Make a delicious Smoked Turkey in a Pellet Grill, a simple method to smoking a whole turkey!
My husband likes to say that our pellet grill is a cheater version of a smoker, but I happen to truly love it and so does he.
He always smoked meats on a traditional smoker, but lately just doing them on the pellet grill has been such an easy go-to especially for this tasty Smoked Turkey!
How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill?
This turkey took just over 6 hours to smoke on our pellet grill at 225*F. This is going to vary based on the weight of the turkey. The general rule is about 30 minutes per pound.
What pellets should you use for a smoked turkey?
Any pellets can be used to smoke a turkey, we prefer to use a variety of pellets that include a little bit of each type such as hickory and apple.
Do you need to brine the turkey first?
The short answer is no. I actually do not normally brine our turkey, I did not brine this one. I usually will simply coat it with seasoning, stuff the cavity with butter and herbs and then baste it as needed throughout the cooking process.
This has always been fully sufficient for the turkeys we have made in the past.
If you do want to brine it first, be sure to try this Apple Cider Turkey Brine, it’s a great flavor.
If you do decide to brine the turkey first, be sure to plan accordingly because it does take many hours to soak the turkey.
Tips for Making Smoked Turkey in a Pellet Grill:
While the turkey is smoking every 1-2 hours, you can baste the turkey with chicken or vegetable broth. This will help keep it juicy and avoid drying out.
This can be done with a baster and injected right into the turkey throughout the smoking time.
I do think this is an important step to remember if you do not brine the turkey first. If you brine or baste, it’s going to mostly depend on your personal preference.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer or the probe that comes with your pellet grill to be sure the meat is cooked up until at least 165*F-180*F. We prefer ours at 180*F; however, it is done at 165*F.
Enjoy this smoked turkey and be sure to check out these additional Pellet Grill Recipes.
Looking for a simple Smoked Turkey Breast? Check out this Recipe!
Pellet Grill Smoked Whole Turkey
Ingredients
- 13 lb Whole Turkey
- No-Salt Added Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Sweet Onion
- Fresh Basil
- 1 Stick of Butter
- Chicken Broth for Basting
Instructions
- Warm the pellet grill up to 225*F, you can use any pellets, we use a variety of flavors.
- While the grill is warming, stuff the cavity of the turkey with chunks of lemon, onion, basil, and the stick of butter.
- Rub the outside with Lemon Pepper. This will be a dry rub, if you prefer to brine the turkey first, see the link in the post for brine instructions.
- Place the turkey on the smoker and smoke for 6 hours or about 30 minutes per pound up until the internal temperature reaches at least 165*F. (We prefer ours at 180*F; however, it is done at 165*F.)
- If you prefer, you can baste it with chicken broth every hour during the smoking time to keep it moist. (Note – if you plan to baste it be sure to place the turkey in an aluminum roasting pan and then on the smoker, not directly on the grates.)
- After it is fully cooked, serve as desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Just smoked a turkey. On my pellet smoker I did brine overnight 14 lb smoked it on 250 5and half ours it came out so juicy couldn’t believe it
Please do not advise people to cook their turkey to 180 degrees, lol. This is an old wive’s tale and can ruin someone’s holiday. Pull at 160-165 for anyone reading.
We prefer ours at 180*F, it is cooked at 165*F. I have updated it to clarify as well.
Yum