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Golden-brown spatchcock turkey with crispy herb-seasoned skin, sliced turkey breast, roasted vegetables, and fresh rosemary on a Christmas platter.
Author: Vijaya

Spatchcock Turkey Roast for Christmas

A juicy, golden-brown spatchcock turkey roasted with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a flavorful Christmas dinner.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole turkey 10 to 12 lb, spatchcocked
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 tsp orange zest finely grated
  • 1 large onion thickly sliced
  • 2 carrots cut into large chunks
  • 2 celery stalks cut into large chunks
  • 1 head of garlic halved horizontally
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or turkey stock
  • Fresh thyme and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • Large rimmed baking sheet
  • Wire roasting rack
  • Kitchen shears (poultry shears)
  • Instant-read meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and top with a wire rack, or arrange the onion, carrots, celery, and halved garlic to form a vegetable rack.
  2. Pat the spatchcocked turkey very dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the kosher salt, baking powder, and black pepper. In another bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage, lemon zest, and orange zest.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs with your fingers. Rub about half the herb butter under the skin directly onto the meat, and spread the remaining butter all over the skin and underside of the turkey.
  4. Place the turkey skin side up on the rack or vegetables, tucking the wing tips behind the breasts. Pour 1 cup stock into the pan, avoiding the skin, to start flavorful drippings and reduce smoking.
  5. Roast at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes to begin browning. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting, rotating the pan once for even cooking. Start checking the internal temperature early. The turkey is ready when the thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh both reach at least 165°F (74°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the turkey's size and your oven.
  6. If the skin darkens too quickly, tent the darkest areas with small pieces of foil. Add a splash more stock to the pan if it dries out or begins to scorch.
  7. Transfer the turkey to a carving board and rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Meanwhile, skim excess fat from the pan drippings, mash the roasted garlic into the juices, and reduce briefly on the stovetop for spooning, if desired.
  8. Carve by removing the legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat across the grain. Arrange on a warm platter, spoon with some pan juices, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Notes

Important Food Safety Note: Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check that the turkey is fully cooked. The thickest part of the breast and the innermost part of the thigh must each reach at least  165°F  (74°C). Check the temperature without touching the bone. Cooking times may vary depending on the turkey's size and your oven.