How Long to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey on a Gas Grill: A Comprehensive Guide

Spatchcocking a turkey, also known as butterflying, is a popular technique for grilling whole turkeys. It involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird, which results in faster and more even cooking This method is ideal for those who want to free up oven space on Thanksgiving or simply enjoy the smoky flavor that grilling imparts.

Determining Cooking Time for Spatchcock Turkey on a Gas Grill

The cooking time for a spatchcock turkey on a gas grill depends on several factors, including the size of the bird, the desired level of doneness, and the grill’s temperature. As a general guideline, you can expect to cook a spatchcock turkey for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a medium-high temperature of 400°F to 425°F.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of cooking times based on turkey weight:

Turkey Weight (lbs)	Estimated Cooking Time (hours)
10-12	1.5-1.75
12-14	1.75-2
14-16	2-2.25
16-18	2.25-2.5

Tips for Determining Doneness:

Use an instant-read thermometer: The most reliable way to determine if your turkey is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Check for juices: When the turkey is done, the juices should run clear when you pierce the thigh with a fork.

Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling a Spatchcock Turkey

Prepare the turkey: Remove the backbone from the turkey using kitchen shears or a poultry shears. Flatten the bird by pressing down on the breastbone. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Preheat the grill: Preheat your gas grill to a medium-high temperature of 400°F to 425°F.
Set up the grill for indirect heat: If your grill has multiple burners, turn on only the outer burners, leaving the center burner(s) off. This will create a zone of indirect heat for cooking the turkey.
Place the turkey on the grill: Place the spatchcock turkey on the grill, skin-side down, over the indirect heat zone.
Monitor the temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
Rotate the turkey: Rotate the turkey halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Rest the turkey: Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.

Additional Tips for Grilling Spatchcock Turkey:

Use a drip pan: Place a drip pan under the turkey to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.
Add wood chips for smoke flavor: If you want to add a smoky flavor to your turkey, add a handful of wood chips to the grill during the cooking process.
Baste the turkey: Baste the turkey with melted butter or a flavorful sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Carve the turkey carefully: Use a sharp knife to carve the turkey against the grain. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and juicy.

Grilling a spatchcock turkey is a great way to enjoy a delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving meal. By following the guidelines and tips outlined above, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection and ready to impress your guests.

Why Spatchcock?

I’ll keep this brief because the benefits of butterflying a turkey have already been thoroughly discussed. In summary, you can make a turkey that is better suited for cooking as a whole by cutting off the backbone, flattening the breasts, and spreading out the legs and thighs. In turn, butterflying creates an even height that facilitates more even and rapid cooking.

how long to cook a spatchcock turkey on a gas grill

I proceeded to butterfly my 14-pound turkey and allowed it to rest on a wire rack placed inside a baking sheet. I generously seasoned the turkey with salt and pepper and allowed it to dry brine in the refrigerator for the entire night. I enjoy using this insurance policy because it ensures that even if I unintentionally overcook my bird, the results will still be moist.

how long to cook a spatchcock turkey on a gas grill

One additional benefit of spatchcocking the turkey is that its backbone can be used to make a rich stock that can be easily transformed into a gravy with mustard and white wine.

Why Grill?

The many benefits of putting this flattened turkey on the grill kept coming up, and I was more interested in investigating them.

Advantage 1: Space. If you have ever prepared Thanksgiving dinner, you are all too familiar with the careful balancing act of oven space to finish everything at precisely the right moment. The turkey is usually the biggest hog, taking up almost the entire oven for the longest period of time. There is more flexibility in what can be done indoors, at certain temperatures, and when the turkey is moved outside to a grill.

Advantage 2: Smoke. Let’s face it, turkey isn’t the most exciting meat, but Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without it. Smoke adds a flavor boost to the meat when it’s cooked on the grill, which in my opinion makes it more delicious and distinctive. You want to use as little light woods as possible when cooking turkey and other poultry. A few tiny pieces of apple or cherry will do the trick to prevent the bird from getting too smoky, which can turn the meat acrid.

Advantage 3: Heat delivery. You can more strategically regulate the amount of heat applied to the bird when using a charcoal or gas grill than when using an oven. This is accomplished on a charcoal grill by positioning the coals to create the ideal heat intensity and positioning the bird; on a gas grill, this is accomplished by choosing which burners to turn on and which to leave off. This proved to be quite significant for my turkey that had been spatchcocked.

Now that you know how, let’s quickly examine

Easy Spatchcocked Turkey on a Grill: A Tutorial Twist on a Thanksgiving Classic

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a spatchcock turkey on a gas grill?

In just 1 1/2 hours, I had this turkey done to perfection, temperature-wise at least. I let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature and began carving.

How many minutes per pound for spatchcock turkey?

A spatchcocked whole turkey will cook more quickly than a standard turkey. While the spatchcock turkey cooking time will depend on the size and oven temperature, 6 minutes per pound is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the size of the turkey, cook times are estimated between 60-90 minutes.

How many minutes per pound turkey on gas grill?

Arrange turkey breast side up, in center of cooking grate. Place lid on grill. Cook 11 to 13 minutes per pound or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh not touching bone registers 180 degrees and the juices run clear.

How long to smoke a 20 lb spatchcock turkey at 325?

In my pellet smoker, the hottest area is directly over the burner so I positioned the turkey with the breast facing the opposite side of the smoker. How long does it take to smoke a turkey? Cooking at 325 degrees F, it will take around 10 minutes per pound.