5 from 12 votes
Smoked Bone In Turkey Breast (How to Smoke a Turkey Breast on a Pellet Grill)
This Smoked Bone In Turkey Breast recipe features a brining step with water, orange juice, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes to infuse moisture and subtle flavor. After brining, a honey and olive oil glaze is applied, followed by a spice rub containing herbs and paprika. Smoking the turkey low and slow over wood pellets produces tender meat with a smoky, aromatic crust. Letting the meat rest before slicing preserves juiciness and allows flavors to settle.
Prep Time
12 hrs
Cook Time
3 hrs
Total Time
15 hrs
Servings:
8
people
Calories:
394 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 6 pound turkey breast bone-in, skin-on
Smoked Turkey Brine Ingredients
- 2 gallons water divided
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Smoked Turkey Rub Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine 4 cups of the water, sugar and the salt. Bring to a boil.
- Add brine into the remaining water, orange juice, and pepper flakes.
- Submerge turkey breast in the brine and cover.
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, up to 24.
- Preheat smoker to 300ºF (see note).
- Pat turkey dry.
- Combine honey and olive oil. Brush on turkey.
- Combine all the spices, spread evenly onto the turkey breast.
- Place in smoker and smoke for about 30 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Let rest 20 minutes before serving.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Mesquite pellets were used for smoking, but hickory or maple pellets are suitable alternatives.
Nutrition Information
Calories
394kcal
(20%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
73g
(146%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
184mg
(61%)
Sodium
992mg
(41%)
Potassium
828mg
(18%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
141IU
(3%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
48mg
(5%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 394kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 73g | 146% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 184mg | 61% |
| Sodium | 992mg | 41% |
| Potassium | 828mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 141IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 48mg | 5% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.