Description
This Smoked Turkey recipe is a savory delight, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The turkey is seasoned with a flavorful herb butter mixture, then smoked to juicy perfection, creating a mouthwatering main course that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 pounds), thawed if frozen
Seasoning:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
Additional:
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved crosswise
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth or water (for drip pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the Smoker: Preheat smoker to 250°F (121°C) with your choice of wood chips.
- Prepare the Turkey: Remove neck and giblets. Pat the turkey dry.
- Make the Seasoning Paste: Mix butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and sage in a bowl.
- Season the Turkey: Rub butter mixture under turkey skin and all over the bird.
- Stuff the Turkey: Fill cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and herbs if using.
- Smoke the Turkey: Place turkey on smoker with drip pan. Smoke for 5–6 hours until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Carve: Let turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- For crispier skin, increase smoker temp at the end.
- Save drippings for gravy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
