How To Smoke a Turkey on a Pellet Grill
Ingredients
- 8-10 pound turkey
neck and giblets removed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
or melted butter
- 2 tbsp dry spice rub
ingredients below, or the link to the homemade rub recipe is down below in the notes.
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp Roasted Garlic and Peppers seasoning
a Club House seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Directions
- 1
Preheat the smoker to 225°F. Make sure it is topped up with wood pellets.
- 2
Rinse the turkey inside and outside with cold water and dry the turkey with paper towels. Place the turkey on a large platter or roasting pan. If using homemade dry spice rub, mix the ingredients together with a spoon.
- 3
Next, add butter or olive oil underneath the skin on the turkey breast. Rub the butter all over both breasts with your fingers. This helps to keep the breast moist, and it doesn't get dried out. Next, rub oil over the entire turkey. Sprinkle spice rub over the whole turkey. Don't forget underneath! Store leftover spice rub in a glass jar in a cool, dry place.
- 4
If you want to make gravy, place an aluminum pan or baking sheet on the grill rack and a wire cooling rack inside the pan. This will catch all of the drippings. Next, place the turkey on the wire rack. Then, add a few cups of water to the pan at the beginning of cooking to ensure the drippings do not evaporate before the turkey is fully cooked. The water may evaporate during cooking, so refill the pan as needed to keep a few cups of water in there at all times.
- 5
If you are not going to make gravy, place turkey directly on the rack of the grill.
- 6
Place a temperature probe into the thickest part of the breast meat and the thigh. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees F in the breast and 175 degrees F in the thigh, the turkey will be cooked. The cook time for the turkey is 30 minutes per pound at 225 degrees F, or 25 minutes per pound at 250 degrees F. This recipe took 4.5 to 5 hours at 225 degrees F for an 8.5-pound turkey. Start checking the turkey about one hour before you think it should be done. If the turkey is done earlier, just shut the grill off and cover the turkey with aluminum foil. I would then place it in the oven on the keep warm setting.
- 7
Allow the turkey to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 8
Enjoy!
How To Smoke a Turkey on a Pellet Grill
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About this Recipe
Want to impress your dinner guests with a show-stopping Thanksgiving turkey that practically cooks itself? Learning how to smoke a turkey on a pellet grill is the game-changer you've been searching for. This method delivers an unbelievably delicious bird with minimal fuss.
This recipe truly shines because it simplifies the often-daunting task of turkey preparation. Forget complex brining; our simple dry rub guarantees a crispy skin and incredibly juicy, flavorful meat every single time, all thanks to the consistent, gentle cooking of the pellet grill. It's hands down the easiest turkey you will ever make.
Prepare for a turkey that is remarkably juicy from breast to thigh, enveloped in a beautifully crisp, golden-brown skin. The rich smoke infuses every bite, while the dry rub — featuring a thoughtful blend of brown sugar, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, and onion powder — creates a complex, savory-sweet profile with a hint of warmth. This isn't just a turkey; it's a centerpiece that promises ease and unforgettable flavor, transforming your holiday meal into a truly special occasion.
Feel free to customize this turkey to your preference. You can use either olive oil or melted butter to help the dry spice rub adhere to the turkey skin, both providing a beautiful finish. While a specific blend of brown sugar, garlic powder, and paprika is provided, you can also use your favorite pre-made dry spice rub if you have one you love. Just ensure it's designed for poultry.
This Smoked Turkey is undoubtedly the star of any holiday feast, especially Thanksgiving dinner. Serve it proudly as the main attraction, perhaps alongside your favorite festive sides to complete the celebratory spread.