Spatchcocked Turkey with Herbed Butter

Spatchcocked Turkey with Herbed Butter

6 servings
In this smoked turkey recipe, I will show you how to speed up the process of smoking a turkey by butterflying it, commonly called "spatchcocking the turkey". This causes the turkey to cook faster and a lot more evenly, makes it easier to carve and often helps the skin to get more crispy especially if you are able to cook it a little hotter than normal smoking temperatures.

Ingredients

  • 12-14 lb turkey
  • ½ cup Jeff's Texas rub
  • 1 gallon cold water
  • 1 cup coarse kosher salt
  • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 stick butter

    softened), (¼ lb

  • ¼ cup parsley

    chopped

  • ¼ cup thyme

    chopped

  • ¼ cup chives

    chopped

  • ¼ cup onions

    chopped

  • 5 garlic cloves

    minced

  • 2 TBS Jeff's Texas style rub

Directions

  1. 1

    Remove the turkey from it's packaging.

  2. 2

    Make the brine in a large brining container or food grade bucket or pail (the sugar is optional but I think it adds a lot to the brine).

  3. 3

    When the turkey is finished brining, discard the brine and rinse the turkey really well under cold water.

  4. 4

    Combine ingredients well in a medium sized bowl.

  5. 5

    Split the butter into (2) parts and put half of it under the skin and half of it on the outside of the skin.

  6. 6

    Season the entire turkey skin side and meat side with my Texas rub for perfect seasoning throughout.

  7. 7

    Set up your smoker for cooking at about 240°F.

  8. 8

    Quickly tent some foil over the bird and leave it for about 10-15 minutes to rest before carving.

Spatchcocked Turkey with Herbed Butter

Spatchcocked Turkey with Herbed Butter

765 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of a show-stopping turkey that cooks faster, carves easier, and boasts impossibly crispy skin? This spatchcocked turkey recipe with herbed butter is your answer, transforming a holiday staple into an approachable feast for any home cook.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret lies in spatchcocking—butterflying the turkey—a technique that ensures incredibly even cooking by allowing hot air to circulate uniformly around the bird. This method significantly speeds up the smoking process, prevents dry spots, and makes carving a breeze. Paired with a generous slather of aromatic herbed butter under the skin, this turkey delivers unparalleled flavor and texture that will impress every guest.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly spectacular turkey with meat that's tender, juicy, and infused with savory, earthy notes from the fresh herbs and garlic. The skin, thanks to the spatchcocking and a higher smoking temperature, renders beautifully crisp and golden, offering a delightful contrast to the succulent interior. The herbed butter, combined with Jeff's Texas rub, creates a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates this bird far beyond a simple roast. This is a substantial dish, perfect for gatherings, promising a moist and flavorful centerpiece.

Customization & Variations

The herbed butter is a flavor powerhouse; feel free to adjust the proportions of fresh parsley, thyme, chives, onions, and minced garlic to suit your preference for a more pronounced herbal note. While Jeff's Texas Rub is specified for its unique profile, you can experiment with adding a touch more or less to achieve your ideal balance of savory and spice. The brine, with its specific balance of cold water, kosher salt, and dark brown sugar, is crucial for moisture and flavor development, but you can always tweak the sugar slightly for a sweeter or more savory brine profile.

Serving & Context

This spatchcocked turkey is the ultimate centerpiece for any holiday meal, Sunday supper, or special occasion, easily serving six people. Its effortless carving makes plating simple, allowing you to present beautiful slices alongside your favorite seasonal sides.

Frequently Asked Questions