The Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe is a simple way to make a juicy and crispy turkey. This cooking method helps the turkey cook faster and more evenly.
Many people love the Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe because the meat stays tender and flavorful. It is perfect for Thanksgiving, family dinners or holiday parties.
The crispy skin and rich butter flavor make every bite delicious. Even beginners can make this easy turkey recipe at home without stress.
My Experience With This Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
I tried this turkey recipe during a holiday dinner with my family. The turkey cooked evenly and stayed very juicy.
The skin became golden and crispy. Everyone at the table loved the flavor. I also liked how much faster it cooked compared to a whole turkey.
The herb butter gave the turkey a rich taste. Now, this is one of my favorite holiday turkey recipes because it always turns out great.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
- Servings: 10
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 420 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large roasting pan
- Sharp kitchen shears
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Small mixing bowl
- Pastry brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
- 1 whole turkey (12 to 14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the Turkey
Remove the turkey from the packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast-side down on a large cutting board before cutting.
2. Remove the Backbone
Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove it carefully. Save it for stock or discard it later.
3. Flatten the Turkey
Turn the turkey over. Press firmly on the breastbone until the turkey lays flat. This helps the turkey cook evenly and faster.
4. Make the Herb Butter
Mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, paprika and olive oil in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
5. Season the Turkey
Rub the herb butter all over the turkey. Make sure to spread some under the skin for extra flavor and moisture.
6. Prepare the Roasting Pan
Place onion, celery and lemon slices in the roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep everything moist during roasting.
7. Roast the Turkey
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables. Roast for about 90 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
8. Check the Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F before serving safely.
9. Rest Before Serving
Remove the turkey from the oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the turkey well before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Do not skip resting time after cooking.
- Place butter under the skin for juicy meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect cooking.
- Roast at high heat for crispy turkey skin.
- Let the turkey come to room temperature first.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This turkey tastes amazing with classic holiday dishes. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or homemade gravy.
Fresh dinner rolls also pair perfectly with the juicy turkey meat. Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor beside the crispy turkey skin.
You can also serve this turkey with green beans, sweet potatoes or cornbread for a comforting meal.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted carrots
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Homemade stuffing
- Mac and cheese
- Dinner rolls
- Cranberry sauce
- Cornbread
- Turkey gravy
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover turkey in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze sliced turkey for up to three months.
To reheat, place turkey slices in a baking dish. Add a little broth to keep the meat moist. Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave for quick meals.

Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey 12 to 14 pounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage chopped
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey
- Remove the turkey from the packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels. Place the turkey breast-side down on a large cutting board before cutting.
Remove the Backbone
- Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone. Remove it carefully. Save it for stock or discard it later.
Flatten the Turkey
- Turn the turkey over. Press firmly on the breastbone until the turkey lays flat. This helps the turkey cook evenly and faster.
Make the Herb Butter
- Mix softened butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, pepper, paprika and olive oil in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Season the Turkey
- Rub the herb butter all over the turkey. Make sure to spread some under the skin for extra flavor and moisture.
Prepare the Roasting Pan
- Place onion, celery and lemon slices in the roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan to keep everything moist during roasting.
Roast the Turkey
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the turkey on top of the vegetables. Roast for about 90 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Check the Temperature
- Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F before serving safely.
Rest Before Serving
- Remove the turkey from the oven. Cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
Notes
- Dry the turkey well before seasoning for crispier skin.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor.
- Do not skip resting time after cooking.
- Place butter under the skin for juicy meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect cooking.
- Roast at high heat for crispy turkey skin.
- Let the turkey come to room temperature first.
FAQs about Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe
What does spatchcock mean for turkey?
Spatchcock means removing the backbone and flattening the turkey before cooking. This method helps the turkey cook faster and more evenly while keeping the meat juicy.
Can I prepare the turkey ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the turkey one day before roasting. Keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight for deeper flavor and crispy skin.
Why is my turkey not crispy?
The turkey may stay soft if it is too wet before roasting. Always pat the turkey dry and roast at high heat for crispy skin.
How do I know when the turkey is done?
Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is fully cooked when the temperature reaches 165°F safely.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
Yes, dried herbs work well in this recipe. Use smaller amounts because dried herbs have a stronger flavor compared to fresh herbs.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Woman Spatchcock Turkey Recipe is a great choice for holidays and family dinners. It is easy to prepare and cooks faster than a whole turkey.
The crispy skin and juicy meat make this recipe special and delicious. Fresh herbs, butter and simple ingredients create amazing flavor in every bite.
This turkey recipe is beginner-friendly and perfect for special occasions. Try it once and it may become your favorite holiday turkey recipe too.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.

















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