Smoked Whole Turkey Breast

Smoked whole turkey breast is a delicious and flavorful alternative to traditional roasted turkey. This succulent cut of meat is brined and then slow-smoked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy turkey breast with a rich, smoky flavor that is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering or special occasion. Whether served as the main course for a festive dinner or sliced up for sandwiches and salads, smoked whole turkey breast offers a convenient and versatile option for any meal.

Smoked Whole Turkey Breast
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Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

3 hrs 30 mins

Additional Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

4 hrs 35 mins

Servings:

8

Yield:

8 servings

Ingredients

wood chips of choice, soaked in water
water as needed
8 ¾ pounds bone-in turkey breast
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning (such as McCormick®)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
disposable drip pan, if desired

Directions

Step 1

Preheat a smoker to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Drain wood chips and place in smoker chip pan. Add water according to manufacturer recommendations.

Step 2

Unwrap turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Combine butter, salt, steak seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper in a bowl to create a seasoned butter.

Step 4

Gently separate skin from muscle of the turkey breast and rub seasoned butter between the skin and the muscle, keeping the skin intact. Use about 1/4 of the seasoned butter on each side, and rub the remaining seasoned butter all over the outside of the turkey breast.

Step 5

Place prepared turkey breast directly on a smoker rack, and place the disposable drip pan on the rack below, if recommended by the manufacturer. The drip pan should not rest on the chip pan or the water pan.

Step 6

Close and secure the smoker, lower thermostat to 225 degrees F (105 degrees C), and smoke 3 1/2 to 4 hours, adding wood chips and water as needed.

Step 7

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature. Smoke until turkey registers 155 to 161 degrees F (68 degrees C to 71 degrees C). Wrap turkey breast in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then wrap in several layers of thick towels, and allow to rest for about 45 minutes. The residual heat will finish cooking the turkey breast to a safe temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees F).

Step 8

Slice and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

610

Calories

6g

Fat

0g

Carbs

130g

Protein

Complement

The smoking process infuses the turkey breast with a deep, savory taste that pairs perfectly with a variety of seasonings and sauces. The result is a tender, moist meat that is both delicious on its own and a great addition to a wide range of recipes. Smoked whole turkey breast is an excellent choice for those looking to add a unique and flavorful twist to their holiday or everyday meals, and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.