Smoked turkey breast is a delicious, juicy way to enjoy this lean protein. Taking the time to smoke a turkey breast at home pays off in tender, succulent meat flavored with sweet, savory smoke. While excellent smoked on a charcoal or gas grill, electric smokers offer convenience and precise temperature control. If you’re new to electric smoking, you may wonder, just how long does it take to smoke a turkey breast? Read on for tips, guidelines, and timing.
Choosing the Turkey
For the best results, select a high-quality, fresh or thawed turkey breast. Boneless breasts are easiest, though bone-in will have the best flavor. Plan on about 1 pound of meat per person. Brining is optional but recommended to keep the lean meat juicy and well-seasoned. Make sure the breast is patted dry before smoking.
Prepare the Electric Smoker
Electric smokers take the guesswork out of maintaining an ideal low temperature over long cooking times. Set up your smoker with wood chips or pellets according to manufacturer’s directions. Soaking the wood first will prevent burning. Popular flavors like hickory apple pecan, cherry, and mesquite pair wonderfully with poultry. Bring the smoker up to 225-250°F. Add a water pan for extra moisture.
Determine Cook Times
Smoking times can vary based on the size and shape of the breast bone-in or boneless, and your smoker’s characteristics. Plan for approximately 45-60 minutes per pound to reach the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
For example, a 3 lb boneless, skinless breast will take 3.5-4 hours to smoke. A 5 lb bone-in breast may need up to 5-6 hours. Use an instant-read thermometer to check progress, not just time.
Additional Tips for Perfectly Smoked Turkey
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Brine turkey breasts up to 24 hours for enhanced moisture and flavor. A salt, brown sugar and herb brine is classic.
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Apply a dry rub to coat the meat. Spice blends with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and pepper add delicious flavor.
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Smoke the breast skin-side up first for better browning, then flip skin-side down to protect it.
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Spritz with apple juice or broth every 45-60 minutes to keep the meat from drying out.
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Rest smoked turkey breast 20-30 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Carve across the grain for tender, juicy slices. Serve warm, at room temp, or chilled.
Ideas for Putting Smoked Turkey to Use
A smoked turkey breast is extremely versatile. Try these tasty ways to enjoy it:
- Slice for sandwiches, subs, wraps, and salads
- Dice or shred for casseroles, soups, chilis, and tacos
- Pair with barbecue sauce for sliders or flatbreads
- Top pizza, nachos, baked potatoes, and omelets
- Mix into pasta, rice, or grain bowls
- Stuff into peppers, mushrooms, or hollowed bread
- Fold into enchiladas, lasagna, or stuffed shells
- Pile on crackers or flatbread with cheese for an appetizer
With proper preparation and timing, you can expect an electric smoker to produce tender, juicy smoked turkey breast in 4 1⁄2 – 6 hours for a 3-5 lb breast. Monitor with a meat thermometer for best results. Rest, slice, and serve this delicious smoked meat in endless easy recipes. Enjoy your beautifully flavored turkey!
Smoked Turkey Breast – Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
FAQ
Is it better to smoke a turkey breast at 225 or 250?
How do you keep a turkey breast from drying out when smoking?
How long to smoke a 7 lb turkey breast?
Do you smoke a turkey breast up or down?
How long do you smoke a turkey breast in an electric smoker?
Place the turkey breast in the smoker and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature of the breast every hour or so to make sure it is not overcooking. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy! How to Smoke a Turkey Breast in an Electric Smoker
How long do you smoke a 12 lb Turkey?
Maintain the smoker temperature at 225-250°F. Smoke the turkey for roughly 15-20 minutes per pound, until the breast reaches 165°F. Expect a 12 lb turkey to take 3-4 hours. Replenish wood chips if smoke stops billowing. Check turkey temp periodically but avoid opening the smoker door frequently. 5. Rest, Carve and Serve
How do you smoke a turkey breast in a crock pot?
Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat dry. Sprinkle the turkey breast on all sides with Sweet Rub or Turkey Rub. Smoke. Place the turkey breast on the smoker, close the lid, and smoke for approximately 3 hours or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F. Rest and enjoy.
What temperature should a turkey breast be smoked at?
Get your smoker going at 275 degrees F. You can use whatever wood you have on hand, but apple wood goes great with this turkey breast (it compliments the cider brine perfectly!). Smoke for 3 hours, or until the internal temp of the turkey breast reaches 165 degrees F with an internal thermometer. Rest and enjoy.
How do you cook a turkey breast in a vertical electric smoker?
In order to get the smoker temperature up, I use my vertical electric smoker with no water in the pan. Instead of heat energy being used to turn water into steam, it’s all available to cook that turkey breast. Set the smoker up in a wind free location. Put up a windscreen of some sort if necessary.
How do you smoke a Turkey in an electric smoker?
Carefully put the lid into position without damaging the probe lead. Continue smoking the turkey in the electric smoker until its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Turkey is safely done at 165 degrees, but the internal temperature will continue to rise a bit after removing it from the smoker.