A deliciously smoked turkey perfect for a flavorful and unique Thanksgiving dinner.
Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey
A deliciously smoked turkey perfect for a flavorful and unique Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingredients
- 12 pound whole turkey thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt for seasoning
- 1 tablespoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons paprika smoked or regular
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder for rub
- 1 tablespoon onion powder for rub
- 4 cups apple wood chips soaked in water for 30 minutes
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and season generously with kosher salt, inside and out.
- In a small bowl, mix together black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Rub the softened butter under the skin of the turkey, then rub the spice mixture all over the turkey.
- Place the turkey on a smoker rack and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast without touching bone.
- Add the soaked wood chips to the smoker, and smoke the turkey at 225°F (107°C) for about 6 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 65gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 230mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 15IUCalcium: 3mgIron: 12mg
Honestly, I was skeptical at first. Smoked turkey? Seems like a lot of work for a bird. Ended up being pretty tasty tho. Might try it again next year.
This smoked turkey turned out amazing! Juicy and full of flavor. My whole family loved it. Definitely doing this for Thanksgiving again!
Too much paprika! My turkey looked like it was on fire. Who needs that much spice? I prefer simple salt and pepper. Next time I’ll just roast it.
Followed the recipe, but my turkey came out overcooked. I don’t know what happened. Maybe my smoker was too hot? Sad face. 🙁
Sorry to hear that! Sometimes it happens, especially with smokers. Could be the temperature for sure. Maybe try a lower temp next time? 🤞