Citrus Herb Spatchcock Turkey: The Juiciest, Most Flavorful Thanksgiving Turkey Ever!

Citrus Herb Spatchcock Turkey: A Festive and Flavorful Main Dish

The holidays are coming, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main dish. If you’re looking for something that’s both festive and flavorful, look no further than citrus herb spatchcock turkey.

Spatchcocking is a method of roasting a turkey that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, resulting in a moist and flavorful bird.

Citrus herb spatchcock turkey is a delicious and aromatic take on the classic holiday bird. The citrus and herbs add a fresh and vibrant flavor to the turkey, and the spatchcocking method ensures that it’s cooked to perfection.

This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering. So gather your ingredients and get ready to cook the most delicious turkey you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredient Quantity Instructions
1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
1 cup orange juice In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.
1/2 cup olive oil Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves Using a sharp knife, carefully cut along both sides of the backbone, starting at the neck and working down to the tail.
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves Remove the backbone and discard.
4 cloves garlic, minced Flip the turkey over so the breast is facing up.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper To taste Rub the turkey all over with the orange juice mixture.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Place the turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Let rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Ingredients

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) whole turkey, thawed
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
* 1 lemon, zested and juiced
* 1 orange, zested and juiced
* 1/2 cup dry white wine
* 1/4 cup chicken broth

Equipment

* Large roasting pan
* Large bowl
* Parchment paper
* Skewers
* Kitchen twine
* Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
4. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, parsley, mint, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, orange juice, white wine, and chicken broth.
5. Place the turkey breast-side up on a large piece of parchment paper. Pour the marinade over the turkey and spread it evenly with your hands. Fold the parchment paper over the turkey and seal it tightly.
6. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and roast for 2 hours.
7. Remove the turkey from the oven and carefully unwrap the parchment paper. Baste the turkey with the pan juices and return it to the oven.
8. Continue to roast the turkey for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To spatchcock a turkey, first remove the neck and giblets from the cavity. Then, using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting at the neck and ending at the tail. Bend the turkey back and snap the backbone in half.
* If you don’t have a roasting pan large enough to hold the turkey breast-side up, you can roast it breast-side down. Just be sure to baste it every 30 minutes or so to prevent the skin from drying out.
* The cooking time for a spatchcocked turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 12-pound turkey will typically take about 2 hours to cook, while a 14-pound turkey will take about 2 1/2 hours.
* Be sure to let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Enjoy!

Ingredients

* 1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed
* 1 cup fresh lemon juice
* 1 cup fresh orange juice
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
* 1 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the turkey in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it. Turn the turkey to coat all sides.
5. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
6. Remove the turkey from the marinade and discard the marinade.
7. Place the turkey breast-side up on a rack in the roasting pan.
8. Roast the turkey for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
9. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
* If you don’t have time to marinate the turkey overnight, you can marinate it for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
* To make the turkey more flavorful, you can also stuff it with a mixture of your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables.
* When carving the turkey, be sure to cut against the grain of the meat. This will help the meat stay moist and tender.

Citrus herb spatchcock turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey for your next holiday meal. The spatchcocking method allows the turkey to cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that your family and friends will love.

Q: What is citrus herb spatchcock turkey?
A: Citrus herb spatchcock turkey is a roasted turkey that has been butterflied and seasoned with citrus and herbs. It is a popular dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Q: How do I spatchcock a turkey?
A: To spatchcock a turkey, you will need to first remove the backbone. You can do this by cutting along either side of the backbone with a sharp knife, then using your fingers to pry the backbone out. Once the backbone is removed, you will need to flatten the turkey out by pressing down on the breastbone.

Q: What herbs should I use to season the turkey?
A: There are many different herbs that you can use to season the turkey, such as rosemary, thyme, sage, and oregano. You can also use citrus zest, such as lemon or orange zest, to add flavor to the turkey.

Q: How long do I cook the turkey?
A: The cooking time for the turkey will depend on the weight of the turkey. A general rule of thumb is to cook the turkey for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: How do I know when the turkey is done cooking?
A: The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.

Q: What sides should I serve with citrus herb spatchcock turkey?
A: There are many different sides that you can serve with citrus herb spatchcock turkey, such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. You can also serve roasted vegetables or a salad.

Q: How can I make the turkey ahead of time?
A: You can make the turkey ahead of time by spatchcocking it and seasoning it with the herbs. Then, you can wrap the turkey in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking it.

Q: How do I reheat the turkey?
A: To reheat the turkey, you can either reheat it in the oven or in a slow cooker. To reheat it in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the turkey for 15 minutes per pound. To reheat it in a slow cooker, set the slow cooker to low and cook the turkey for 3-4 hours.

citrus herb spatchcock turkey is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a holiday meal or any other special occasion. The citrus and herbs add a flavorful and aromatic touch to the turkey, and the spatchcocking method ensures that the meat is cooked evenly and juicy. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to please everyone. So give it a try and let us know what you think!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!