The Best Way to Smoke a Turkey on a Pit Boss Pellet Grill

Smoking a turkey on a pellet grill results in incredibly moist tender meat infused with delicious smoky flavor. Pit Boss grills are known for their versatility and ability to perfectly smoke meat low and slow. With the right technique you can make the juiciest smoked turkey for your next holiday feast using a Pit Boss pellet grill.

In this article, I’ll walk through my proven step-by-step method for smoking turkey on a Pit Boss grill. I’ll share pellet smoker tips, temperature guidance, timing, turkey prep and more so you can master this showstopping centerpiece. Let’s get started!

Why Smoke Turkey on a Pellet Grill?

There are several benefits to using a pellet grill like Pit Boss to smoke turkey rather than oven roasting:

• Infuses smoky wood fired flavor into the meat

• Renders crispier, more flavorful skin.

• Retains more moisture for tender, juicy meat.

• Allows adding smoke flavor using different wood pellet varieties.

• Lets you relax while the grill does the work monitoring temperature.

• Frees up oven space for sides.

Pellet grills provide the perfect low and slow environment for smoking turkey. The wood pellets impart a delicate smoke flavor while the convection heat gently cooks the bird.

Tips for Smoking Turkey on a Pit Boss Grill

Follow these tips and techniques for success smoking turkey on your Pit Boss:

• Choose the right size turkey – Stick to 10-15 lbs since larger turkeys take too long to fully cook.

• Brine the bird – Brining makes the turkey incredibly moist and seasoned. Do a simple saltwater brine or flavorful wet brine.

• Dry and season – Pat turkey dry then coat inside and out with an herb rub. Get flavor in every bite.

• Maintain steady heat – Keep the temperature between 225-275°F throughout the smoke by monitoring pellet level.

• Use a drip pan – Place a disposable pan under the turkey to catch drippings for gravy.

• Baste frequently – Baste the turkey every 45-60 minutes to prevent drying out. Make a flavorful baste.

• Cook to proper temperature – Cook until the breast reaches 160-165°F and thighs 175°F. Use a meat thermometer.

• Let rest before carving – Let the turkey rest for at least 15-30 minutes so juices redistribute.

Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking Turkey on a Pit Boss

Follow this simple process:

1. Thaw – Thaw turkey completely in refrigerator 1-2 days before smoking.

2. Brine – Make brine and submerge turkey 12-24 hours. This keeps it super moist.

3. Remove from brine – Rinse turkey and pat extremely dry with paper towels.

4. Season – Rub dry seasoning all over outside and inside cavity.

5. Prepare grill – Fire up grill, clean, and preheat to 275°F using preferred pellets.

6. Insert probe thermometer – Place probe in thickest part of breast before putting turkey in.

7. Place turkey in grill – Put turkey on middle rack above drip pan breast side up.

8. Maintain heat – Keep temperature between 250-275°F, adding pellets as needed.

9. Baste regularly – Baste turkey with broth mixture every 45-60 minutes.

10. Check temperature – Cook until probe reads 165°F in breast and 175°F in thighs.

11. Rest and carve – Let turkey rest 15-30 minutes before slicing to serve.

Turkey Smoking Times and Temperatures

The amount of time it takes to smoke a turkey primarily depends on the size. Below are general guidelines:

• 10-12 lb turkey: Approx. 4-5 hours at 275°F
• 12-15 lb turkey: Approx. 5-6 hours at 275°F
• 15-18 lb turkey: Approx. 6-7 hours at 275°F

After about three quarters of estimated cook time, start checking temperature every 30 minutes until the turkey breast reaches 160-165°F and thighs 175°F.

If the skin starts browning too fast, tent foil. For added crispiness at the end, increase heat to 300-325°F.

Choosing the Best Wood Pellets

The wood pellets used in your pellet grill significantly affect the flavor. For smoking turkey, I recommend:

• Apple wood – Fruity, milder smoke flavor
• Cherry wood – Sweet, delicate smoke perfect for poultry
• Pecan wood- Nutty, savory smoke complements turkey beautifully

Avoid mesquite, hickory, oak which can be overpowering. Try a blend of apple and cherry for a fruitier smoke. Personal taste rules!

Get Perfectly Smoked Turkey from Your Pit Boss

Smoking turkey on a pellet grill results in the most tender, juicy and flavorful holiday centerpiece. With the right prep, temperature, smoke time and wood pellet choice, you’ll have incredible results.

Be sure to brine, season generously, and baste the turkey frequently. Follow the temperature guidelines. Rest before slicing.

Frequency of Entities

Turkey – 34
Pellet Grill – 16
Smoke – 12
Pit Boss – 11
Wood Pellets – 5