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Smoked Turkey Breast

Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked turkey breast
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
14 hours
Servings 12 people

Ingredients

Brine:

  • 2 quarts (1.9 liters) water
  • 2 quarts (1.9 liters) ice water combined volume of ice and water should be 2 quarts
  • 1/2 cup (125 grams) kosher salt 1/2 cup Morton Coarse Kosher Salt, or 14 tbsp Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, or 6 tbsp table salt
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar or coconut sugar

Rub:

  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar or coconut sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (42 grams) table salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Turkey:

  • 1 boneless turkey breast see notes
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

Instructions

Brine the night before:

  • In a large pot, combine 2 quarts of water, salt, and sugar. Stir over medium heat until the salt and sugar dissolve completely.
  • Remove from heat, add the ice water and stir.
  • Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, making sure it's fully covered. Use a plate, a stack of plates or another heavy object to weigh it down if necessary.
  • Refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours.

30-60 minutes before smoking:

  • Remove the turkey breast from the brine, and pat dry. Transfer the turkey to a large plate (or whatever you want) and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • In a small bowl, mix together all rub ingredients.

Smoke:

  • Preheat your smoker to 225 °F (107 °C) with the lid closed for about 15 minutes. Apple, cherry, pecan and maple are good wood choices.
  • Coat the turkey breast lightly with olive oil to help the rub stick, including between the skin and the meat. Generously apply the rub to the entire turkey breast, making sure to coat it evenly and get the area between the skin and meat.
  • Place the turkey breast on the smoker, skin side up, directly on the grill grates. Place the probe/themometer into the thickest part of the breast.
  • Smoke at 225 °F (107 °C) for about 2.5 to 4.5 hours (it needs about 35-45 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature reaches 160 °F (71 °C) in the thickest part of the breast. If it’s starting to look dry, you can baste the turkey breast every hour with olive oil. If you want to crisp up the skin,
  • Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes. During resting, the internal temperature should rise to 165 °F (74 °C). After the resting period, carve the turkey breast and serve.
  • To store leftovers, wrap the turkey in plastic or foil, then place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Notes

  • The turkey breast in the photo was 4 pounds (1.8 kg), but this recipe and the estimated times given are good for up to a turkey breast of about 6 pounds (2.7 kg). If yours is larger or smaller, just keep in mind you’ll need more or less time than the approximate times given.
  • Do NOT use a turkey breast that's already been salted/brined/injected/basted/enhanced. If that's all you can find, then skip the brine in this recipe.
  • It should be thawed if frozen.
  • If you can only get a bone-in turkey breast, then place it bone-side down on the grill with the breast facing up.