[This grilled turkey post is sponsored by The Home Depot! I’ve been working all year with their Weber Genesis II E315 grill and I absolutely adore it. It would make a fantastic gift for the holidays! p.s. right now, The Home Depot! is offering free delivery on all grills purchased online and free assembly on all grills purchased in-store!]
If you’re anything like me and feel that Thanksgiving is 99% about the sides dishes and the pie, and you could possibly take a plate WITHOUT turkey? Well, this is for you. A grilled turkey that tastes incredible, is super moist and loaded with flavor. Buttery, herby goodness.
So you guys know that every year, we roast a turkey and also smoke a turkey. They both turn out incredible and everyone loves having the two options.
But, this year I’m going the grill route. All year I’ve been working with The Home Depot, using the Weber Genesis II E315 grill and it has changed the game for me. Grilling this turkey was about 50 times easier than using our smoker and now there is no looking back.
Not to mention, it’s a fantastic way to switch up your traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Without going too untraditional.
First, the turkey only took about 3 hours total. The prep is super simple. The ingredients are all things you most likely have on hand.
Second, it has SO much flavor. Super smoky and delicious. The skin is ridiculously crispy and irresistible, just like it is when you roast it in the oven. And! You can still make gravy with the drippings. You can even make the gravy right on the grill if you’d like!
I like to stuff the turkey with some onions and lemons and herbs – all of the aromatics for increased flavor. I don’t stuff the bird with stuffing on the grill (though guess what? An incredible grilled stuffing (!!!) recipe is coming up next!), but I do fill the pan with a bit of stock and more aromatics.
Also! The key is to use a disposable roasting pan and double it up. This prevents your quality roasting pan from discoloring and warping on the grill and it makes clean-up easy on the holiday when you have the most dishes!
Grilling a whole turkey may seem intimidating but it’s actually a great way to free up oven space and infuse delicious smoky flavor into your bird. With some preparation and by following a few simple steps you can grill a juicy, flavorful turkey in around 2-3 hours.
Things to Consider Before Grilling a Turkey
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when planning to grill a whole turkey:
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Size of the turkey – Plan for around 15 minutes per pound cooking time. A 15 lb turkey will take 2.5-3 hours to grill. Go for a smaller bird (10-15 lbs) for easier handling.
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Indirect heat – You’ll want to grill over indirect heat at around 325-350°F to ensure even cooking Avoid direct heat which can burn the outside before the inside is done.
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Use a drip pan – Place a disposable foil pan under the turkey to catch drippings for making gravy later.
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Brining is optional – Soaking the turkey in a saltwater brine before grilling will boost moisture and flavor. An overnight brine is ideal.
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Stuffing is risky – Stuffing a turkey and grilling increases risk of bacterial growth. Cook stuffing separately.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling a Whole Turkey
Follow these simple steps for grilled turkey success:
1. Thaw and Prep the Turkey
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Thaw turkey completely in the refrigerator over 24-48 hours. Do not grill a frozen turkey!
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Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Rinse turkey under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
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Tuck wing tips under body to prevent burning. Tie legs together with cooking twine.
2. Season the Turkey
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Coat the turkey all over with a light layer of oil or melted butter. This helps browning.
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Generously season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper and any other desired seasoning like poultry seasoning or herbs.
3. Preheat the Grill
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With all burners on high, preheat your gas or charcoal grill to around 450°F.
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Have a foil drip pan ready to place under the turkey.
4. Place Turkey on the Grill
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Reduce heat to medium-low, around 325°F.
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Place turkey breast-side up on oiled grates over drip pan.
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Close grill lid immediately to maintain heat.
5. Grill the Turkey
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Grill over indirect medium-low heat for estimated 15 minutes per pound.
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Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer, don’t rely on time alone.
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Insert thermometer probe into the thickest part of thigh, not touching bone.
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Baste turkey with melted butter or oil every 45-60 minutes.
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Avoid opening the grill too frequently.
6. Check for Doneness
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Turkey is done when thigh meat reaches 165°F and breast reaches 170°F.
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Juices should run clear when thigh is pierced. Let turkey rest 15 minutes before carving.
Grilling Tips and Tricks
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Use aluminum foil to tent turkey legs or wings if they brown too quickly.
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Add fresh wood chips to charcoal or gas grill for extra smoky flavor. Soak chips first.
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Use a disposable foil pan with broth or aromatics like onion and garlic under the turkey to flavor drippings.
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For charcoal, bank lit coals on either side of grill and keep adding fresh coals to maintain heat.
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Brush any sugary glazes on turkey during last 30 minutes only to avoid burning.
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Invest in a good digital instant-read thermometer for monitoring doneness. Check in a few places.
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Let turkey rest at least 15-30 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
Grilled Turkey FAQs
How long does it take to grill a 10 lb turkey?
A 10 lb turkey will take approximately 2.5-3 hours to grill using indirect heat at 325-350°F and allowing 15 minutes per pound.
What temperature do you grill turkey at?
Grill turkey over indirect medium-low heat between 325-350°F. Higher direct heat will burn the outside before the inside cooks. Monitor temperature with a grill thermometer.
Do you cook turkey breast side up or down on a grill?
It’s best to place the turkey breast side up on the grill. This protects the delicate breast meat and allows fat to baste the breast.
Should you brine turkey before grilling?
Brining is optional but recommended. An overnight saltwater brine hydrates the turkey and seasons it throughout for juicier, more flavorful meat. Rinse and pat dry before grilling.
Can I stuff a turkey and grill it?
It’s not recommended. Stuffing a turkey and grilling increases the risk of bacterial growth. Cook stuffing separately for food safety.
So go ahead and try grilling your holiday bird this year! With some simple preparation and by following indirect grilling techniques, you can enjoy tender, juicy grilled turkey with deliciously smoky flavor.
Best Grilled Turkey Recipe
IT FREES UP YOUR OVEN SPACE!
Oh yes. On a day where you have a million dishes going at once, we’ve just eliminated the one that tends to take the most time. This way, you can have space to make sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, brussels gratin, kale gratin and homemade parker house rolls. Even all at once!
Grilling your turkey is a must at this point.
It seriously blows my mind how effortless this is. I do recommend checking on the bird every 20 to 30 minutes, as well as your grill, to make sure you don’t run out of propane. But if you start with a full tank, you’ll be golden! And you’ll just be dyyying over how incredible the turkey looks and smells and tastes.
In my kitchen gift guide earlier this week, I shared my Weber Genesis II E315 grill. Sure, I know it doesn’t go IN your kitchen, but it has become my outdoor kitchen. If you follow along on instagram, you know that we grill ALL THE THINGS and this grill is perfect. It’s easy to use and makes the process work seamlessly.
It would make such a fantastic gift for the holiday season! Especially because The Home Depot is offering free delivery for online grill orders and free assembly for in-store grill purchases! Go go go grab the Weber Genesis II E315!
Now go make all the plans for this beautiful bird to appear on your table.