Want to maximize your crispy turkey skin, have the most evenly cooked white and dark meat possible, or roast your turkey in a fraction of the time? Spatchcock Turkey is the way!
Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a turkey by removing its backbone and spreading it flat for cooking.
Also called “butterflying,” spatchcocking is a common preparation method for chicken, and it works fantastically for turkey too.
While Classic Roast Turkey looks the most Norman Rockwell-esque on a platter, spatchcocking turkey has serious advantages over whole roast turkey.
Not only would many meat perfectionists argue that spatchcocking turkey is worth it for the juicy, even cooking and crispy skin, but they’d also tell you it’s the absolute BEST way to cook turkey, period.
Spatchcocking, also known as butterflying, is a great way to roast turkey – it cooks faster, more evenly, and produces deliciously crispy skin However, having the right size roasting pan is critical to get the most out of spatchcocking your turkey
Below is a complete guide to picking the perfect pan size based on your turkey’s weight for juicy evenly cooked meat and maximum crispy surface area.
Factors that Determine Pan Size
Turkey weight – The total weight of your spatchcocked turkey is the primary factor for pan size. Plan for around 15 inches of length per 10 pounds.
Pan depth – Opt for a shallow roasting pan, only 2-3 inches deep. This exposes more skin to the hot oven air for ultra crispy results.
Air circulation – Make sure there is ample room around the flattened turkey for air to circulate and heat to penetrate evenly.
Pan material – Good heat conducting materials like aluminum and stainless steel work best. Nonstick coatings can help prevent sticking.
Pan accessories – A wire roasting rack elevates the turkey for better airflow. Adding liquid prevents drippings from burning.
Recommended Pan Sizes by Turkey Weight
8 to 12 pound turkey – Use a half sheet pan, around 18 x 13 inches
12 to 16 pound turkey – Use a large roasting pan, around 16 x 13 inches
16 to 20 pound turkey – Use a full sheet pan, around 18 x 26 inches
20 to 24 pound turkey – Use a full sheet pan or split between two half sheet pans
24+ pound turkey – Split the turkey in half and use two half sheet pans
For turkeys over 24 pounds, splitting the bird into halves makes fitting it onto pans much easier. Aluminum sheet pans found at restaurant supply stores work perfectly for extra large spatchcocked birds.
Other Tips for Roasting with the Right Pan
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Test fit your flattened turkey in the pan before roasting day to ensure adequate room.
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Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup. Tuck foil tightly under turkey to catch drippings.
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Add chicken or turkey stock, wine or water to the pan during roasting to prevent drippings from burning.
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Use a meat thermometer to determine doneness, not cook times. Cook to 165°F in breast, 180°F in thighs.
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Let the turkey rest at least 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
Finding the right size pan for your spatchcock turkey may take some planning, but is worth the effort. With enough pan space for proper air circulation and frequent temperature checks, you’ll be rewarded with perfect crispy skin, moist and tender meat, and delicious pan drippings for gravy.
Step 1: Cut Up One Side of the Backbone
- Use poultry shears and work in small snips (the shears will not glide).
- Start at the tail end and work your way up around the thigh joint towards the neck.
- Hold the bird firmly with your non-cutting hand and be careful to keep it out of the way.
- You’ll be cutting through the rib bones, so use firm pressure and expect to hear cracks.
- Be careful!
Oven Cooking Times and Temperatures
Spatchcock turkey is ideal for high-temperature cooking.
- Start the turkey at 450 degrees F for 30 minutes to get the skin nice and crispy.
- Reduce the temperature to 400 degrees F. Continue cooking until the turkey registers at least 150 degrees F in the breast and 160 degrees F in the thigh, about 30 to 45 minutes more.
- The thigh will likely be done before the breasts. Don’t worry! The thigh can stand up to longer cooking times and be at a higher internal temperature while staying moist and juicy.
How long it takes to roast a spatchcock turkey will vary based on your turkey size, as well as if your oven runs hot.
- A 12-pound or smaller bird will cook in 1 hour or less.
- A 14-pound bird will cook in 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- A 16-pound bird will cook in 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Check the turkey’s temperature 1 hour into the roasting time to gauge its progress, earlier if your bird weighs less than 12 pounds.
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
FAQ
What size pan do you need to spatchcock a turkey?
TURKEY SIZE: While you can technically spatchcock a turkey of any size, 12 pounds is the maximum that will fit on a standard half sheet pan; 16 pounds will fit very tightly on an oversized sheet pan (a pan this size is also great for big batches of roasted vegetables).
What size roasting pan do I need for a 20 lb turkey?
In general, when cooking turkeys: A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds. A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds. A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.
How big of a pan do you need for a 15 lb turkey?
| Turkey Size | Minimum Roasting Pan Size |
|---|---|
| Up to 12 pounds | 14 x 10 x 2-3/4 inches |
| Up to 16 pounds | 15-3/4 x 12 x 3 inches |
| Up to 20 pounds | 16 x 13 x 3 inches |
Can you cook a turkey in a 9×13 pan?
If you have a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish, you can make this work for smaller roasts like chicken or game hens. For a full-sized turkey, go with an oversized baking dish with relatively high sides.