Description
Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe brings juicy, crispy turkey with bright citrus and a peppery kick. A family favorite for a relaxed holiday.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 (12-14 lb) whole turkey, giblets and neck removed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Flavor Boosters:
- 2 fresh lemons, zested and juiced
- 4–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Seasonings & Spices:
- 2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Prep Your Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe: First things first, get that turkey ready! Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Pat the turkey super dry with paper towels—this is a non-negotiable step for crispy skin, trust me. I once thought “eh, good enough” and the skin wasn’t nearly as glorious. Lay the turkey breast-side down on a large cutting board. Using sturdy kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone, from the tail to the neck. You’ll hear some cracking, and honestly, it’s a bit gross but totally worth it! Remove the backbone and save it for stock if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Flatten the Bird: Now, flip that turkey over so it’s breast-side up. Press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a good crack and the turkey lies flat. This is the “spatchcock” part, and it ensures even cooking. My first time, I didn’t press hard enough, and it was still a bit domed, which meant uneven cooking. Don’t be shy here! You want it flat like a pancake.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine your melted unsalted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Mix it all up until it’s beautifully combined. The smell right here? Oh, it’s heavenly, a bright, zesty aroma that promises good things to come for your Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe. I always taste a tiny bit of the mixture just to make sure the salt and pepper are just right.
- Season the Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe: Now for the fun part! Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spoon about half of your lemon pepper butter mixture under the skin, spreading it evenly over the meat. Then, slather the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey. Make sure every inch is covered! I always get a bit messy here, but it’s part of the process. This step is where all that amazing flavor really gets into the Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe.
- Roasting Your Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the seasoned turkey, skin-side up, on a large roasting rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Roasting on a rack allows air to circulate, giving you that incredibly crispy skin. Roast for 20 minutes at this high temperature to get a good sear. This initial blast of heat is a game-changer for the skin! Don’t peek too much; let it do its thing.
- Finish Roasting and Rest: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for another 60-90 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 165°F (74°C). If the skin starts to get too dark, tent it loosely with foil. Once it’s done, pull that gorgeous Lemon Pepper Spatchcock Turkey Thanksgiving Recipe out of the oven and let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Resting is crucial for juicy meat; it lets the juices redistribute. Don’t skip it!