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Spatchcock Turkey Cooking Time Calculator

Spatchcocking (butterflying) a turkey reduces cooking time by nearly half and ensures even cooking with crispy skin all over. It's the secret to the best turkey many home cooks have ever made.

Spatchcock Turkey Cooking Calculator
Enter your spatchcock turkey details to calculate cooking time

Enter the weight of your spatchcock turkey

Estimated Cooking Time

1h 40m

(100 minutes total)

Internal Temp

165°F

Resting Time

20 min

USDA Safe Temperature: The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of at least 165°F for food safety. Always use a meat thermometer to verify.

Cooking Tips for Spatchcock Turkey

  • 1Use kitchen shears to remove the backbone
  • 2Press down firmly on the breastbone to flatten
  • 3Season under the skin for more flavor
  • 4High heat (425°F+) gives the crispiest skin
  • 5Use a sheet pan instead of roasting pan
  • 6Dry the skin thoroughly before cooking

Frequently Asked Questions

How much faster is spatchcock turkey?
Spatchcock turkey cooks about 50% faster than traditional roasting. A 12 lb spatchcock turkey takes only about 80-90 minutes at 425°F.
Is spatchcock turkey better?
Many prefer spatchcock turkey because it cooks faster, more evenly, and produces crispier skin. The dark and white meat finish cooking at the same time.
How do I spatchcock a turkey?
Use kitchen shears to cut along both sides of the backbone and remove it. Flip the turkey and press firmly on the breastbone until it cracks and lies flat.

Last updated: December 2025