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Thanksgiving Chicken

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If turkey isn't your thing, you have to try this whole roasted chicken this Thanksgiving. Simple and easy to prep, it's perfectly seasoned, juicy and flavorful. Oven roast or air fry for a show stopping centerpiece during the holidays.

A Thanksgiving chicken served next to fresh herbs.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

If turkey isn't your thing, or maybe this year you a hosting a smaller Thanksgiving, then a whole roasted chicken is a great alternative. Easy to prep, this seasoned chicken is hands down delicious!

Whether you use the traditional oven roasting method, or opt to air fry it, this chicken comes out perfectly every single time. Serve it up with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for one delicious meal that everyone will love!

You'll want to start getting ready to make this chicken the day before. I use a dry brine and let it chill in the fridge for at least 8 hours. If you can let it chill for 24 hours, even better. A dry brine will leave you with a nice and juicy bird with crispy skin.

Love chicken try these great tasting recipes, my Jamaican Jerk Chicken (Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill), Jamaican Curry Chicken. Air Fried Spatchcock Chicken or my Brown Stew Chicken.

Be sure to check out my Smothered Turkey Wings and Air Fryer Turkey Breast too!

Ingredients

Here is what you will need for this recipe:

A whole raw chicken and spice mix.

How to make Thanksgiving whole roasted chicken

Rubbing the dry mix under the skin of the chicken.
The rub all over the whole chicken.
  • Gather your ingredients.
  • In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
  • Remove the chicken from the packaging and any giblets. Dry the chicken with paper towels.
  • Season the outside of the chicken and under the skin with the dry rub mixture. Season inside the cavity as well.
  • Place in a baking dish or roasting pan and place in the fridge, uncovered, for 8-24 hours.
Stuffing the chicken.
Stiffing in the cavity of the chicken.
The chicken trussed.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and remove the chicken from the fridge. If using stuffing, stuff your chicken at this time. If not, place lemon slices and herbs in the cavity. Truss the chicken at this time.
The Thanksgiving chicken after being roasted.
  • Once your oven is preheated, bake the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes or 20 minutes per pound, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Add an additional 10-15 minutes if the chicken is stuffed.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

How to cook Thanksgiving Chicken in Air Fryer?

  • Follow the first 4 steps of the recipe, placing the chicken in the seasoning blend for 8-24 hours.
  • When ready to cook remove the chicken from the fridge and allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • If using stuffing, stuff your chicken at this time. If not, place lemon slices and herbs in the cavity. Truss the chicken at this time.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Place seasoned chicken in the air fryer, breast side down. Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken. Then cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 more minutes. Add an additional 5-10 minutes if the chicken is stuffed.
  • Again, your chicken is done when a quick read thermometer in the thickest part of chicken registers at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving

What do you serve with Roast Chicken?

This Thanksgiving chicken recipe is perfect to enjoy with all of your favorite sides. I always like to serve a potato side, like my Garlic Mashed Potatoes, one or two veggie sides like my Air Fryer Carrots or Buttery Instant Pot Green Beans and Potatoes, and always some of my homemade Gravy made without Drippings or a Gravy made with drippings.

Expert Tips

  • For the best results, allow the chicken to sit with the rub for at least 8 hours or overnight. The longer the marinate the more intense the flavor.
  • Allow the chicken to come up to room temperature before placing in the hot oven.
  • Allow the chicken to rest under foil for 15 to 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • If stuffing the chicken, the stuffing on the inside should register a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.
The breast sliced off of the whole roasted chicken.

Variations

  • Play with the flavor of the seasoning blend, eg use Italian seasoning along with the poultry seasoning.
  • Add some extra fresh herbs to the cavity of the chicken, like rosemary, thyme, sage or parsley.
  • Crush some fresh garlic cloves and place them into the cavity too.
  • Swap the lemon for orange instead.

How to store Thanksgiving Chicken

Make ahead: This whole roasted chicken is best prepped the day before you plan to cook and serve it. The rub on the chicken helps to season the meat and the longer you leave it, the more the salt will be drawn into the chicken for a more flavorful bite. It also helps to remove moisture from the skin so that it is extra crispy.

To refrigerate: The best part of Thanksgiving is of course the leftovers! Remove the meat from the bones and place it in an airtight container, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The leftovers can be enjoyed cold in sandwiches and salads, or reheated in the oven. This creamy rotisserie chicken salad is one of my favorites to make with the leftovers.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, place the chicken into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator when you are ready to serve.

FAQs:

How many people does a whole chicken serve?

This recipe is for a 4 to 5lb whole chicken and it will easily serve four people. Allow for a pound per person. The larger the chicken, the longer cooking time it will require. A good rule of thumb is to allow 20 minutes of cooking time per pound at 350F. Check that your chicken is fully cooked through by using an instant read thermometer which should register at 165F when inserted into the thigh.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The best way to check that meat is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh, it should read at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when properly cooked.

Do I need to cook the chicken longer if it is stuffed>

Yes, add an additional 10-15 minutes if the chicken is stuffed.

If you have tried this Thanksgiving chicken recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A Thanksgiving chicken served next to fresh herbs.
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Thanksgiving Chicken

If turkey isn't your thing, you have to try this whole roasted chicken this Thanksgiving. Simple and easy to prep, it's perfectly seasoned, juicy and flavorful. Oven roast or air fry for a show stopping centerpiece during the holidays.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time1 hour 35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best roasted chicken recipe, whole chicken for Thanksgiving, whole roasted chicken recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoons poultry seasoning
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4-5 lb whole chicken
  • 1 lemon sliced, fresh herbs, or stuffing (optional)

Instructions

Oven Instructions:

  • In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Set aside.
  • Remove the chicken from the packaging and any giblets. Dry the chicken with paper towels.
  • Season the outside of the chicken and under the skin with the dry rub mixture. Season inside the cavity as well.
  • Place in a baking dish or roasting pan and place in the fridge, uncovered, for 8-24 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and remove the chicken from the fridge. If using stuffing, stuff your chicken at this time. If not, place lemon slices and herbs in the cavity. Truss the chicken at this time.
  • Once your oven is preheated, bake the chicken in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 minutes or 20 minutes per pound, until a thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Add an additional 10-15 minutes if the chicken is stuffed.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Air Fryer Instructions:

  • Follow steps 1-4
  • Remove chicken from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. If using stuffing, stuff your chicken at this time. If not, place lemon slices and herbs in the cavity. Truss the chicken at this time.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place seasoned chicken in the air fryer, breast side down. Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. Open the air fryer basket and flip the chicken. Then cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 more minutes. Add an additional 5-10 minutes if the chicken is stuffed.
  • Your chicken is done when a quick read thermometer in the thickest part of chicken registers at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Allow chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • For the best results, allow the chicken to sit with the rub for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  • Allow the chicken to come up to room temperature before placing in the hot oven.
  • See below for the air fryer cooking instructions.
  • Allow the chicken to rest under foil for 15 to 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  • If stuffing the chicken, the stuffing on the inside should register a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit when done.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 163mg | Sodium: 1462mg | Potassium: 462mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 324IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg

This post was originally published on September 22, 2021. It has been updated with additional helpful information.

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

by 27 Comments

This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the perfect combination of flavor and creaminess. This is the recipe to use when making that big casserole of macaroni and cheese for the Holidays. 

creamy baked macaroni and cheese in pan next to white plate

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

If you were wondering what side you should make and bring to Thanksgiving this year look no further. It's this creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe. As a matter of fact, don't even wait that long to make this homemade creamy baked macaroni and cheese.

Make it now, and thank me later. If you do decide to make it, perhaps for dinner, why not try it along with these Easy Baked Chicken Wings and wash it down with this Peach Sweet Tea & Rum for that Southern feel.

This recipe comes courtesy of Elgin. Thanks, Elgin! Here's a little back story...Two years ago, a friend of mine, Sally, had a beach getaway for her hubby, Lou, where we were all invited to stay at this lovely beach house on the outer banks.

Sally invited her friends who included hubby and me, and Lou invited his friends, which included Elgin and his wife, among other friends. The things that happened that weekend is for another post...or maybe I'll never tell because what happens at the beach house, stays at the beach house.

Ok, back to this mac and cheese. So apparently, one night, Elgin makes this baked creamy macaroni and cheese, and everyone in the house gets some...except for me. Why not may you ask? Well, they claim I was drunk...or asleep. I don't believe it, I think the greedies in the house didn't want to share. hmmmpph. So I got none of this macaroni and cheese, but I heard enough about it the entire weekend to imagine how delicious it was.

creamy baked macaroni and cheese in steel bowl

Fast forward to a year later, and my friend put together another event for her hubby. This time, everyone pretty much demands that Elgin makes this baked macaroni and cheese. This time, I for sure was going to get me a plate. Get me a plate I did and I had about 4 servings that night of this macaroni and cheese.

macaroni and cheese on fork

This macaroni and cheese was so creamy and delicious, it reminded me of stovetop....but it was baked! Yall, I have had so much dry and bad-baked macaroni in my life that I usually run when I see it.

But this macaroni was so creamy and cheesy and gooey that it was love...all love! It as so good that I begged and pleaded with Elgin for the recipe. Just kidding! I asked once and he was like "sure, let me write it down," and his wife even got the pen and paper. Seriously, if it were me, I don't know if I'd share. hmm...thinking of hitting the delete button on this post...just kidding.

I hope you all enjoy this oooey goooey creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe. I will go ahead and go on record and say that this is the BEST baked macaroni and cheese recipe I have ever had. No more of that dry baked macaroni and cheese...Come on over to the creamy side.

Notes on Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

  • The original recipe for this macaroni and cheese recipe comes from Patti Labelle. She is a beast in the kitchen so no surprise that it's so good. Elgin did make modifications by doubling the cheese and substituting whipping cream for half&half.
  • I modified the recipe as well by creating a crunchy topping, increasing the heat by 25 degrees. I also subbed colbyjack/monterey cheese for just monterey.  Feel free to leave the panko topping off if you choose but I feel it's a must in a baked macaroni and cheese recipe.
  • This recipe has 5 types of cheese. Yes, 5 different kinds of cheese. The amount of cheese will scare you at first but believe me, it's necessary and makes this dish delicious.
  • Is this recipe healthy? Probably not...but who cares because...CHEEEEEEEESE.
  • I'd recommend keeping the cheeses the same as stated...even the Velveeta. The beauty of this is that all the cheese melts and tastes perfect. There is a science to melting cheese.

Looking for more Recipes for the Holidays??? Try these out:

Looking for more pasta recipes?

You can also use this leftover macaroni and cheese to make these Air Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls recipe. 

Click Here to Pin Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese for Later

How to store Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Make ahead: This whole recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. You can either cook and combine the macaroni and sauce, spreading it into a casserole dish. Then cover it and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking (you can preheat your oven at this time), sprinkle over the cheesy breadcrumb topping, and place into the hot oven to bake.

Alternatively, you can bake the creamy mac and cheese, then allow it to cool completely before covering it and storing it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. When ready to enjoy, place back into a warm oven to heat through for 30 minutes.

To refrigerate: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored, and covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to heat up, place the dish back into a warm oven, or into the microwave to warm through.

To freeze: Creamy baked mac and cheese freezes well, and again there are two points where you can do this. You can cook and combine the macaroni and sauce, spreading it into a casserole dish and allowing it to cool completely. Then cover the dish and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, sprinkle over the cheesy breadcrumb topping, and place into the hot oven to bake.

Or, you can finish the recipe and allow the baked mac and cheese to cool completely before covering and storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Again defrost overnight in the refrigerator before placing it into a warm oven to heat through until piping hot.

FAQs:

What type of cheese is good for baked mac and cheese?

As you can see from the recipe card, I use a combination of mild cheddar, Monterey jack, muenster and Velveeta cheese in my creamy mac and cheese. However, you could also use sharp cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, fontina, or Gruyere cheese too.

Why do you put eggs in baked macaroni and cheese?

I add eggs to give the cheese sauce a richer, creamier and smoother texture, which makes all the difference to the finished dish.

Do you cover mac and cheese while baking?

No you don't need to cover this baked macaroni dish while baking in the oven. You want to leave the top uncovered so that the cheesy bread-crumbed topping becomes crisp and golden.

If you have tried my Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

mac and cheese on fork
Print Recipe
4.80 from 30 votes

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the only baked macaroni cheese recipe you will need. It's the combination of different cheeses that makes this a crowd favorite. 
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy baked macaroni and cheese
Servings: 8
Calories: 1117kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz mild cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz monterey jack cheese
  • 8 oz Muenster cheese
  • 8 oz velveeta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat a 3 quart casserole dish with 1 Tablespoon of butter and set aside.
  • Prepare macaroni following the instructions on the box. (Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon salt to about 8 cups water and bring to a boil. Cook to al dente). Drain and Set aside the noodles in a large bowl. Add the remaining butter to the hot noodles in the bowl.
  • Meanwhile, shred mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, Monterey jack, and Muenster cheese. Mix shredded cheese in a bowl and remove 1 cup of cheese and set aside for the topping. Cut Velveeta cheese into small pieces and mix with the other cheese.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and heavy whipping cream. Add to macaroni and stir. Add cheese, creole seasoning, and salt and stir to combine.
  • Pour the mixture into the buttered casserole dish and spread it out.
  • Prepare the topping by adding melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and the 1 cup of shredded cheese in a bowl. Sprinkle the toppng over the top of the macaroni.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy 🙂

Notes

This whole recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. You can either cook and combine the macaroni and sauce, spreading it into a casserole dish. Then cover it and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking (you can preheat your oven at this time), sprinkle over the cheesy breadcrumb topping, and place into the hot oven to bake.

Suggested Tools for Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

3 Qt Glass Baking Dish

Nutrition

Calories: 1117kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 81g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 271mg | Sodium: 1624mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2871IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1055mg | Iron: 2mg

This post was originally published on October 16, 2018. It has been updated with helpful information.

Chocolate Chess Pie

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One of my favorite easy pie recipes is my Best Chocolate Chess Pie. I've taken an old fashioned chess pie recipe, like my own Southern Chess Pie recipe and added some cocoa powder to give it a chocolaty twist. This is a pie your friends and family are sure to enjoy.

A slice of chocolate chess pie on a plate with a serving fork and the larger pie set alongside

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

This dark chocolate chess pie has a flaky pie crust and a deliciously fudgy filling underneath that is almost fudge like in texture.

I like to make my own homemade pie crust, but if you're pushed for time a store bought pie crust will work just fine too. The chocolate pie filling takes minutes to whip together and uses basic ingredients that most of you will have in your stores at home.

Pies are a favorite sweet treat for my family over the colder months of the year and are great to serve up for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or indeed any other gathering of family and friends.

Some of my favorites include my Homemade Pumpkin Pie, Southern Sweet Potato Pie, Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Southern Pinto Bean Pie and my Carrot Pie.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need for my delicious rich and fudgy chocolate chess pie recipe:

Chocolate chess pie recipe ingredients
  • Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large eggs
  • Unsalted butter
  • Cocoa powder
  • Evaporated milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt 

How to make a Chocolate Chess Pie

Eggs and granulated sugar being beaten together in a large white bowl with an electric mixer
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, add the granulated sugar and eggs.
  • Beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined, about 2-3 minutes.
A large white bowl with the ingredients for chocolate chess pie filling being beaten together with an electric mixer
  • Add the unsalted butter, cocoa powder, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt and beat until combined.
A pastry case filled with chocolate chess pie filling ready for the oven
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the pie is set, about 40-45 minutes.
A baked chocolate chess pie
  • Remove the pie from the oven and set aside on a wire rack to cool for about 1 hour to allow the pie to firm up, before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best chocolate chess pie you've ever tasted. 

  • You can also use a whisk to mix the ingredients if you don’t have an electric beater. Just make sure the ingredients are fully combined and free of any lumps.
  • Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet prior to baking to avoid spillage.
  • The pie may bubble up while baking. Don’t worry, it will deflate once it’s removed from the oven and cools.
  • The pie crust used in this recipe should be partially baked, so use a store bought pie crust or make your own and part bake it.
  • Once baked, set the pie aside for one hour and allow the pie to set firm before slicing.
A slice of chocolate chess pie served on a plate

Variations 

  • Swap the cocoa powder and make a lemon chess pie by adding the the zest and juice of 2 whole lemons to the custard filling. Or how about using limes or oranges?
  • Chocolate works great with other spices so why not add a pinch of ground spices like ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon.
  • Make a chocolate and coffee filling by adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the filling.

How to serve my Chocolate Chess Pie

There is so much flavor in this pie that I like to keep things simple. Serve a slice of pie with a sprinkling of powdered sugar. Then add some whipped cream, or your favorite vanilla ice-cream, if desired.

A slice of chocolate chess pie on a plate and a fork with a piece of pie on it

How to store leftover Chess Pie

To refrigerate: Once baked, this pie will keep for 24 hours at room temperature, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, wrap the pie in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature for a couple of hours, when you are ready to enjoy.

FAQs:

How do you serve Chocolate Chess Pie?

This pie can be served at room temperature or served from the refrigerator slightly chilled.

How do you know when chocolate chess pie is done?

When the chocolate chess pie filling has set and is no longer liquid, the pie is cooked. You can check by giving the pie a quick jiggle, or by inserting a toothpick into the filling, if cooked it will come out clean.

Do I need to rest the pie before serving?

Yes, once baked, set the pie aside on a wire rack for 1 hour. This will allow the pie to cool down and the center to firm up ready for slicing.

If you have tried this Chocolate Chess Pie recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A slice of chocolate chess pie on a plate with a serving fork and the larger pie set alongside
Print Recipe
4.50 from 2 votes

Chocolate Chess Pie

My Chocolate Chess Pie is a chocolaty twist on an old fashioned chess pie recipe where cocoa powder has been added to the custard pie filling.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best chocolate chess pie, chocolate chess pie, dark chocolate chess pie, easy chocolate chess pie, easy chocolate pie recipe, easy pie recipe
Servings: 8
Calories: 1254kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 9 inch pie crust
  • 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 oz can evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees C).
  • In a large bowl, add the granulated sugar and eggs. Beat the eggs and sugar together with an electric mixer until thoroughly combined, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the unsalted butter, cocoa powder, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt and beat until combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until the pie is set, about 40-45 minutes.
  • Remove the pie from the oven and set aside on a wire rack to cool for about 1 hour to allow the pie to firm up, before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • You can also use a whisk to mix the ingredients if you don’t have an electric beater. Just make sure the ingredients are fully combined and free of any lumps.
  • Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet prior to baking to avoid spillage.
  • The pie may bubble up while baking. Don’t worry, it will deflate once it’s removed from the oven and cools.
  • The pie crust used in this recipe should be partially baked, so use a store bought pie crust or make your own and part bake it.
  • Once baked, set the pie aside for one hour and allow the pie to set firm before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 1254kcal | Carbohydrates: 146g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 1029mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 35g | Vitamin A: 279IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 6mg

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

by 5 Comments

Have these juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs prepared and on the table in just 15 minutes. Dip into a tangy marinara sauce or place atop a heap of spaghetti.

cooked turkey meatballs in the basket

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Crisp on the outside, and full of flavor and juices on the inside. Preparing meatballs in the air fryer has been such a time saver, and they turn out perfect every time! Check out these Quick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe for another meatball recipe that's just as delicious.

If meatballs is what you're craving, but don't have an air fryer that's no problem. My Lamb Meatballs with Herb Yogurt Sauce and Sweet & Spicy Party Meatballs are top-notch! Serve these as delicious appetizers during any occasion.

a turkey meatball with a bite taken out of it on a fork

Ingredients for Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Here are the tasty ingredients you'll need for this recipe:

air fryer turkey meatball ingredients
  • Onion , Garlic, Parsley - these provide so much flavor to these meatballs. They also help keep then juicy.
  • Ground turkey - the star ingredient.
  • Egg and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs - the binders.
  • Parmesan cheese - Grated cheese will incorporate better than shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Worcestershire sauce, Kosher salt, and Ground black pepper - for added flavor.

Tools needed for Perfect Air Fryer Meatballs

How to make and prepare Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Combine onion, garlic cloves, and parsley in a mini food processor. Process until finely chopped. Set aside. You can also grate your onion if you don't have a mini food processor.

A food processer blending ingredients

In a large bowl, place ground turkey, onion mixture, egg, Italian bread breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use hands to mix until combined.

meatball turkey mixture mixed up in a bowl

Grab 2 Tablespoons of meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the meat mixture until all meatballs are rolled.

turkey meatballs sat in an air fryer basket before cooking

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the meatballs don’t overlap. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

A bowl full of turkey meatballs along side a dip

How to store turkey meatballs

Store your leftover air-fried turkey meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating: You can reheat air-fried turkey meatballs in the air fryer set at 250 F for 5 minutes until warmed through.

Knowing when your turkey meatballs are fully cooked

Your meatballs may look golden and delicious on the outside, but it's important to make sure they're fully cooked on the inside. The best practice is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The temperature for fully cooked turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

close up or turkey meatballs garnished in the air fryer basket

Tips for the perfect turkey meatballs

  • Use a meat with a 85 % fat and 15 % lean fat content, this will ensure that your meatballs have that good turkey flavor and stay juicy. The fat will help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use a 93/7 fat to lean ratio turkey meat, but the meatballs may be a little dry. Add a little more Worcestershire sauce and minced onion to accommodate for the lack of fat.
  • Use a food processor to process the onions, garlic, and parsley. You can also use a grater for the onion. The purpose is to get that onion very small. Not only do you not want big chunks of onion in your meatball, but the smaller the onion is, the more juicy your meatball will be.
  • Use binders - Eggs and breadcrumbs are common binders that help to hold the meatballs together. You can also use crackers, oatmeal, or even cooked rice.
  • Don't overmix the meatball mixture when combining the ingredients- overmixing will result in dense meatballs. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
  • Shape them well - Once you have your mixture ready, it's time to start shaping the meatballs. Be sure to form them into tight balls so that they hold together well. If they are too loose, they will fall apart during cooking.
  • Cook them properly - Cooking the meatballs properly is key to getting a great result. Be sure to cook them all the way through so that they are safe to eat. Make sure your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Serve them with a delicious sauce - The final tip is to serve the meatballs with a delicious sauce. This will help to keep them moist and add even more flavor. A good tomato sauce or gravy is always a great option.

Can I use other meats? Of course, you can. Give these Quick and Easy Air Fryer Meatballs Recipe a try. Or simply, replace the ground turkey with ground beef, pork, chicken, or lamb.

Looking for more air fryer related recipes? Try these out:

 If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

close up or turkey meatballs garnished in the air fryer basket
Print Recipe
4.75 from 4 votes

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Have these juicy turkey meatballs prepared and on the table in just 15 minutes. Dip into a tangy marinara sauce or place atop a heap of spaghetti.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 109kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Onion peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic peeled
  • ¼ cup Parsley rough chopped
  • 1 pound Ground turkey
  • 1 large Egg lightly beaten
  • ¼ cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Combine onion, garlic cloves, and parsley in a mini food processor. Process until finely chopped. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, place ground turkey, onion mixture, egg, Italian bread breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Use hands to mix until combined.
  • Grab 2 tablespoon of meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the meat mixture until all meatballs are rolled.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place meatballs in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the meatballs don’t overlap. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Notes

  • Use a meat with a 85 % fat and 15 % lean fat content, this will ensure that your meatballs have that good turkey flavor and stay juicy. The fat will help to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. You can use a 93/7 fat to lean ratio turkey meat, but the meatballs may be a little dry. Add a little more Worcestershire sauce and minced onion to accommodate for the lack of fat.
  • Use a food processor to process the onions, garlic, and parsley. You can also use a grater for the onion. The purpose is to get that onion very small. Not only do you not want big chunks of onion in your meatball, but the smaller the onion is, the more juicy your meatball will be.

Nutrition

Serving: 2g | Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 458mg | Potassium: 243mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 1mg

Carrot Pie

by 4 Comments

My Sweet Carrot Pie combines carrot puree with condensed milk, eggs, vanilla and nutmeg to make a creamy filling, which is then added to a pastry crust and baked until just set in a hot oven. This pie has a lovely creamy textures and is perfect sweet pie to share with family and friends.

A white plate with a slice of carrot pie topped with piped cream with the whole pie and a glass of milk set alongside

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Fall always brings with it the wonderful warm spices that I love to cook with. They work perfectly with vegetables to make sweet tasting pies, like this classic carrot pie.

This old fashioned carrot pie recipe is really easy to make, with very few steps, however the results are always delicious. This pie, and the flavors, was inspired by my favorite carrot drink, Jamaican carrot juice. I used sweetened condensed milk as the sweetener and nutmeg as the spice. It worked perfectly.

Pies are a favorite sweet treat for my family during fall and are great to serve up for Thanksgiving or Christmas, or indeed any other gathering of family and friends.

Some of my favorites include my Homemade Pumpkin Pie, Southern Sweet Potato Pie, Purple Sweet Potato Pie, Southern Pinto Bean Pie and my Southern Chess Pie.

Ingredients

Here is what you will need for this carrot pie recipe:

Carrot pie recipe ingredients
  • Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • Carrots - I suggest whole carrots for this recipe for best flavor.
  • Sweetened Condensed milk
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt 

How to make a Sweet Carrot Pie

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Place the carrots in a large pan and cover with about 1 inch of water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the for 10-15 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat.
  • Drain the carrots and add them to a food processor and process until smooth. 
Food processor bowl filled with pureed carrot
  • Add condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt and continue to process until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish. 
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the pie is set. Remove from the oven. Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Enjoy 🙂
Top down image of a baked carrot pie

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best carrot pie you've ever tasted. 

  • Once the carrots have cooked, if time allows, set them aside to steam dry. This will "steam off" any excess moisture and avoid a watery pie filling.
  • As this is quite a wet pie filling, I recommend par-baking the pie crust first for this recipe. This ensures a crispy pie crust. Follow the instructions on your pie recipe for par-baking.
  • If the pie crust looks like it is starting to catch or burn around the edges, place some kitchen foil over the pie until it has finished baking.
  • This sweet carrot pie is best served once it has cooled. Allow it to cool for an hour before slicing and serving, this gives the pie filling time to set.
  • I like to make this pie up ahead of time, ideally a day before so it has time to chill. Then remove it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before you are ready to serve and allow it to come to room temperature.
A white plate with a slice of carrot pie topped with piped cream with the whole pie and a glass of milk set alongside

Variations 

  • Vegetables - Add different vegetables to the mix, you could combine the carrot with some pumpkin to make a pumpkin and carrot pie, sweet potato would work too. Just ensure you keep the same weight as detailed in the recipe card when combining the veggies.
  • Spices - I've added nutmeg and vanilla to flavor the pie, but ground spices like ginger, allspice and cinnamon would also work with the carrot.

How to serve my Sweet Carrot Pie

There is so much flavor in this pie that I like to keep things simple. Serve a slice of pie with some whipped cream or your favorite vanilla ice-cream.

A fork with a piece of carrot pie on it, and a white plate with a slice of carrot pie topped with piped cream in the background

How to store leftover Carrot Pie

To refrigerate: As this recipe contains eggs, keep any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, wrap the pie in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge when you are ready to enjoy.

A white plate with a slice of carrot pie topped with piped cream with the whole pie and a glass of milk set alongside

FAQs:

What does carrot pie taste like?

This classic carrot pie is a sweet pie with just a hint of warming nutmeg added along with the vanilla for flavor. It is similar in texture and flavor to a pumpkin or sweet potato pie.

How do you know when carrot pie is done?

When the carrot pie filling has set and is no longer liquid, the pie is cooked. You can check by giving the pie a quick jiggle, or by inserting a toothpick into the filling, if cooked it will come out clean.

Should carrot pie be served hot or cold?

Don't serve it hot straight from the oven, allow it to cool as this gives the center time to set. You can serve it warm at room temperature, or chill it in the fridge. It is down to personal preference.

If you have tried this Carrot Pie recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A white plate with a slice of carrot pie topped with piped cream with the whole pie and a glass of milk set alongside
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Carrot Pie

Sweet Carrot Pie combines carrot puree with condensed milk, eggs, vanilla and nutmeg to make a creamy filling, which is then added to a pastry crust and baked until just set in a hot oven.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Carrot pie, classic carrot pie, old fashioned carrot pie recipe, sweet carrot pie, traditional carrot pie
Servings: 8
Calories: 1196kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 9 inch pie crust
  • 4 cups carrots peeled & chopped - 1lb 4oz
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the carrots in a large pan and cover with about 1 inch of water. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the carrots for 10-15 minutes, until softened. Remove from heat.
  • Drain the carrots and add them to a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Add condensed milk, eggs, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and salt and continue to process until smooth.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the pie is set. Remove from the oven. Allow to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

It’s best to par-bake your pie for this recipe. Follow the instructions on your pie recipe for par-baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 1196kcal | Carbohydrates: 137g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 1101mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 10856IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 179mg | Iron: 6mg

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

by 472 Comments

This Air Fryer Fried Chicken is golden brown, juicy, and full of flavor. It’s one recipe you have to try in your Air Fryer.

air fried chicken breast in Air Fryer

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

Full Recipe/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.


This recipe has over 150 5-star reviews! Check out our comments to discover why readers love this fried chicken made in the air fryer.

If you’re living in the South, then knowing how to make fried chicken is a must. I tried for the longest to avoid posting a fried chicken recipe on the blog because, in all honesty, I didn't tend to get excited about fried chicken.

Until now. For years, when my Southern husband requested fried chicken, I’d just shrug and make him these air fried chicken wings covered in an Asian sauce instead.

But one day, I went ahead and made a traditional Southern fried chicken recipe right in my Air Fryer. It was phenomenal. I had to apologize for taking so long to make it and I had to apologize for hating on fried chicken all these years. Now it’s a part of our monthly meal rotation.

I like to cut a whole chicken up into separate portions, it's economical and nothing goes to waste. I can make air fryer fried chicken thighs, air fryer fried chicken drumsticks, and also use the breast meat and wings too.

For the juiciest chicken, I like to marinade my Air Fryer Fried Chicken in buttermilk, which tenderizes the chicken and also adds a great tangy flavor.

air fried chicken pieces on white background

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken cut into separate pieces (breast, thigh, wing, and leg)
  • Hot sauce - I use Texas Pete.
  • Buttermilk
  • All-Purpose Flour
  • Seasoning salt
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Canola or vegetable oil

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Chicken

First, you will want to marinate your chicken. I use a mixture of half buttermilk and half hot sauce. I learned the hot sauce trick from my mother-in-law. The buttermilk helps keep the chicken juicy on the inside and the hot sauce adds flavor to the chicken. Don't worry about it being spicy, it won't be. You can marinate in the refrigerator anywhere from 1 hr to as long as 24 hours. 

chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce

Combine flour, Italian seasoning, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. I use a whisk to ensure that my flour is fully seasoned.

Grab a pair of tongs and remove one piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing it to drain off a bit, and place it in the flour mixture and use the tongs to make sure the chicken pieces are fully coated.

chicken leg in flour with tongs

Place a piece of parchment paper with holes in the Air Fryer. This has been my best solution for not having the breaded fried chicken stick to the bottom of the Air Fryer. Just make sure that you don’t put the parchment paper down without food on top. If it there is no food to hold it down, it could fly up into the heating coils on top of the air fryer and start a fire.

Place your floured chicken piece on top of the parchment paper. Make sure the chicken pieces are not overlapping or touching. The more space the better. 

chicken pieces covered in flour in Air Fryer

Frying the Chicken Pieces

Close the air fryer drawer and set the temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and timer for 25 minutes.

After about 13 minutes, open the Air Fryer. Your chicken should look like the photo below on the left (still showing some dry flour spots). Grab your Air Fryer oil spray bottle and spray those flour spots. Then grab some tongs and flip your chicken. Spray this side of the chicken as well, covering all flour spots. Close your Air Fryer and let it resume cooking.

chicken pieces covered in flour in Air fryer basket
fried chicken pieces in air fryer basket

Once your cooking cycle is done, use a quick-read thermometer to ensure your chicken is fully cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and enjoy 🙂

There you have it! Delicious Southern Style Buttermilk Soaked Air Fryer Fried Chicken.

Additional recipes

If you like chicken, try these out:

If you're looking to fry fish instead, try this recipe for fish in your air fryer.

What to serve with Crispy Fried Chicken

Looking for some recipes to serve this chicken with? Try these out:

Notes on Air Fryer Fried Chicken

  • I do not recommend overlapping the chicken pieces in this recipe. It’s best to have the chicken spaces in a single layer and not touching. That way the air can get around the chicken to crisp it up and give it that nice and crispy golden layer.   
  • Remember to spray lightly with oil. The purpose of the oil in this recipe is to cover the dried flour spots. Not spraying with oil will have those flour spots tasting like you would imagine they would, dry flour. I use either canola or vegetable oil for my air-fried chicken.
  • Some breading will fall off, whether you use the liners or not. However, much less breading falls off when using parchment liners.
  • If using parchment liners, make sure that you place the chicken on top of them before starting the Air Fryer. Not doing so will cause the liners to fly into the fan, get caught, and possibly start a fire.
  • Timing will vary depending on the Air Fryer brand. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has at least reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. My chicken usually reaches 180 degrees or more and is still juicy and deliciously crisp.  
  • This chicken is best served on the same day. If reheating, place chicken in Air Fryer and cook at 370 for about 10 minutes.
  • Use any part of the chicken you like that has skin on. The breading may not stick to skinless chicken and it may not be as crispy.  

Pin Air Fryer Fried Chicken for Later

pin image of air fryer fried chicken with chicken pieces in air fryer basket

Watch me make this chicken from start to finish.

Air Fryer Fried Chicken Video

How to store leftover fried chicken

To refrigerate: Keep any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To heat up the next day warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 400F until warmed through. Leftovers also make a great addition to salads and sandwiches the next day.

To freeze: Once cooked and cooled, place any pieces of leftover chicken into an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. As the chicken is already cooked it can be reheated from frozen in a preheated oven at 350F. When ready to enjoy place the frozen chicken onto a baking sheet and place in the oven for 30-40 minutes to reheat.

FAQs:

Is it okay to put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Yes, absolutely, just ensure you cook it until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make my breading stick to fried chicken?

The pieces of chicken are marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce. When ready to cook lift a piece of chicken and shake it gently to remove any excess marinade. This marinade will help the breading mixture to stick to the chicken.

Good substitutes for buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk in the fridge don't worry, there are a few good substitutes for buttermilk. Try adding a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk; alternatively, mix 1 ¾ teaspoons of cream of tartar to a cup of milk; or mix some sour cream or plain yogurt with a little milk or water to thin it down a little.

How to make Air Fryer Fried Chicken crispy?

Once the chicken is coated in the breading place the pieces into the Air Fryer in a single layer, allowing space between each piece of chicken for the air to circulate. Do not be tempted to overcrowd the basket or the chicken won't crisp up. Next set the Air Fryer to a hot 390 degrees Fahrenheit so the chicken cooks fast and high. Finally, I like the flip the chicken over halfway through, this also allows me to spray any flour spots with a little extra oil so the coating crisps up nicely.

The best oil to use for Air Fryer Fried Chicken?

I like to use Canola oil or vegetable oil as it has a higher smoke point which is ideal for frying chicken. Don't be tempted to use olive oil as it has a lower smoke point and is likely to burn.

Can I use boneless chicken?

Your chicken will not crisp up if using boneless chicken. I recommend using skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces.

What if my breading doesn't stick?

You can place your chicken pieces in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after breading, and before air frying. This will help if you have trouble with the breading staying on.

If you have tried my Air Fryer Fried Chicken or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

air fried chicken in air fryer basket
Print Recipe
4.78 from 175 votes

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

This Air Fryer fried chicken is a healthier and easier version of traditional fried chicken. Soaked in buttermilk and hot sauce, covered in seasoned flour, and air fried to perfection.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Marinade1 hour
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer chicken breast, air fryer fried chicken
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 318kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

Marinade

  • ½ whole chicken cut into separate pieces (breast, thigh, wing, and leg)
  • ½ cup hot sauce
  • ½ cup buttermilk

Seasoning

  • ¾ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoon seasoning salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Oil for spraying Canola or Vegetable

Instructions

  • Place chicken pieces in buttermilk and hot sauce. Place in refrigerator and allow to marinate anytime from 1-24 hours.
  • Whisk together all-purpose flour, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Place a parchment liner in the Air Fryer basket.
  • Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and place in the flour mixture, coating all sides of the chicken and shaking off any excess flour. Place the chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer.
  • Close the Air Fryer basket and set temperature to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and timer to 25 minutes. Start the Air Fryer.
  • After 13 minutes, open the air fryer and spray any flour spots on the chicken. Flip the chicken and spray the other side with oil, ensuring all the flour spots are covered. Close the Air fryer and cook for 12 more minutes.
  • Once the timer is up, open the Air Fryer and check chicken pieces with a quick read thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees at the thickest part of the chicken.

Video

Notes

  • I do not recommend overlapping the chicken pieces in this recipe. It’s best to have the chicken spaces in a single layer and not touching. That way the air can get around the chicken to crisp it up and give it that nice and crispy golden layer.  
  • Remember to spray lightly with oil. The purpose of the oil in this recipe is to cover the dried flour spots. Not spraying with oil will have those flour spots tasting like you would imagine they would, dry flour.
  • Some breading will fall of, whether you use the liners or not. However, much less breading falls of when using the parchment liners.
  • If using parchment liners, make sure that you place the chicken on top of them before starting the Air Fryer. Not doing so will cause the liners to fly into the fan, get caught, and possibly start a fire.
  • Timing will vary depending on Air Fryer brand. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has  at least reached a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. My chicken usually reaches 180 degrees or more and is still juicy and deliciousy crsip.  
  • This chicken is best serve the same day. If reheating, place chicken in Air Fryer and cook on 370 for about 10 minutes.
  • Use any part of the chicken you like that has skin on. The breading may not stick to skinless chicken and it may not be as crispy. 
  • I use Texas Pete hot sauce in this recipe. If you are sensitive to heat or use a spicier brand, reduce the amount of hot sauce.  
Suggested Tools for Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 2055mg | Potassium: 297mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 325IU | Vitamin C: 23.9mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2.3mg

This post was originally published on March 5, 2019. It has been updated with additional helpful tips.

Homemade Jamaican Ginger Beer

by 2 Comments

This Traditional Jamaican Ginger Beer recipe is an old family recipe that is simple to make. Serve over ice for a great tasting island drink.

Two glasses decorated with slices of fresh lime filled with Jamaican ginger beer and a pitcher of Jamaican ginger beer set alongside

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Homemade Jamaican ginger beer tastes superior to any store bought alternative. This is a refreshing drink, and once you've tried this recipe you won't buy store bought ginger beer again. As it is so easy to make, a jug of this Classic Jamaican ginger beer is perfect to serve at holiday get togethers with family and friends.

This homemade version is non-carbonated, non-alcoholic, and only takes a few ingredients to make. The process is simple as well. Ginger root is pureed, then added to boiling water along with cloves and cream of tartar. Once cooled the liquid is sieved before fresh lime juice, sugar, and vanilla extract are added

Ginger is naturally good for you and has many health properties, including being a great boost to your immune system. So ideal to drink over the colder winter months to prevent colds and flu.

If, like me, you enjoy making your own refreshing no-alcohol drinks, why not try my Jamaican Sorrel Drink, Homemade Cranberry Lemonade, Green Sherbet Punch, or my Strawberry Basil Lemonade.

Ingredients

Jamaican ginger beer ingredients

Here is what you will need for this recipe:

  • Water
  • Ginger root, peeled and chopped
  • Whole cloves
  • Cream of tartar
  • Lime juice from fresh limes
  • Light brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

How to make Jamaican Ginger Beer

  • Bring 8 cups of water to a boil on the stove-top.
  • Meanwhile, add peeled and chopped ginger root and 2 cups of water to a blender. If you don't have a blender, grate the ginger.
  • Pulse until the ginger is finely chopped and mixed with the water. 
A white bowl of roughly chopped ginger root with whole root of ginger set alongside
A glass jar filled with blended ginger root puree
  • Add the ginger to the boiling water and stir it in.
  • Remove from the heat immediately.
  • Add the cloves and cream of tartar and cover.
  • Allow the mixture to cool. Once cool, place in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight. 
Large pot filled with Jamaican ginger beer
  • Drain the ginger mixture and place the liquid into a large pitcher.
  • In a separate container, add the freshly squeezed lime juice and whisk in the brown sugar. This will allow the sugar to dissolve easily in the drink, similar to this Jamaican Lemonade.
Cooked Jamaican ginger beer being sieved into a large measuring jug
Glass measuring jug filled with lime juice, brown sugar and a balloon whisk
  • Add the lime and sugar mixture to the pitcher of ginger beer, along with the vanilla extract, and stir. 
  • Serve the ginger beer over ice. 
Glass pitcher filled with sieved Jamaican ginger beer

Expert Tips

These tips will help you make the best Jamaican ginger beer you've ever tasted. 

  • Peel the ginger. Leaving the skin on can result in a bitter tasting drink.
  • 1 ½ cups of brown sugar is added to the ginger beer. However, this can be adjusted up or down, depending on taste. If you like it a little sweeter add more sugar, less sweet then add less sugar. You can also use honey in place of the sugar or granulated sugar.
  • The longer the ginger beer sits, the stronger it will taste. Once made allow it to sit for at least 4 hours, but I prefer to leave it for 24 hours if time permits.
  • Serve this drink cold. It's nice and refreshing.
A glass decorate with a slice of lime being filled from a pitcher of Jamaican ginger beer

Variations 

I like this ginger beer just as it is, but here are some other options:

  • If you can find Jamaican ginger it is the best to use in this recipe as it is an aromatic and pungent ginger, superior in flavor to other ginger root. Otherwise use the ginger root you can find in-store.
  • If you don't have limes, lemon would be a good swap, although lemon is far more bitter in taste so you might have to adjust the sugar.
  • Strictly for the over 21 audience only, this ginger beer poured over ice with a shot of rum makes a delicious drink. Or add the drink to your favorite cocktail.
Two glasses decorated with slices of fresh lime filled with Jamaican ginger beer and a pitcher of Jamaican ginger beer set alongside

FAQs:

How long can you store Jamaican ginger beer?

Store the ginger beer in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Why is cream of tartar added to ginger beer?

Ginger beer is typically fermented, which is why the cream of tartar is added, it stops the sugar from crystallizing. It deepens the flavor of ginger beer as well. 

Is Jamaican ginger beer healthy?

This ginger beer is packed full of ginger root which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger also helps boost the immune system, helping to prevent colds and flu.

Does ginger beer settle the stomach?

This natural ginger beer is ideal as ginger root aids the digestive process so is good for your gut health too. It helps to settle the stomach, combating any nausea or ill effects from over eating.

If you have tried this Jamaican Ginger Beer recipe, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

A glass decorate with a slice of lime being filled from a pitcher of Jamaican ginger beer
Print Recipe
5 from 5 votes

Homemade Jamaican Ginger Beer

This Traditional Jamaican Ginger Beer recipe is an old family recipe that is simple to make. Ginger root is pureed, then added to boiling water along with cloves and cream of tartar. Once cooled the liquid is sieved before fresh lime juice, sugar and vanilla extract are added. Serve over ice for a great tasting soft drink.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Resting time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Caribbean, Jamaican
Keyword: Best Jamaican ginger beer, Classic Jamaican ginger beer, Jamaican ginger beer, Traditional Jamaican ginger beer
Servings: 10
Calories: 168kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 10 cups water separated - 8 cups and 2 cups
  • 1 lb ginger root peeled and chopped
  • 6 whole cloves
  • ½ tablespoon cream of tartar
  • ½ cup lime juice from fresh limes
  • 1 ½ cups light brown sugar add more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Bring 8 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Meanwhile, add ginger root and 2 cups of water to a blender. Pulse until the ginger is finely chopped and mixed with the water.
  • Add the ginger to the boiling water and stir it in. Remove from heat immediately. Add the cloves and cream of tartar and cover. Allow the mixture to cool. Place in the refrigerator for at least four hours, or overnight.
  • Drain the ginger mixture and place the liquid into a large pitcher. In a separate container, add the freshly squeezed lime juice and whisk in the brown sugar. Add this to the pitcher of ginger beer, along with the vanilla extract, and stir.
  • Serve the ginger beer over ice.

Notes

  • Store the ginger beer in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. 
  • Ginger beer is typically fermented, which is why the cream of tartar is added. It deepens the flavor of ginger beer as well. 
  • The longer the ginger beer sits, the stronger it will taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 28mg | Potassium: 370mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 6IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

11 Mouthwatering Sweet Potato Recipes

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Torn between what sweet potato recipe to make on the big day? This delicious list gives you both mouthwatering sweet and savory sweet potato recipes to choose from.

Whether you're baking, using an air fryer, or the stove top we've got you covered. Don't break a sweat trying to get delicious dishes on the table for your family and friends. Many of these recipes you can prepare or make the day before, providing less stress on Thanksgiving Day.

Want a couple of dishes for your holiday table? Share these recipes with your family and ask that they prepare one to share. After tasting any of these tasty dishes they'll be making them for their own families and holiday gatherings.

grid of sweet potato recipes

11 Mouthwatering Sweet Potato Recipes

Dive into these delicious and memorable sweet potato dishes, they'll fill your table with warm and hearty flavors your family will love.

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

These Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes are covered in delicious syrupy goodness and will melt in your mouth with each and every bite. It’s the perfect side dish for every table. 
Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is the perfect fall and Thanksgiving dessert to make and share with family and friends. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect make-ahead sweet treat!

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Purple Sweet Potato Pie

Visually stunning and just as delicious. This Purple Sweet Potato Pie is going to be a showstopper dessert this Thanksgiving.

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole

Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole is a delicious dish made with creamy sweet potato filling and topped with an oat and brown sugar mixture. This dish is perfect for Sunday dinner or as a side with a beautifully roasted turkey.  

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey Butter

These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Top them with a delicious hot honey butter for the perfect side dish.
Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Jamaican Inspired Sweet Potato Pudding

This Sweet Potato Pudding is inspired by a Jamaican recipe I grew up eating. Sweet potato, coconut milk, and fragrant spices make this the perfect pudding for any occasion.
Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Sweet Potato & Black Bean Nachos

These Sweet Potato and Black Bean Nachos are delicious and healthy. This delicious spin on nachos is a real treat.

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Sweet or Savory)

These mashed sweet potatoes are a deliciously creamy and filling side dish. Make them sweet or savory and enjoy them as part of your favorite meal. 

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Sweet Potato Bundt Cake

Topped with a cream cheese glaze, this sweet potato bundt cake is perfectly spiced and deliciously sweet. Simple to make, it’s a great addition for your Thanksgiving menu with it’s wonderful warming flavors.

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is a warm and comforting dish made with sweet potatoes, red onions, bacon, cranberries, feta cheese, and drizzled with a creamy honey mustard dressing. It’s ready to eat in just 25 minutes and is the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or to serve at a party.    

Photo Credit: www.myforkinglife.com

Golden Sweet Potato Cornbread

My Sweet Potato Cornbread recipe combines a traditional cornbread recipe with some mashed sweet potato, ground cinnamon, and sweet brown sugar, for a deliciously moist and tender bread full of the flavors of Fall.

What is the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes?

Boiling sweet potatoes for 20 minutes is the healthiest way to cook and consume sweet potatoes, as the beta-carotene contained in the sweet potato is more dense and easily absorbed.

What do sweet potatoes pair well with?

Sweet potatoes can be served and enjoyed with nearly all vegetables, fish, or other meats. Sweet potatoes like regular potatoes truly can be paired with almost anything.

Should you peel a sweet potato before cooking it?

Peeling a sweet potato is totally up to you! The peel is completely edible and tasty. Not only tasty, but they contain fiber and antioxidants.

Is it better to boil or roast sweet potatoes?

If you prefer a sweeter sweet potato I'd suggest roasting. Roasting a sweet potato helps to caramelize the sugars, making it sweeter. For a milder sweet potato, and to retain the most nutrients boiling is the way to go.

Southern Sweet Potato Pie Recipe

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This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is the perfect fall and Thanksgiving dessert to make and share with family and friends. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it's the perfect make-ahead sweet treat!

southern sweet potato pie on white plate with pie in background

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I love the flavors of fall, lots of warming spices come into play and my thoughts always turn to delicious sweet pies. A traditional Southern sweet potato pie is one of my favorite fall desserts.

The sweet potato filling in this easy sweet potato pie is silky smooth. When it's topped with some whipped cream I'm in heaven! You can make your own pastry crust, but if pushed for time a store bought pastry crust will work just fine.

It's one of my preferred Holiday pies and lucky for me, my kids love it too. So I always end up making this pie most often around the Holidays. This has become my best sweet potato pie recipe and is enjoyed by everyone I serve it up to.

This is a great pie to serve up for Thanksgiving or Christmas along with my Simple Pumpkin Cake! However, it also makes a great weekend treat any weekend during fall, with my family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • Sweet potatoes - I prefer to use baked sweet potatoes in the skin and then peel them for this recipe, as they provide a creamier texture and richer flavor. Some have boiled sweet potatoes and had great results, but I find baking enhances the overall quality of the dish.
  • Butter - adds richness and flavor to the pie. I use unsalted butter.
  • Light brown sugar - this adds an incredible depth of flavor to this pie.
  • Large Eggs, Evaporated Milk, and Vanilla Extract
  • Spices - Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt

How To Make Southern Sweet Potato Pie

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Mash cooked sweet potatoes in a bowl.

TOP TIP: I like to either bake my sweet potatoes in the air fryer or microwave them for 8-10 minutes. I never boil them.

The mashed sweet potatoes in a bowl

Add remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined.

Whisking together the ingredients for the filling

Pour in prepared pie crust. You can see my crust broke a little, lol. It was still mighty good though.

The pie filling in the crust

Bake for 40-45 minutes until pie is set in the middle.

The baked sweet potato pie

Can you make Sweet Potato Pie ahead of time?

Yes! This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can make sweet potato pie ahead of time to save oven space on holidays. In fact, you want to let the pie sit for at least an hour before serving it. Once the pie has cooled to room temperature, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil, and it will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze Sweet Potato Pie?

If you are super organized and planning ahead, then you can freeze the pie. It's best to freeze the pie before you bake it or it can become soggy once thawed.

Place the filling in the crust and then wrap securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Defrost the pie in the fridge overnight before baking. The pie will keep well frozen for up to 3 months.

A slice of southern sweet potato pie served on a white plate

Tips for Choosing the Best Sweet Potatoes

For the perfect sweet potato pie, select firm, bruise-free sweet potatoes with smooth skin and deep orange flesh. Medium-sized potatoes work best for a rich, creamy filling.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • Take the butter out of the fridge 30 minutes before you plan to bake. This allows the butter to soften, making it easier to incorporate into the other ingredients.
  • Sweet potato pie is best when it has cooled, so wait to serve it.
  • The best sweet potato pie is made at least a day ahead and chilled. Remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Don't boil the sweet potatoes or they will take on too much liquid and the filling will be soggy.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

If you're looking for more delicious sweet potato recipes, try my candied sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes recipes.

Watch this video tutorial and see how I make this sweet potato pie from start to finish.

FAQs:

What's the difference between sweet potato pie and pumpkin pie?

The flavors in both of these traditional Thanksgiving pies are similar, but sweet potato pie is less dense and more light and airy. It's sweeter and more creamy and I find it much richer in flavor.

How do you know when sweet potato pie is done?

The pie is cooked when the pie filling has set and is no longer liquid. You can check but inserting a toothpick into the filling, if cooked it will come out clean.

How do I get the strings out of sweet potato pie?

Whether or not you have strings in your sweet potatoes will depend on the growing conditions of your sweet potatoes. If the soil is too fertile, you'll get stringy sweet potatoes. Try to purchase short plump sweet potatoes to avoid stringiness. If you need to get rid of strings, pulse the sweet potatoes in a food processor after baking them.

If you have tried to make this delicious Southern Sweet Potato Pie, or any other recipe on my blog, then please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

sweet potato pie on a plate
Print Recipe
4.75 from 98 votes

Southern Sweet Potato Pie

This Southern Sweet Potato Pie is the perfect fall and Thanksgiving dessert to make and share with family and friends. Easy to make with simple ingredients, it's the perfect make ahead sweet treat!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: southern sweet potato pie, sweet potato pie recipe, thanksgiving pies
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 340kcal
Author: Tanya

Ingredients

  • 9- inch pie crust store-bought or homemade
  • 1.5 lbs sweet potato about 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • ¼ cup butter softened
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Bake or microwave the sweet potatoes:

  • Air fryer - 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35-40 minutes.
  • Oven - 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-50 minutes.
  • Microwave - prick potatoes all over, microwave for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

Make the pie

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Peel the sweet potatoes and mash them in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until smooth and combined. Pour in prepared pie pan.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until pie is set in the middle. Remove and allow to cool for at least 1 hour.

Video

Notes

  • Prepare pie crust according to your recipe or package directions.
  • Sweet Potato Pie is best when it has cooled, so wait to serve it.
  • The best sweet potato pie is made at least a day ahead and chilled. Remove from the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Don't boil the sweet potatoes or they will take on too much liquid and the filling will be soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 295mg | Potassium: 398mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 12341IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 98mg | Iron: 1mg

This post was originally published on 8/17/2020. It has been updated with additional helpful tips.

Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

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A spatchcocked turkey roasts in less than 2 hours and has wonderfully juicy meat and crispy skin. Level up your Thanksgiving game with a beautifully presented spatchcock turkey recipe.

baked spatchcocked turkey in a serving dish

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the 
recipe card at the bottom of the post. 
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

Don't be intimidated by spatchcocking a turkey, it's easy and worth every minute. Turn the traditional Thanksgiving turkey into an even more delicious turkey with every inch covered in browned crispy skin. Cook a whole turkey in half of the time!

Serve a roast spatchcock turkey with some of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, Southern Green Beans, Southern Style Sweet Potato Casserole, and Soft Air Fryer Dinner Rolls. Your Thanksgiving table is sure to stand out this year and impress your guests.

If you like this turkey recipe, you'll love this air fryer spatchcock chicken recipe.

turkey slices on a plate

Ingredients Needed For Spatchcock Turkey

  • Turkey: Spatchcocked, you can do this yourself or your local butcher can do it for you. Check out my How to Spatchcock a Chicken (Video) for help spatchcocking a turkey, it's the same process just on a bigger bird.
  • Olive Oil
  • Seasonings: Kosher salt, Poultry seasoning, Garlic seasoning, and Black pepper
spatchcock turkey ingredients

Tools you'll need for this recipe:

  • Large rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan
  • Sharp kitchen shears
  • Meat cleaver
  • Meat thermometer
  • Cutting board
  • Paring knife

How to Cook a Spatchcocked Turkey

Place turkey on a large baking sheet. Season the spatchcocked turkey with olive oil, Kosher salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings all over the turkey, including under the skin.

turkey being seasoned with season mixture

Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 24 hours. This is known as dry brining the turkey and results in a flavorful and juicy bird.

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to roasting. Use paper towels and blot off any excess moisture on the turkey.

Patting the chilled turkey dry with a paper towel

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers at 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the butterflied turkey from the oven. Allow resting for 15-20 minutes before carving.

spatchcocked turkey after being oven roasted on a baking sheet

How to Spatchcock a Turkey

  • To Spatchcock a turkey, you’ll need to place the turkey breast side down with legs toward you.
  • Use sharp poultry shears and cut along the backbone to remove it. You’ll end up cutting through the rib bones. Since a turkey is a much larger bird than a chicken, this process may take extra effort. Alternatively, your local butcher may spatchcock your turkey for you upon request.
  • Slit the white cartilage that’s in the middle of the breast.
  • Turn the turkey over and use two hands to pull the breast and wings upward while pushing the middle of the breast down, until it lays flat.
  • Remove any excess fat from the turkey.

For a more detailed explanation of spatchcocking a turkey, or a chicken visit the How to Spatchcock a Chicken video.

The Benefit of a Spatchcocked Turkey

While roasting a whole turkey is also delicious, a roasted spatchcock turkey will create an evenly cooked turkey all over. Every bite of white or dark meat will be tender and perfectly juicy.

Allowing the turkey to lay flat provides a larger surface area for roasting, which cuts the cooking time down considerably.

baked spatchcocked turkey in a serving dish

Gravy Made From Turkey Drippings

Don't toss out those delicious golden pan drippings. Pour those flavorful juices into a saucepan or skillet to make tasty homemade turkey gravy. The amount of pan drippings will depend on the size of the turkey roasted.

Check out my easy guide on How to Make Gravy From Drippings.

How Long Do You Cook A Spatchcock Turkey Per Pound?

Even though you have butterflied your turkey, the cooking time will vary depending on how large your turkey is. 6-8 minutes per pound is ideal.

10-pound turkey: 60 - 80 minutes

15-pound turkey: 90-120 minutes

20-pound turkey: 120-160 minutes

You'll need an extra large baking sheet for roasting a 20-pound turkey.

Notes

  • I spatchcock a turkey the same way I spatchcock a chicken. You may need a meat cleaver to cut through large bones.
  • You can make turkey broth with the backbone removed from the turkey.
  • The turkey should be at room temperature before placing it in the oven. I like to take it out of the fridge about half an hour before I roast it.
  • Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving so that the juices redistribute.

Looking for more Turkey recipes? Try these out:

 If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

baked spatchcocked turkey in a serving dish
Print Recipe
5 from 3 votes

Spatchcock Turkey Recipe

A spatchcocked turkey roasts in less than 2 hours and has wonderfully juicy meat and crispy skin. Level up your Thanksgiving game with a beautifully presented spatchcocked turkey.
Prep Time1 day
Cook Time1 hour 35 minutes
Resting Time15 minutes
Total Time1 day 1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: spatchcock turkey
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 497kcal
Author: Tanya

Equipment

  • meat cleaver
  • Kitchen sheers
  • Cutting Board
  • meat thermometer

Ingredients

  • 12-14 pound Turkey Spatchcocked
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • 2 ½ tablespoons Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Poultry seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Black pepper

Instructions

  • Place the spatchcocked turkey on a large baking sheet. Season the spatchcocked turkey with olive oil, Kosher salt, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Rub the seasonings all over the turkey, including under the skin.
  • Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 24 hours.
  • Remove the turkey from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to roasting. Use a paper towel and blot off any excess moisture on the turkey.
  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Place the turkey in the oven and roast for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, reduce the heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a quick read thermometer in the thigh registers at 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the turkey from the oven. Allow resting for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Notes

  • I spatchcock a turkey the same way I spatchcock a chicken. You may need a meat cleaver to cut through large bones.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 232mg | Sodium: 1815mg | Potassium: 733mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 190IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 3mg