How Long to Smoke a Juicy Turkey Breast on a Pellet Grill

Smoking a turkey breast on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy delicious, smoke-infused turkey without cooking a whole bird. When done right, the turkey breast comes out incredibly moist, tender and packed with flavor. While smoking times vary based on the size of the turkey breast, you can expect it to take 2-5 hours on most pellet grills. Follow these tips for foolproof results every time.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

The first step is selecting the right turkey breast to smoke. For even cooking and moisture retention smaller turkey breasts work best on a pellet grill. Larger turkey breasts can end up overcooked and dried out before the interior is fully cooked.

Bone-in turkey breasts are a good option as the bone helps retain moisture during the smoking process You can also find double turkey breasts still attached to the breastbone if cooking for a crowd, Avoid pre-brined or “enhanced” turkey breasts and opt for raw turkey breast you can brine and season yourself,

Preparing the Turkey Breast

To ensure a moist, flavorful smoked turkey breast, it’s best to brine the meat before smoking. A simple brine of 1 cup salt per gallon of water works well. You can also add aromatics like garlic, onions, apples or maple syrup. Submerge the breast in the brine for 8-12 hours in the refrigerator.

After brining, rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry. Apply a dry rub for added flavor and texture. Use a sweet rub or poultry seasoning blend. Let the breast sit at room temperature while you preheat the grill to help it cook evenly.

Setting Up the Pellet Grill

Preheating is key for proper smoke absorption. Heat your pellet grill to 225-250°F using apple, cherry or maple wood pellets which complement poultry well. Allow 20-30 minutes for thorough preheating before adding food.

Once preheated, add more pellets to the hopper to generate smoke. Give the grill 5-10 minutes for smoke to build up before putting the turkey on.

Smoking Times Based on Turkey Breast Size

• 1-2 lb breast: 1.5 – 2 hours
• 3-4 lb breast: 2.5 – 3 hours
• 5-6 lb breast: 3 – 4 hours
• 7-8 lb breast: 3.5 – 5 hours

For bone-in breasts, expect the times to be slightly longer. Use a meat thermometer and aim for 165°F internal temperature rather than relying solely on time.

Step-by-Step Smoking Method

Follow these simple steps for foolproof smoked turkey breast:

1. Place the turkey breast directly on the grill grates, skin-side up.

2. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone.

3. Close the grill lid immediately to trap smoke.

4. Maintain a steady temperature of 225-250°F.

5. Monitor the thermometer, spritzing with broth every 45-60 minutes.

6. Remove the breast at 160°F and tent with foil to rest for 20 minutes.

7. Slice and serve warm after the temperature rises to 165°F.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Flavor

• Brining is highly recommended to infuse moisture and seasoning.

• Apply a dry rub pre-smoking to form a tasty, caramelized bark.

• Try marinating for up to 24 hours before smoking for bold flavor.

• Use milder fruitwoods like apple and cherry rather than strong hickory or mesquite.

• Avoid peeking at the breast too frequently as this causes smoke and heat loss.

• Always let the breast rest 15-20 minutes post-smoking to redistribute juices.

Serving Up Smoked Turkey Breast

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving smoked turkey breast. Slice it for sandwiches or wraps, dice it up in salads, soups or casseroles, or enjoy it on its own with classic BBQ sides. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for 4-5 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

With minimal hands-on time, smoking turkey breast on a pellet grill rewards you with incredible texture and wood-fired flavor. Follow these guidelines for smoking times based on weight, and you’ll have tender, juicy meat anytime. Brining, seasoning and resting are key steps as well for the best smoked turkey breast ever.