Spatchcocked Turkey Cajun Spice (Print View)

Turkey roasted flat with Cajun spices creates flavorful, juicy meat ideal for festive holiday meals and special occasions.

# Components:

→ Turkey

01 - 1 whole turkey (10 to 12 pounds), backbone removed, spatchcocked
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Cajun Spice Rub

03 - 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
04 - 1 tablespoon garlic powder
05 - 1 tablespoon onion powder
06 - 1 tablespoon dried thyme
07 - 1 tablespoon dried oregano
08 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
09 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
10 - 1.5 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

→ Aromatics

13 - 1 large onion, quartered
14 - 1 lemon, halved
15 - 4 garlic cloves, smashed
16 - 4 sprigs fresh thyme

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
02 - Blot the spatchcocked turkey completely dry using paper towels, then tuck the wing tips underneath the bird.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and ground cumin.
04 - Rub olive oil evenly over both sides of the turkey. Generously apply the spice mixture, pressing to ensure thorough coverage.
05 - Place onion wedges, lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and thyme sprigs at the bottom of the prepared roasting pan.
06 - Set the seasoned turkey breast-side up atop the aromatics.
07 - Roast uncovered for 80 to 100 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to verify the turkey is cooked: the thickest part of the breast should register 160°F, thighs 170°F.
08 - Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
09 - Carve the turkey and present with pan juices if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under two hours even with a whole turkey
  • Perfectly even cooking thanks to the spatchcock method
  • Cajun spices bring warm southern flavor without overwhelming heat
  • Gluten free and easy to customize spice level
  • Cleanup is simple using foil or parchment
02 -
  • High in protein and gluten free
  • Roasts much faster than a whole unspatchcocked turkey
  • Leftovers work wonderfully in many dishes
03 -
  • Use a sharp heavy duty pair of kitchen shears for spatchcocking the backbone Remove any excess fat at this stage to prevent smoke and splatters
  • Rub the spice blend underneath the skin as well as outside for the strongest flavor
  • For ultra crispy skin start with the turkey as dry as possible and do not cover during roasting
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