Description
Master juicy, crispy Spatchcock Turkey with Garlic and Butter. My simple recipe ensures a flavorful bird every time. Perfect for gatherings!
Ingredients
- Main Event Turkey:
- Whole Turkey (12-14 lbs)
- Unsalted Butter (1 stick, softened)
- Aromatic Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced)
- Yellow Onion (1, roughly chopped)
- Fresh Rosemary (a few sprigs)
- Fresh Thyme (a few sprigs)
- Herby Seasonings:
- Kosher Salt (2-3 tbsp)
- Black Pepper (1 tbsp, freshly cracked)
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp, optional)
- Pan Juices Helper:
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth (1 cup)
Instructions
- Prep Your Turkey for Spatchcocking: First things first, pat that turkey super dry with paper towels – seriously, this is crucial for crispy skin! Place it breast-side down on a big cutting board. Using sturdy kitchen shears, cut along both sides of the backbone. It takes a bit of muscle, honestly, and you might hear some cracking, but don’t be shy! Remove the backbone (save it for stock, yum!). Flip the turkey over, breast-side up. Press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a good crack and the turkey lies flat. This is the ‘spatchcocking’ magic! I always feel so proud after this step, even if it leaves my kitchen looking like a crime scene.
- Whip Up the Garlic Butter Magic: In a small bowl, combine your softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, a tablespoon of kosher salt, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. If you’re using smoked paprika, toss it in here too. Mix it all up until it’s beautifully combined – it should smell absolutely divine, like a little preview of what’s to come! This butter mixture is the heart of your Spatchcock Turkey with Garlic and Butter, giving it that incredible flavor and golden hue. I sometimes add a pinch of dried sage here if I’m feeling extra festive; it just works.
- Flavor Under the Skin: Spatchcock Turkey Secret: Now for the fun part! Gently, and I mean *gently*, separate the skin from the breast meat and thighs using your fingers. Be careful not to tear it. Take about two-thirds of your garlic butter mixture and spread it evenly under the skin, pushing it all over the meat. Don’t be shy, get it everywhere! This is where the magic happens, infusing every bit of the Spatchcock Turkey with Garlic and Butter goodness. I once got a little too aggressive and tore the skin, which was an oops moment, but it still tasted great, just wasn’t as pretty.
- Season That Skin for Crispy Spatchcock Turkey: Once the butter is tucked away under the skin, use the remaining garlic butter to generously coat the *outside* of the turkey skin. Then, sprinkle the remaining kosher salt and black pepper all over the surface. Arrange your roughly chopped onion, rosemary, and thyme sprigs in the bottom of a large roasting pan. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Place the spatchcocked turkey directly on top of the aromatics in the pan. It should sit relatively flat. This setup is key for a beautifully roasted Spatchcock Turkey with Garlic and Butter.
- Roast Your Spatchcock Turkey to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the turkey for 20 minutes at this high temperature to get that skin started crisping up. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for another 60-90 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C). The skin should be deeply golden and crispy. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it! I always check earlier than I think, just in case; burnt skin is a sad sight.
- Rest and Carve Your Tender Spatchcock Turkey: Once your Spatchcock Turkey with Garlic and Butter hits that perfect temperature, carefully remove it from the oven. Transfer it to a large cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 20-30 minutes. Honestly, this step is non-negotiable for juicy meat – don’t skip it! While it rests, you can use those amazing pan drippings to make gravy. After resting, carve your beautiful turkey. It should be tender, juicy, and full of incredible garlic butter flavor. You’ll see, it’s worth every single moment of effort!