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5.0 from 3 votes

Easy Smoked Turkey Recipe

Moist and tender easy smoked turkey! Brining the turkey is optional as well as adding a dry rub! All options will give you a delicious main meal for your holiday menu. Check out the oven roasting directions if you want to cook your turkey the traditional method.

Prep Time
8 hrs
Cook Time
6 hrs
Additional Time:
30 mins
Total Time
14 hrs 30 mins
Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 91 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • Whole turkey 12-15 pounds
  • 4 tablespoons poultry rub
Turkey Brine Ingredients (optional)
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
  • 1 medium red onion peeled and quartered
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Bundle fresh thyme
  • 3 sprigs fresh sage
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 2 cups of water at room temperature
  • 6 cups water chilled

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Thaw turkey ahead of time if frozen. Remove any giblets or neck sections and set them aside for stock if desired.
  2. Make the brine: Add the brining ingredients into a stock pot large enough to hold the turkey. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot.
  3. Add boiling water to the stock pot and whisk until the salt is dissolved.
  4. Add the 6 cups of chilled water to the finished brining solution.
  5. Add turkey to the stock pot with brining solution and place in the refrigerator for 8 to 24 hours.
  6. After brining, remove the turkey from the solution, rinse it under cool water, lay it on a baking rack, and allow it to drain while the smoker comes up to temperature.
  7. Preheat smoker to 225°F
  8. Pat any remaining moisture from the skin of the turkey and generously season the turkey with your favorite poultry rub.
  9. Place a dripping pan under the grill and place the turkey directly onto the grill grates and close the lid.
  10. Smoke the turkey at 225°F, allowing 30 minutes of smoking time per pound of turkey. A 12 pound turkey will take up to 6 hours to cook.
  11. Remove the turkey from the smoker and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Let rest for 20-30 minutes. Carve and serve.

Notes

  • Poultry Rub Recipe
  • To Roast theTurkey in the Oven
  • Follow to step 8, then place prepared turkey on a shallow roasting pan with a rack. Tuck the wings in and roast at 325°F for 3 -3 1/2 hours or 30 minutes per pound of turkey. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove from oven, and tent the turkey with foil. Let sit for 20-30 minutes before carving.
  • Add a light coat of oil or butter before adding the rub. This will help give the turkey a golden crispy skin.
  • 1 Tablespoon paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition Information

Serving 1g Calories 91kcal (5%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 3g (5%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 46mg (15%) Sodium 7612mg (317%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 91

% Daily Value*

Serving 1g
Calories 91kcal 5%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 3g 5%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 46mg 15%
Sodium 7612mg 317%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.