Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey is a perfect solution for a juicy, evenly cooked Thanksgiving or holiday bird. By removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, it cooks faster and allows the skin to become perfectly crisp, while the meat stays tender. This method is ideal for those looking to save time without sacrificing flavor, and it produces beautiful results every time.

What is a Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey?

A Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey is a whole turkey prepared by removing the backbone and flattening it before roasting. This technique allows for faster, even cooking, resulting in juicy meat and perfectly crispy skin. It’s a popular choice for holidays, offering a quicker alternative to traditional roasting without sacrificing flavor.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Even cooking: The flattened turkey cooks evenly, so no part is over- or undercooked.
Crispy skin: The entire surface area is exposed to heat, giving it an incredible, golden-brown skin.
Saves time: Spatchcocking reduces cooking time, which is perfect for busy holiday schedules.

Juicy and flavorful: The turkey remains moist throughout even cooking.
Easy to carve: A spatchcocked turkey is simpler to carve as it’s already flattened.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey

1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)

1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tbsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh herbs and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey

Prepare the turkey: Place the turkey breast side down on a clean cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut along one side of the backbone, from tail to neck. Repeat on the other side to remove the backbone fully. Set aside the backbone for making stock, if desired.
Flatten the turkey: Flip the turkey over, breast-side up. Press down firmly on the breastbone with the palms of your hands until the turkey flattens out and lays evenly. Tuck the wing tips under the turkey to prevent burning.
Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil or melted butter, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, minced garlic, and lemon zest.

Season the turkey: Rub the seasoning mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin if possible, for maximum flavor.
Prepare for roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the turkey on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a roasting pan.
Roast the turkey: Roast the turkey in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Rotate the pan halfway through cooking for even browning.

Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation, and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey

Mashed potatoes: A creamy side that pairs perfectly with the flavorful turkey.

Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans make a great side.
Stuffing: Traditional stuffing or dressing complements the turkey’s savory flavors.
Cranberry sauce: The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce is a classic pairing.

Gravy: A rich, homemade gravy made from the turkey drippings completes the meal.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey

Use sharp kitchen shears: A sharp pair of shears makes removing the backbone easier.
Season under the skin: Gently slide your fingers under the skin to season directly on the meat for enhanced flavor.

Use a meat thermometer: For best results, use a thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest the turkey: Allow the turkey to rest before carving to keep it juicy.
Save the backbone: The backbone can be used to make a delicious stock for gravy or soups.

Variations of Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey

Herb-Butter Spatchcock Turkey: Use softened herb butter instead of olive oil for a richer, more flavorful turkey.
Spicy Cajun Spatchcock Turkey: Season with a Cajun spice blend for a spicier twist on the classic turkey.
Maple-Glazed Spatchcock Turkey: Brush the turkey with a mixture of maple syrup and butter during the last 30 minutes of roasting for a caramelized, sweet flavor.

Garlic and Rosemary Spatchcock Turkey: Use extra garlic and rosemary for a deeply aromatic, savory turkey.
Lemon-Pepper Spatchcock Turkey: Add extra lemon zest and freshly ground pepper for a bright, zesty flavor profile.

Storing Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey: Best Practices

Refrigerate leftovers: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze for longer storage: Wrap the turkey meat in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Label with the date: Mark the date on any leftovers stored in the freezer for easy tracking.

Reheating Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey: Best Practices

Oven: Reheat the turkey in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Microwave: For a quick reheat, microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes.
Stovetop: Heat the turkey in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a bit of broth for moisture.

FAQs

How do you spatchcock a turkey?

To spatchcock a turkey, place it breast-side down and use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone from tail to neck, removing the backbone completely. Flip the turkey over and press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten it.

How long does it take to cook a spatchcock turkey?

A spatchcock turkey typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cook in a 425°F oven, depending on the size. The internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Do you need a special pan to roast a spatchcock turkey?

You don’t need a special pan for a spatchcock turkey. A large baking sheet with a wire rack works well, allowing even heat circulation and easy cleanup.

Can you spatchcock a frozen turkey?

A frozen turkey needs to be fully thawed before spatchcocking. Attempting to cut through a frozen bird is unsafe and can damage kitchen tools.

Final Words

Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey is a fantastic way to serve a holiday bird that is both flavorful and beautifully browned. This method shortens the cooking time while ensuring juicy, tender meat with crispy skin. With a few simple steps, you can prepare an impressive and delicious turkey that will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Try it this holiday season and enjoy a perfect roast turkey with minimal hassle!

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