How Long Does It Take to Smoke a Turkey Breast in a Kamado Joe?

Smoking a juicy, flavorful turkey breast in a Kamado Joe ceramic grill is a fantastic way to prepare this lean and tasty meat. With the right technique, smoked turkey breast can come out moist, smoky, and delicious. But how long does it actually take to smoke a turkey breast in a Kamado Joe?

The total smoking time for a turkey breast in a Kamado Joe largely depends on two factors:

• The size and weight of the turkey breast
• The temperature at which you smoke it

By understanding these two elements, you can accurately estimate the total time needed to perfectly smoke a turkey breast in your Kamado Joe.

Factors That Determine Smoking Time

Turkey Breast Size

Larger, heavier turkey breasts will obviously take longer to smoke than smaller, lighter ones. A good rule of thumb is to estimate 12 minutes per pound for the total smoking time.

For example, a 5 lb turkey breast will take approximately 60 minutes to smoke, while a 10 lb breast will need about 2 hours. Make sure to weigh your turkey breast on a kitchen scale before smoking to determine the total weight.

Smoking Temperature

The target temperature you smoke the turkey breast at is also a key factor. While higher heat will speed things up it can also cause the delicate breast meat to dry out.

For turkey breast, a smoking temperature between 225°F to 275°F is recommended. This allows the meat to cook gently while absorbing tons of delicious smoke flavor

Using a temperature around 350°F will cut the cooking time, but requires close monitoring to avoid overcooking. For best results, use a digital thermometer with a probe to monitor the smoker and turkey temperatures.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking a Turkey Breast

Here is a simple step-by-step overview of how to smoke a juicy turkey breast using a Kamado Joe:

1. Prepare the Turkey Breast

• Thaw breast completely if frozen
• Remove giblets and neck from cavity
• Trim away excess skin and fat
• Rub breast all over with olive oil, then seasoning
• Insert temperature probe into thickest part of breast

2. Set Up the Kamado Joe

• Fill charcoal basket 3/4 full with lump charcoal
• Open top and bottom vents fully to start airflow
• Light charcoal and leave lid open until coals are lit and glowing red
• Add your favorite smoking wood like hickory, cherry, apple, etc.

3. Maintain Proper Smoking Temperature

• Once coals are ready, close the lid to allow temperature to rise
• Open top vent half-way and adjust bottom vent to maintain 235°F to 275°F

4. Add Turkey Breast and Smoke

• Place seasoned turkey breast on middle grate, over drip pan
• Close lid and smoke breast for estimated time based on weight
• Monitor temperature, adjust vents to maintain proper heat
• Flip breast halfway through for even cooking

5. Check for Doneness

• Use instant read thermometer to check breast temperature
• Turkey is done when breast reaches 165°F

6. Let Turkey Breast Rest

• Remove turkey from smoker once done and loosely tent with foil
• Allow to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving

The resting time is very important, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum moistness and flavor. Now slice, serve, and enjoy your perfectly smoked turkey breast!

Tips for Delicious Smoked Turkey Breast

Here are some handy tips and advice for smoking flavorful, juicy turkey breast in your Kamado Joe:

• Brine the breast first for extra moisture and taste. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge breast for 4-12 hours.

• Use a meat injector to pump brine or marinade deep into the thick breast meat.

• Dry brining is an easy alternative. Simply rub breast all over with salt and rest overnight.

• Opt for bone-in breast for better flavor and moisture retention. Plan for slightly longer cooking time.

• Cut shallow slashes across the breast before rubbing on spices to help them penetrate.

• Separate the skin from meat and slide flavorings underneath for maximum flavor impact.

• Try different woods like apple, pecan, mesquite to layer the smoke taste.

• Use a turkey breast shield to ensure the delicate white meat stays tender and juicy.

• Monitor with a remote thermometer so you don’t need to open the lid and lose heat/smoke.

• Let breast rest tented in foil 20 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

Estimating Total Smoking Times

To estimate the total smoking time, simply multiply the weight of your turkey breast in pounds by 12 minutes.

For example:

• 2 lb breast x 12 minutes/lb = 24 minutes total smoking time
• 5 lb breast x 12 minutes/lb = 60 minutes total smoking time
• 10 lb breast x 12 minutes/lb = 120 minutes (2 hours) total smoking time

These time estimates assume you are smoking the turkey breast around 250°F. Cooking at higher temperatures will reduce the time needed, but also increases risk of drying out the lean meat.

Always use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, as turkey breasts often cook unevenly. Remove from smoker when thickest part of breast reaches 165°F.

Let rest tented in foil for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving for maximum juiciness. Properly smoked turkey breast is fantastic on sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza and more! Enjoy your smoked turkey feasts with the Kamado Joe.