Smoked Spatchcock Turkey

A whole smoked spatchcocked turkey with dark, charred skin, garnished with sprigs of parsley and three small oranges on a white rectangular platter.

Smoked spatchcock turkey (butterflied) made on a pellet grill or any smoker. A bold rub, apple cider mist, and a hot start give you crisp skin and tender, juicy meat.

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 4

Resting Time 30

Total Time 4 55

Servings Servings

Author Heather

Equipment

Ingredients

18 lb turkey defrosted
⅓ cup poultry spice rub your favorite poultry spice rub
3 cups apple cider or apple juice
kosher salt optional (only use if your spice rub choice is low or no sodium)
black pepper optional (only use if your spice rub needs more seasoning)

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Instructions

Preheat the smoker to 400ºF for 15 minutes.
Rub the spice blend all over the outside skin of the turkey, including the underside.
Place the turkey directly on the grill grates, breast side up. Close the lid and cook for 30 minutes.
Reduce the temperature of the smoker to 300ºF and continue to cook until internal temperature reaches 160ºF, about 3 to 4 hours, misting with apple cider or apple juice every hour or so.
Remove the turkey from the smoker and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes covered with aluminum foil before carving. This keeps the turkey from releasing all of the flavorful juices and keeps the meat tender after it’s carved.

Notes

*Key tip: Pat the turkey completely dry before applying the rub. Dry skin is what makes crisp skin.

**Ingredient note: I used Spiceology x Over the Fire Cooking Sweet Carolina Blonde Pork & Poultry Rub. If your rub is salt-free, season with kosher salt and pepper, including the underside.

***Substitution: Apple juice works in place of cider. See the post for brining and wood options.

****Doneness: Pull at 160°F in the thickest part of the breast. It rises to 165°F while resting.

*****Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 325°F with a splash of broth.

******Fuel: Check your pellet or wood supply before you start, since the cook runs about 4 hours.

Nutrition