Butter Gravy Spatchcock Turkey: A Recipe That Will Elevate Your Thanksgiving Feast

When it comes to holiday meals, turkey is often the centerpiece, but achieving that perfect balance of crispy skin and juicy meat can be tricky. That’s where Chef Eric’s Butter Gravy Spatchcock Turkey comes in—a game-changing method that guarantees even cooking and maximum flavor. Paired with roasted vegetables that double as a natural roasting rack, this recipe creates a stunning dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive.

Why Spatchcocking is a Game-Changer

Spatchcocking, or butterflying, is the process of removing the turkey’s backbone and flattening it. This method allows the bird to cook more evenly and in less time compared to traditional roasting. With the turkey lying flat on the grill, the skin crisps up beautifully, while the breast and thighs reach optimal temperatures simultaneously. No more worrying about overcooked white meat or undercooked dark meat—spatchcocking ensures perfection every time. Plus, the added surface area allows for more flavorful browning, making every bite unforgettable.

This bird is lush and the Spatchcock method is brilliant:
  1. This method decreases your cooking time by almost 40% 
  2. Much more surface area for Stuffing under the bird than inside the cavity 
  3. The presentation and the fact that it is easier to carve, leaving crisp skin on every bite


A Sweet Twist: Parsnips Instead of Carrots

Chef Eric takes this recipe to the next level by using roasted vegetables as a natural roasting rack. Instead of the usual carrots, he opts for **parsnips**, which bring a subtle sweetness to the dish. Combined with other hearty vegetables like onions and celery, the parsnips soak up the turkey drippings, becoming rich and caramelized during the cook. These flavor-packed veggies aren’t just a side dish—they’re the secret to the recipe’s decadent butter gravy.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Your Kamado Joe

Cooking this spatchcock turkey on a Kamado Joe charcoal kamado grill takes the flavors to new heights. The Kamado Joe’s precise temperature control and superior heat retention allow you to create the ideal roasting environment. The smoky, indirect heat infuses the turkey with a depth of flavor that’s impossible to achieve in a conventional oven. Add in Chef Eric’s expert tips, and you’ll have a holiday turkey that your guests will rave about long after the meal is over.

What to Expect

This recipe is more than just a smoked turkey made on a kamado grill — it’s a full experience. The rich butter gravy, made from the drippings and roasted vegetables, is the ultimate finishing touch, elevating each bite with its silky texture and bold flavor. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving feast or just want to wow your family with something special, Chef Eric’s Butter Gravy Spatchcock Turkey Recipe is the perfect dish to bring to the table.

Ready to fire up your Kamado Joe and try this unforgettable recipe? Grab your ingredients, flatten that bird, and prepare to serve up a turkey that’s as stunning as it is delicious!

Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

Raciones: 10 people
Tiempo de cocción: 1 - 2 horas
Nivel:
Intermedio:
Método:
A la parrilla
Comida:
Aves de corral

Ingredients

  • Main

Butter Gravy Spatchcock Turkey with Vegetables

Chef Eric’s Butter Gravy Spatchcock Smoked Turkey recipe is a show-stopping recipe perfect for your next big gathering or holiday feast. This method combines the rich, golden flavor of a spatchcocked turkey with the added bonus of roasted vegetables that double as a natural roasting rack. Cooking the turkey flat ensures even heat distribution, resulting in crispy skin and juicy, perfectly cooked meat. Meanwhile, the vegetables beneath soak up the drippings, infusing them with incredible flavor and creating the foundation for a decadent butter gravy. Fire up your Kamado Joe grill and prepare to impress with this elevated yet approachable take on smoked turkey!

Instructions

  1. 01

    Stabilize your grill at 350°F and set up for an indirect cook.

  2. 02

    Cut all of your vegetables and mix them together with the oil and herbs then season with 1 tablespoon of your bbq seasoning and transfer to the roasting tray you will use for the cook. Spread the vegetables out evenly.

  3. 03

    Spatchcock the turkey Use the method in the video to cut out the backbone or use kitchen shears to cut it out if you are more conferrable. Press down on the breast meat to ensure the bird is flattened. Knock off the knuckles at the end of the thighs.

  4. 04

    With a paper towel, dab off any excess moisture from the bird. Lightly oil and season both sides of the bird. Fold the wings behind the drumettes as seen in the video.

  5. 05

    Toss the removed back bone and neck bone in with the vegetables and top with the spatchcocked and seasoned turkey.

  6. 06

    Place the Turkey and root roast in the indirect grill and roast for an hour and a half. Begin taking internal temperatures and add more cooking time as needed. Look for a breast temperature of 160°F and the leg and thigh temp of 170°F.

  7. 07

    Once the target temperatures are reached, remove the roasting tray. Take the bird off the root roast and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. Carry over cooking will bring the internal temp up another 5 degrees or so, reaching the 165°F we are looking for in the breast meat.

  8. 08

    Transfer the root roast to the presentation plate, rearrange your grill for a direct cook or pour the drippings into a small sauce pot. Place the drippings over the heat and reduce by 3/4.

  9. 09

    While the sauce is reducing, carve the bird as seen in the video and transfer it to the presentation plate. As you cut around the rib cage feel free to add to the reduction sauce. 10. Once the sauce is reduced by ¾, mount the butter by swirling it in the gently reducing gravy. No need to season, just pour the liquid directly over the sliced and plated bird. Top with chopped parsley and enjoy!