This Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe is incredibly flavorful, juicy and so moist! Learn how to make the best whole smoked turkey recipe that you are going to want to make year after year! We also have a turkey brine recipe, turkey dry rub and gravy for you to use as well – get this on your Thanksgiving menu now!
Smoking a turkey is a great way to add delicious smoky flavor to your holiday bird However, with a large 14 lb turkey, getting it perfectly cooked through without drying out the breast meat can be tricky. In this article, I’ll provide a detailed guide on exactly how long you need to smoke a 14 lb turkey to achieve the ideal texture – moist, tender meat with crispy skin
Overview of Smoking Times for a 14 lb Turkey
As a general guideline, you’ll want to smoke a turkey for around 15 minutes per pound at a temperature between 225-250°F. This means a 14 lb turkey will take approximately 3.5 to 4 hours to smoke completely. Some experts even recommend planning for up to 1 hour per pound which would mean smoking the 14 lb turkey for 14 hours. While that produces incredibly tender meat, it’s not always practical.
The most important thing is maintaining a consistent low temperature and using a meat thermometer to determine doneness rather than relying solely on time. But I’ll break down estimated times at different temperatures below as a starting point.
Approximate Smoking Times for 14 lb Turkey
- At 250°F: About 3.5 hours
- At 275°F: Approximately 3 hours
- At 300°F: Around 2.5 hours
The size, shape and even brand of your smoker can impact cooking times as well. It’s always best to use a meat thermometer and focus on the internal temperature rather than cooking times.
Step-by-Step Process for Smoking a Turkey
Follow these steps for smoking turkey success:
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Brine the Turkey – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine before smoking helps keep the meat incredibly moist and infuses tons of flavor. Make a simple brine with 1 cup kosher salt + 1 cup brown sugar per gallon of water. Submerge turkey and brine overnight.
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Prepare the Turkey – Remove turkey from brine and pat dry. Tuck wing tips under to prevent burning. Coat with olive oil and generously season inside and out with salt, pepper and other spices or herbs of your choosing.
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Preheat Smoker – With a 14 lb turkey, you’ll want to give your smoker plenty of time to reach the ideal 250°F temperature before placing the bird inside. Light your smoker according to manufacturer instructions.
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Place Turkey in Smoker – Put turkey on the middle rack of your smoker, breast side up. Use a drip pan underneath to catch juices for gravy. Maintain temperature between 225-250°F.
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Monitor Temperature – Start checking the internal temp of the breast and thighs after about 2 hours. Breast should reach 165°F and thighs 175°F. If breast is done early, tent with foil.
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Allow Turkey to Rest – When turkey is finished smoking, remove from the smoker and let rest 30 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for maximum moisture!
Smoking Times Based on Temperature
To give you an idea of what smoking times to expect, here are some estimates based on maintaining different smoker temperatures:
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250°F – Approximately 3.5 hours. This higher smoking temp helps crisp the skin nicely. Monitor temps closely to prevent drying out.
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275°F – Roughly 3 hours. Turkey will cook slightly faster at this temp.
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300°F – Around 2.5 hours. At this temp, the turkey really starts to cook more quickly. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
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325°F – About 2 – 2.25 hours. This high temp crisps the skin beautifully but watch carefully to avoid drying out breast.
Remember, these are rough estimates. Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not just smoking time.
Signs Turkey is Done Smoking
Checking the internal temperature is the most foolproof way to know your turkey is ready to come off the smoker. Use an instant read thermometer to test the thickest part of both the breast and thigh.
The breast should reach 165°F and thigh area 175°F before removing turkey from the smoker. If the breast temp goes much higher, it is likely to dry out.
Other signs your turkey is finished smoking:
- Skin is browned and crispy
- Meat feels very firm when pressed
- Drumsticks move easily
- Juices from thigh area run clean
When in doubt, go by temperature over time! And always allow turkey to rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
Tips for Moist, Flavorful Smoked Turkey
Smoking a large turkey can seem intimidating, but following these tips will help ensure moist, delicious meat:
- Brine the turkey to infuse flavor and moisture
- Maintain temperature of 225-250°F for even cooking
- Use meat thermometer to check doneness
- Smoke to 165°F in breast, 175°F in thighs
- Allow turkey to rest before carving
- Carve carefully to preserve juices
With the proper technique, your 14 lb smoked turkey will be a huge hit at your next gathering. The mesquite or applewood flavor takes simple turkey to a whole new level. Experiment with different wood chips and spice rubs until you find your favorite.
Smoked turkey also makes amazing leftovers. Enjoy it sliced for sandwiches, diced in soups and salads or casseroles, or chopped for easy turkey tetrazzini. Get ready for your new signature holiday dish!
How to Smoke a Turkey
Make up your brine and place your turkey inside (this is optional). Follow instructions in the recipe card below.
Pat turkey dry with clean paper towels.
Rub all over with softened butter – we also recommend gently lifting the skin and separating it from the breast meat – slide some butter in there too!
Season with our turkey rub OR salt and pepper.
Place on your smoker (either directly on the grill grates or in an aluminum pan) and follow the timetable in the recipe card.
Remove from smoker when fully cooked (aka when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 degrees F), baste with some extra melted butter and then let rest before carving.
Leftover Smoked Turkey Ideas
Here are a few easy and delicious leftover smoked turkey recipes that might come in handy for the days following your Thanksgiving celebration:
Store extra turkey in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
How to Smoke a Turkey Full of Flavor and Dripping with Moisture
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a 14 lb turkey?
| Weight | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 8-12 lbs. | 4-8 hrs. |
| 12-18 lbs. | 6-10 hrs. |
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
- Crispy skin: Cooking at a slightly higher temperature like 250°F promotes crispier skin on the turkey compared to 225°F where the skin might become rubbery.
- Cooking time: Smoking at 225°F will take significantly longer than at 250°F.
- Smoke flavor: If you want a more intense smoky flavor, opt for the lower temperature of 225°F.
How do you keep a turkey moist when smoking?
- Brining helps prevent the turkey from drying out
- You can use a dry brine or wet brine
- Dry brining involves rubbing the turkey with salt or a spice rub and letting it sit in the fridge
- Brining helps season the turkey evenly and thoroughly
How long does it take to smoke a 14-pound turkey on a Traeger?
How Long to Smoke a Turkey. A good rule of thumb is that smoking a turkey typically takes about 30-40 minutes per pound at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey?
A leave-in meat thermometer, wired or wireless, lets you monitor the temperature remotely without having to open the lid. Let the smoked turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute. A good rule of thumb is that smoking a turkey typically takes about 30-40 minutes per pound at a temperature of 225°F to 250°F.
Which smoking temperature is best for a 14 lb Turkey?
325°F – At the highest temperature, smoking the turkey at 325°F will cook it much more quickly. Allow only 13 minutes per pound, which results in a total cook time of about 3 hours for a 14 lb turkey. So which target smoking temperature is the best for a 14 lb turkey? Here are some factors to consider:
How long to cook a 14 lb Turkey?
Figure 25 minutes per pound, or around 5 1/2 hours for a 14 lb turkey. 325°F – At the highest temperature, smoking the turkey at 325°F will cook it much more quickly. Allow only 13 minutes per pound, which results in a total cook time of about 3 hours for a 14 lb turkey. So which target smoking temperature is the best for a 14 lb turkey?
How do you smoke a 14 lb Turkey?
With a 14 lb turkey, you’ll want to give your smoker plenty of time to reach the ideal 250°F temperature before placing the bird inside. Light your smoker according to manufacturer instructions. 4. Place Turkey in Smoker Put turkey on the middle rack of your smoker, breast side up. Use a drip pan underneath to catch juices for gravy.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey on a pellet grill?
This turkey took just over 6 hours to smoke on our pellet grill at 225*F. This is going to vary based on the weight of the turkey. The general rule is about 30 minutes per pound. What pellets should you use for a smoked turkey?
Should you smoke a Turkey?
Smoking a turkey is a delicious and flavorful way to prepare the bird for holiday gatherings or special occasions. However, it’s important to pay attention to the cooking time and temperature to ensure that the turkey is cooked to perfection.