Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey that is as juicy as it is tender. Cutting the bird in this way before you cook it ensures that the thighs and breasts cook evenly.

Traeger Smoked Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

I don’t consider myself an “expert” in many things. Part of that is just that I’m also a perfectionist, and to me being an “expert” means that you know all there is to know about that subject, and how can we ever, right?

I feel like an expert after I made this turkey.

Turkey dinner is my FAVORITE dinner, you guys. I’ve posted about this many times before, but let me remind you. We’ve done a traditional Traeger Grilled Turkey already too that you’ll love. I’m SUPER particular about turkey because I love it so much. We had a traditional turkey dinner for our wedding meal…in August. 

My whole family pitched in to cook it, and it was one of the most fabulous meals I’ve ever had. 

I don’t think my family wanted to make turkey again until I’d been married for 5 years or so, but they still love me so hopefully they recovered. 😀 

I was always skeptical about the Spatchcock method because normal turkey roasting is SO good. Plus, the stuffing. I can’t miss out on the stuffing. But I was really interested in the additional juiciness in the turkey that all of the spatchcock fans shout from the rooftops. 

They were right.

Grilled Spatchcock Turkey is a straightforward and effective way to get juicy meat and crispy skin without all the hassle of deep frying or hours and hours in the oven. By removing the backbone and flattening the bird, you reduce cooking time and get more even heat distribution on the grill. This method, paired with a blend of oil or butter, OWYD Chicken Rub, and classic poultry spices, locks in flavor while developing the beautifully browned finish. If you’re cooking for the holidays or just want a new way to prepare turkey, this recipe is reliable and gives you super flavorful, consistent results.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Even Cooking – Flattened turkey cooks faster and more evenly.
• Juicy Interior, Crispy Skin – High-heat start helps create that perfect contrast.
• Simple Seasoning – No brining needed—just rub, grill, and serve.
• Pellet Grill Friendly – Ideal for Traeger or any pellet grill setup.
• Great for Holidays or Everyday – Scales for big gatherings or weeknight meals.

Use this to make these awesome Turkey Sliders!

Grilled Spatchcock Turkey Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Whole Turkey – The main ingredient; spatchcocking allows it to cook faster and more evenly while staying juicy.
• Oil or Melted Butter – Helps the seasonings stick and promotes crispy, golden skin.
• Traeger Chicken Rub – A balanced blend with herbs and spices, perfect for poultry.
• Onion Powder – Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
• Garlic Powder – A savory base note that complements the rub and enhances flavor.
• Rubbed Sage – Earthy and fragrant, sage gives turkey a traditional holiday profile.

Try our Smoked Turkey Breast, too!

How To Make Grilled Spatchcock Turkey

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

1. Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger to high heat (about 400°–450°F) using factory settings.
2. Spatchcock the Turkey: Place the turkey breast-side down and remove the backbone with kitchen shears. Flip it over and press down to flatten. (Want more detailed instructions for spatchcocking? See below!
3. Season the Bird: Rub oil or melted butter all over the turkey. Sprinkle both sides with Traeger Chicken Rub, onion powder, garlic powder, and rubbed sage.
4. Grill It: Place the turkey skin-side up directly on the hot grill (or in a pan to catch drippings). Grill at high heat for 30 minutes.
5. Finish and Rest: Reduce the grill temperature to 325°F and cook another 30–45 minutes, checking for doneness at 60 minutes. Remove when the internal temp reaches 165°F. Rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Have some Traeger Smoked Turkey Wings, next!

Step-by-Step Instructions To Spatchcock Turkey

The process of spatchcocking isn’t super difficult, but it can be a little rough without the right tools. Namely, a killer pair of kitchen scissors. You’re going to be cutting through the rib cage on either side of the bird, along the sides of the backbone which is the piece you need to remove. 

1. Place the bird on a stable surface, with the breasts down and the legs towards you. You should be able to see and feel the backbone of the bird on top.
2. With SHARP kitchen shears, start cutting up the side of the backbone, cutting through the ribs. This takes some muscle, and if you are squeamish about bone breaking noises you might want to tag in someone else because this gets a little intense. 
3. Cut up the other side of the backbone, through the ribs, and remove the backbone. Save it for the stock pot though!
4. Flip the turkey over and lay it flat. Using the heel of your hand, press down on the breastbone, hard, to flatten it out more. 
5. That’s it! You are ready to season and grill!

How To Season Your Spatchcock Turkey

Just because your bird is now face down, don’t neglect to season the underside! Brush the whole bird with oil or melted butter, and then go nuts with the herbs and seasoning.

For the turkey pictured here, I used a heavy hand with our custom OWYD Chicken Rub, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and sage. You can use whatever seasoning mix/combination is your favorite. There are a lot of great combinations out there.

My advice is just to NOT SKIMP. You are seasoning a LOT of meat. It needs lots of flavor.

Get all of our Holiday Recipes here!

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

I go traditional with my turkey and do regular Thanksgiving sides. Here are my favorites!

• Mashed Potatoes
• Traeger Stuffing or Dressing
• Traditional Stuffing with Cranberries (Recipe by From Michigan To The Table)
• Corn
• Broccoli Casserole
• Homemade Rolls
• Grilled Carrots
• Mocha Mousse

What Can You Do With Leftover Turkey?

Our favorites are the simple turkey sandwich on leftover rolls with a little salt and mayo, but if you are on day 2-3 of your turkey leftovers and want to get a little fancy, my Homemade Turkey Noodle Soup might just rival the main event of Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, you can use up not only the leftover turkey meat, but also use the carcass for the broth, and the gravy in the soup as well!

This Turkey Reuben Sandwich would also be a great way to use up those leftovers!

What are your favorites sides to make with turkey? Is there anything that you just CANNOT live with on your holiday table?

Get all of my Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes here!