- Use ghee instead of butter for a richer, nutty flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes to the butter for a slight kick.
Pro Tips:
- For the crispiest skin, dry-brine the turkey by salting it generously and leaving it uncovered in the fridge for 24 hours.
- Spatchcocking reduces cooking time and promotes even cooking for juicy meat and crisp skin.
- Use a wire rack on your sheet pan to elevate the turkey for better airflow and crispier skin.
FAQs:
What if I can’t find a spatchcocked turkey?
- You can ask your butcher to spatchcock it for you, or do it yourself using kitchen shears.
Can I prepare this turkey ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep the turkey with the herb butter the day before and refrigerate it uncovered for enhanced flavor and crispier skin.
Storage & Reheating Instructions:
- Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in short bursts to retain moisture.
Nutrition
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 180mg |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 16g |
History, Evolution, and Inspiration
The Spatchcock Lemon Herb Turkey method has gained popularity for its ability to produce a juicy turkey with perfectly crisp skin in less time. Spatchcocking (also called butterflying) dates back to 18th-century Ireland, where it was often used for cooking poultry faster over open flames.
The Art of Cooking the Recipe
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its lemon herb butter. Rubbing the butter under the skin infuses the meat with moisture and vibrant flavor. The spatchcocking technique allows the turkey to cook evenly, with the skin achieving golden perfection.
Interesting Things About the Recipe
What makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. Despite its impressive presentation, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. By flattening the turkey, the cooking time is cut almost in half, making this a fantastic choice for holiday feasts or Sunday dinners.
Overview of the Parts of the Recipe
This recipe features:
- A zesty lemon herb butter for incredible flavor
- A spatchcocked turkey for even cooking and juicy results
- A fragrant roasting base for added aroma and rich pan juices
What Occasions It’s Good For
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Why It’s the Perfect Recipe
It’s quicker than traditional turkey roasting methods, ensures crispy skin, and offers bold lemon-herb flavors in every bite. With clear instructions and practical tips, this recipe guarantees turkey success — even for first-time hosts!
