Spatchcock Turkey with Sage & Thyme

4.3

(3)

3 Reviews

When it comes to cooking a whole turkey quickly and evenly, spatchcocking--removing the entire backbone from the bird and splaying it open--is a great technique. This skin on this spatchcocked turkey gets crispy and browned because nearly all of the skin is exposed. This recipe uses a simple blend of oil, fresh herbs and spices for classic roasted turkey flavor. Look for a small turkey, about 12 pounds, as it fits better in most roasting pans.

Carolyn Casner

Updated on September 19, 2023

Tested by

EatingWell Test Kitchen

Prep Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr 50 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 10 mins

Servings:

Yield:

12 servings (plus leftovers)

Nutrition Profile:

Low-Carb Diabetes-Friendly Nut-Free Dairy-Free Healthy Aging Low-Sodium Soy-Free Heart-Healthy High-Protein Egg-Free Gluten-Free Low-Calorie

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Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground pepper
1 12-pound turkey, giblets removed
2 lemons, sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
Combine oil, thyme, sage, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Trim any excess fat from the turkey. Using heavy-duty kitchen shears or poultry shears, cut the turkey down one side of the backbone, through the ribs. Make an identical cut on the opposite side to remove the backbone completely; discard. Place the turkey cut-side down and flatten with the heel of your hand (you'll have to press hard!). Splay the thighs outward and tuck the wings under. Loosen the skin over the breasts and thighs; rub the herb mixture under the skin.
Make a layer of lemon slices about the size of the turkey in a large roasting pan. Set the turkey on the lemons.
Roast the turkey until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165 degrees F, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, October 2017

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

156	Calories
6g	Fat
0g	Carbs
25g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Serving Size 3 ounces
Calories 156
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0g	0%
Protein 25g	49%
Total Fat 6g	7%
Saturated Fat 1g	7%
Cholesterol 88mg	29%
Vitamin A 27IU	1%
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Folate 8mcg	2%
Sodium 261mg	11%
Calcium 13mg	1%
Iron 1mg	6%
Magnesium 26mg	6%
Potassium 206mg	4%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Spatchcock Turkey with Sage & Thyme

Ingredients

Directions

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

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