This smoked turkey recipe is the perfect turkey to serve on Thanksgiving or other special occasions. The turkey is delicious and tender, and the whole bird tastes like it came from an upscale restaurant. I can guarantee this smoked turkey will take your holiday meal to the next level!.
On Thanksgiving, nothing is better than a turkey cooked at home. This smoked turkey recipe will help you make the best smoked turkey ever! Don’t be scared of this recipe. Smoking a turkey can be just as easy as cooking it in your kitchen.
No matter what kind of grill you have outside, you can smoke a turkey at home. In fact, our very first smoked turkey was cooked on our old gas grill. It is still one of the best smoked turkeys I’ve ever had (you never forget your first!)
I like using my Camp Chef SmokePro pellet smoker more these days because it keeps the smoke and temperature stable, so I don’t have to do as much monitoring. That being said, you can use any kind of smoker you have to make this smoked turkey. The most important thing is to use a grill that can cook food indirectly, keep the temperature stable, and add wood smoke.
The post below is loaded with lots of information to help you get the best smoked turkey around. Please take the time to read through the entire post before you smoke your first bird. Following all the recommendations below will help you avoid any pitfalls on the big day.
One of the best ways to cook turkey is in a pellet grill. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the moist, tender poultry But navigating the right temperature for properly smoking a turkey on a pellet grill can be tricky. You want thoroughly cooked meat without drying it out Finding that ideal temperature sweet spot is key.
Through plenty of pellet grilling experience, I’ve dialed in the perfect temperature setting for smoking turkey. Follow these recommendations and you’ll have juicy, smoky turkey success every time.
Why Use a Pellet Grill for Turkey?
Cooking turkey on a pellet grill has several big advantages over roasting in the oven:
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Infuses smoky flavor – The wood pellets impart a subtle, irresistible smokiness as the turkey cooks.
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Promotes even cooking – The consistent temperature of a pellet grill prevents overcooking.
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Keeps turkey moist – Low and slow smoking locks in moisture
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Adds grill marks – Quickly searing at the end gives nice charring.
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Hands-off control – Set the digital controller and it holds the temp for you.
So if you want tender, foolproof turkey with bonus smoky flavor, a pellet grill is definitely the way to go.
What is the Ideal Smoking Temperature?
When smoking turkey in a pellet grill, temperature control is critical. Here are some key guidelines:
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Start low – Around 225-250°F lets smoke fully penetrate for rich flavor.
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Finish hot – Bump up to 350°F at the end to crisp the skin nicely.
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Moderate works well – A consistent 240°F gives great results without excess time.
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Don’t go under 225°F – Too low and you risk unsafe temps for too long.
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Max out at 350°F – Beyond this overcooks the breast meat quickly.
I’ve found keeping the pellet grill at a steady 240°F the whole cook gives wonderful smoky turkey without the hassle of temperature changes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Turkey at 240°F
Follow these simple steps for smoking turkey at the ideal temperature of 240°F:
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Prep the turkey – Remove giblets, rinse, dry brine, and let sit overnight in the fridge.
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Preheat grill – Ignite grill, open lid, and set temperature to 240°F. Give 15 minutes to preheat.
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Place turkey – Put turkey breast side up directly on grill grates once at temp.
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Insert probes – Use built-in or instant read thermometers in breast and thigh.
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Maintain temperature – Keep lid closed and temperature steady at 240°F for duration of cook.
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Cook to 165°F – Smoke turkey until breast and thigh both reach 165°F, around 1 hour per pound.
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Check for doneness – Verify temperature in multiple spots before removing. Juices should run clear.
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Let rest – Allow turkey to rest 15-30 minutes before carving. This lets juices redistribute.
It really is that easy! The pellet grill does all the temperature work for you at a consistent 240°F.
Pellet Grill Turkey Tips
To ensure the best results when smoking turkey at 240°F in your pellet grill, keep these tips in mind:
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Use a poultry stand for elevated cooking
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Place a drip pan underneath to catch drippings
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Keep the lid closed as much as possible
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Use wood pellets like apple, cherry, or maple
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Monitor temperatures with a wireless thermometer
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Allow 1 hour per pound, more for very large birds
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Tent turkey after smoking and let rest before slicing
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Carve carefully to maintain juiciness
Following my simple guide along with these suggestions will give you amazing smoked turkey every time.
Common Pellet Grill Turkey Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about smoking turkey on a pellet grill:
What if my grill doesn’t reach 240°F?
Set it as close as possible, at 225 or 250°F. Just maintain that temp steadily throughout cooking.
Do I need to brine the turkey first?
Brining isn’t mandatory but does make the turkey extra flavorful and moist. See my brining tips above.
Can I stuff the turkey cavity?
Yes, just be sure to factor the extra time needed to reach safe temperatures for the stuffing.
Is it ok to cook at a higher temp to speed things up?
It’s not recommended. Temps above 300°F will overcook the breast meat before the thighs are done.
What wood pellets work best?
For turkey, use fruitwood or maple pellets. Hickory and mesquite would be overpowering.
How long should I let the turkey rest before carving?
Let it rest at least 15-30 minutes tented loosely in foil to allow juices to absorb.
Can I make gravy from the drippings?
Absolutely! The juices collected in a drip pan make delicious smoky gravy.
Get Your Pellet Smoker Fired Up!
Stick with this steady, moderate temperature and your turkey will turn out perfect every time – juicy, tender and full of smoky flavor your guests will rave about.
Fuel & Wood Chips
Ensure you have plenty of propane, gas, pellets, or wood prior to smoking the turkey. You do not want to run out while you are in the middle of the smoking process.
I recommend using apple, cherry, or hickory wood chips for smoking a turkey. The light flavor from these woods won’t overpower the turkey, but they still give it a great BBQ smokey flavor.
An instant-read meat thermometer or remote meat thermometer is going to be your best friend while cooking this smoked turkey. Temperature is key when smoking a turkey, so make sure you have a good thermometer on hand to monitor the temperature of the various parts of the turkey while it is cooking.
This smoked turkey recipe can be cooked on whatever smoker you prefer. It’ll taste great cooked on a pellet grill, offset smoker, or even an electric smoker. You can use your favorite grill or even something you happen to have on hand. A pellet smoker is great and easy to use, and an offset will give you great flavor.
How Much Turkey Per Person?
A good rule of thumb is to plan on 1 to 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. Remember, you will be cooking a whole turkey with bones, skin, wings, etc. that won’t necessarily be consumed at the Thanksgiving table.
Personally, I estimate 1 1/2 pounds of turkey per person. This will ensure everybody gets enough, and you’ll have leftovers for sandwiches the next day.
How To Smoke A Turkey On A Traeger Pellet Grill – FULL STEP-BY-STEP
FAQ
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
What is the best temperature to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill?
How long to smoke a 13 lb turkey at 250 degrees?
How long should I smoke turkey at 350?
How do you smoke a Turkey on a pellet grill?
Then follow these simple steps for smoking your turkey on your pellet grill. Remove the giblets and place your turkey in a brining bag. In a separate container, mix 1 cup of salt with 4 quarts of water. Pour this mixture over the turkey and seal the bag. Make sure to read the label of your turkey to see if it has been pre-brined already.
What temperature should a smoked turkey be smoked?
For the best smoked turkey, we recommend smoking it at 225°F. We then crank this to 350°F at the end so you get the crispiest skin. How long does it take to smoke a turkey? For this smoked turkey recipe, we’re smoking according to temperature, not time. This is because the cook time can vary depending on both the turkey size and the grill type.
How do you cook a turkey breast on a pellet grill?
Slide a meat thermometer or digital temperature probe into the thickest part of a turkey breast. For a juicy turkey, shoot for 160°F. The internal temperature of the dark meat (leg or thigh) will read 170°F when it’s fully cooked. Once it’s done, remove the turkey from your pellet grill. It will have beautiful mahogany skin. Feast.
Can you cook a whole Turkey on a pellet grill?
Smoking the perfect whole turkey on a pellet grill is easy if you follow my instructions: cook it at the right temperature (325°F), pick the right pellets (apple, pecan, and hickory are my favorites), and remove it when the breast reads 160°F internal temperature.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey on a pellet smoker?
This is because the cook time can vary depending on both the turkey size and the grill type. So we recommend using a good thermometer and taking the turkey off the pellet smoker once the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. But at 225 degrees, the general rule is that it takes about 30 minutes to smoke per pound of turkey.
How do you smoke a whole turkey?
For smoking a whole turkey, you will need a smoker that can maintain a temperature of 225 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours. If you are using a pellet smoker, set the temperature to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and add a handful of wood pellets to the firepot.