How Long to Smoke a Spatchcocked Turkey: A Guide by Weight

How Long Do You Smoke a Spatchcocked Turkey Per Pound?

Spatchcocking is a popular way to cook turkey because it allows the bird to cook evenly and quickly. The word “spatchcock” comes from the Middle English word “spatchen,” which means to split or cut open. When you spatchcock a turkey, you remove the backbone and flatten the bird out, so it cooks more quickly and evenly than a traditional roasted turkey.

If you’re planning on smoking a spatchcocked turkey, you’ll need to know how long to cook it per pound. The general rule of thumb is to smoke a spatchcocked turkey for 2-3 hours per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the exact cooking time will vary depending on the size and weight of your turkey.

In this article, we’ll discuss how long to smoke a spatchcocked turkey per pound, as well as provide tips for smoking a delicious and juicy turkey.

Weight (lbs)	Smoke Time (hours)	Temperature (F)
10	2-2.5	225-250
12	2.5-3	225-250
14	3-3.5	225-250
16	3.5-4	225-250
18	4-4.5	225-250
20	4.5-5	225-250

Introduction

Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a turkey for smoking by splitting the bird down the backbone and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly, and it also creates a more flavorful bird.

When smoking a spatchcocked turkey, there are a few factors that will affect the smoking time, including the weight of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, the type of wood used, and the humidity of the smoker.

In this article, we will discuss each of these factors in detail and provide recommended smoking times for spatchcocked turkeys.

Factors Affecting Smoking Time

Weight of the Turkey

The weight of the turkey is one of the most important factors that will affect the smoking time. A larger turkey will take longer to smoke than a smaller turkey.

As a general rule, you can expect to smoke a spatchcocked turkey for about 1-1.5 hours per pound. So, a 10-pound turkey will take about 10-15 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take about 20-30 hours to smoke.

Temperature of the Smoker

The temperature of the smoker is another important factor that will affect the smoking time. The higher the temperature, the faster the turkey will cook.

For spatchcocked turkeys, it is best to smoke at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, and it will also help to develop the flavor of the meat.

Type of Wood Used

The type of wood used in the smoker will also affect the smoking time. Some woods, such as hickory and oak, will impart a stronger flavor to the turkey than other woods, such as apple and cherry.

If you are smoking a spatchcocked turkey for the first time, it is best to use a mild wood, such as apple or cherry. This will allow you to get a feel for the different flavors that different woods can impart.

Humidity of the Smoker

The humidity of the smoker is another factor that can affect the smoking time. A smoker with high humidity will help to keep the turkey moist, while a smoker with low humidity will allow the turkey to dry out more quickly.

If you are smoking a spatchcocked turkey in a humid environment, you may need to reduce the smoking time slightly. Conversely, if you are smoking a spatchcocked turkey in a dry environment, you may need to increase the smoking time slightly.

Recommended Smoking Times

The following are recommended smoking times for spatchcocked turkeys:

* For a whole spatchcocked turkey, plan on smoking it for 1-1.5 hours per pound.
* For a boneless, skinless spatchcocked turkey breast, plan on smoking it for 30-45 minutes per pound.
* For a half-spatchcocked turkey breast, plan on smoking it for 20-30 minutes per pound.

These are just general guidelines, and the actual smoking time may vary depending on the factors discussed above.

It is always best to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer to make sure that it is cooked through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Smoking a spatchcocked turkey is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful bird. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your spatchcocked turkey is cooked perfectly every time.

How Long Do You Smoke a Spatchcocked Turkey Per Pound?

Spatchcocking is a method of roasting a turkey that involves splitting the bird down the backbone and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly than if it were roasted whole.

When smoking a spatchcocked turkey, it is important to cook it at a low temperature for a long period of time. This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked through without drying out.

The general rule of thumb is to smoke a spatchcocked turkey for 3.5 hours per pound at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and weight of the turkey.

For example, a 10-pound turkey will take approximately 35 hours to smoke, while a 20-pound turkey will take approximately 70 hours.

It is important to keep an eye on the turkey while it is smoking and to adjust the cooking time as needed. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a Breast-Only Spatchcocked Turkey, Plan on Smoking It for 30-45 Minutes Per Pound at 225-250 Degrees Fahrenheit

Spatchcocking a turkey breast is a great way to cook a smaller portion of turkey. It is also a good option for people who are looking for a healthier and more flavorful way to cook turkey.

When smoking a breast-only spatchcocked turkey, it is important to cook it at a low temperature for a long period of time. This will help to ensure that the turkey is cooked through without drying out.

The general rule of thumb is to smoke a breast-only spatchcocked turkey for 30-45 minutes per pound at a temperature of 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the size and weight of the turkey breast.

For example, a 4-pound turkey breast will take approximately 120 minutes to smoke, while a 6-pound turkey breast will take approximately 180 minutes.

It is important to keep an eye on the turkey breast while it is smoking and to adjust the cooking time as needed. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips for Smoking a Spatchcocked Turkey

When smoking a spatchcocked turkey, there are a few things you can do to ensure that the turkey is cooked perfectly.

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Rotate the turkey every 30 minutes or so to ensure even cooking. This will help to prevent the turkey from drying out.
* Baste the turkey with melted butter or olive oil every hour or so to keep it moist. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the turkey.
* Don’t forget to let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the turkey, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy end product.

By following these tips, you can smoke a spatchcocked turkey that is perfectly cooked and delicious.

Spatchcocking is a great way to cook a turkey. It is a simple and straightforward method that results in a moist and flavorful bird. If you are looking for a delicious and healthy way to cook turkey, spatchcocking is a great option.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

* [How to Spatchcock a Turkey](https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-spatchcock-a-turkey-592080)
* [Tips for Smoking a Spatchcocked Turkey](https://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/turkey/spatchcocked_turkey_recipe/)
* [Recipes for Spatchcocked Turkey](https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/93/thanksgiving/turkey/spatchcocked/)

How long do you smoke a spatchcocked turkey per pound?

The amount of time it takes to smoke a spatchcocked turkey per pound depends on a few factors, including the size of the turkey, the temperature of the smoker, and the desired degree of doneness.

Generally speaking, it takes about 30 minutes per pound to smoke a spatchcocked turkey at 225 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you prefer your turkey to be more well-done, you may need to cook it for longer.

Here is a table that provides a more specific estimate of smoking times for spatchcocked turkeys of different sizes:

| Turkey Weight (lbs) | Smoking Time (hours) |
|—|—|
| 10 | 3 |
| 12 | 3.5 |
| 14 | 4 |
| 16 | 4.5 |
| 18 | 5 |
| 20 | 5.5 |
| 22 | 6 |
| 24 | 6.5 |

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual smoking time may vary depending on the factors listed above. To ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, it is best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best temperature to smoke a spatchcocked turkey?

The best temperature to smoke a spatchcocked turkey is between 225 and 250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird.

How do I spatchcock a turkey?

To spatchcock a turkey, you will need to:

1. Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
3. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4. Place the turkey breast-side down on a cutting board.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut along both sides of the backbone, starting at the neck and working down to the tail.
6. Remove the backbone and discard.
7. Flip the turkey over so that the breast is facing up.
8. Press down on the breastbone to flatten the turkey.
9. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
10. Brush the turkey with oil or melted butter.

What wood should I use to smoke a spatchcocked turkey?

There are many different types of wood that can be used to smoke a spatchcocked turkey, each with its own unique flavor. Some of the most popular woods for smoking turkey include:

* Applewood
* Hickory
* Pecan
* Mesquite
* Oak

The type of wood you use will ultimately depend on your personal preference. Experiment with different woods to find the one that you like the best.

How long do I rest a spatchcocked turkey before carving?

It is important to let a spatchcocked turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

How do I carve a spatchcocked turkey?

To carve a spatchcocked turkey, you will need to:

1. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut along the breastbone to separate the breast from the legs.
3. Cut the breast into 2-inch thick slices.
4. Cut the legs and thighs into 2-inch thick pieces.
5. Serve the turkey immediately.

Spatchcocking a turkey is a great way to cook a flavorful and juicy bird. By removing the backbone and flattening the breast, you allow the heat to penetrate more evenly, resulting in a faster and more evenly cooked turkey. The amount of time it takes to smoke a spatchcocked turkey per pound will vary depending on the size of the turkey and the temperature of your smoker. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to smoke a spatchcocked turkey for 30 minutes per pound at 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when smoking a spatchcocked turkey:

* The best wood for smoking a turkey is a fruitwood, such as apple, cherry, or pecan.
* Brining the turkey before smoking will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or oil to help keep it from drying out.
* Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

By following these tips, you can smoke a delicious and juicy spatchcocked turkey that will impress your guests.