Smoked Turkey Breast

User Reviews

5

21 reviews
Excellent

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast is prepared by seasoning boneless turkey with a dry rub and cooking it low and slow in a smoker until it reaches a safe internal temperature. The recipe includes a garlic herb butter for added flavor after smoking. The slow smoking imparts a gentle smoke flavor, while the spice rub enhances the turkey’s savory profile. Resting allows the juices to redistribute before slicing.

Description

This recipe uses a boneless turkey breast rubbed with a mixture of sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The flavored breast is smoked at 225°F until an internal temperature of 165°F is achieved, running approximately 40-45 minutes per side depending on thickness. Low-temperature smoking allows the turkey to cook evenly and slowly absorb smoky notes. After smoking, the meat rests wrapped in foil, causing juices to settle for moist slices. The garlic herb butter, made with melted butter and fresh herbs, can be added for extra richness and aroma. This method yields a tender turkey breast with balanced smokiness and seasoning without drying out.

Using boneless turkey breast simplifies slicing and serving. Testing different brands and considering brining can affect tenderness and flavor, though the rub alone yields a pleasing result.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 3 lb. turkey breast boneless

Turkey Rub:

  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Garlic Herb Butter:

  • 4 Tablespoons butter melted, salted
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary minced, fresh
  • 1 teaspoon thyme minced, fresh

Instructions

  1. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees. We used the Traeger wood pellet blend.
  2. Place the turkey on the cutting board and prepare it by removing any skin. Pat the turkey breast with paper towels.
  3. Make the spice rub by combining sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl. Stir to combine. Coat the turkey breast with the spice rub by rubbing it in with your hands. You don't have to use all of the rub but try to get all of the turkey breast.
  4. Place the turkey breast on the smoker grill grate. Cook for 40-45 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches between 165 degrees F. Note: 165 degrees is the safe temperature for poultry. The exact time will vary depending on how large the breast is and how thick it is. I strongly suggest a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
  5. Remove and wait 15 minutes before cutting to allow the juices to settle. Cover the turkey breast with foil to keep warm.

Garlic Herb Butter:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in garlic and herbs. Drizzle over the sliced turkey breast and serve.

Notes

  • Boneless turkey breasts offer easy slicing and uniform cooking compared to bone-in cuts.
  • Using a meat thermometer is important to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Brining the turkey breast before smoking can increase tenderness and flavor infusion but is optional.
  • Different brands produce varying textures and flavors; choose one that meets your preferences and availability.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 368kcal (18%) Carbohydrates 3g (1%) Protein 59g (118%) Fat 14g (22%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 171mg (57%) Sodium 1098mg (46%) Potassium 677mg (14%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 352IU (7%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 5Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 368 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 368kcal 18%
Carbohydrates 3g 1%
Protein 59g 118%
Fat 14g 22%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 171mg 57%
Sodium 1098mg 46%
Potassium 677mg 14%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 352IU 7%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 2mg 11%

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

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5

21 reviews
Excellent

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