How to Cook a Juicy Turkey Breast on the Grill

Cooking a turkey breast on the grill is a fantastic way to enjoy moist, flavorful turkey without heating up the oven. Grilling imparts a delicious smoky flavor while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. Follow these simple steps for foolproof grilled turkey breast every time.

Benefits of Grilling Turkey Breast

There are several advantages to cooking turkey breast on the grill rather than roasting it in the oven:

• Juicier meat – The quick high heat of the grill sears the outside while locking in moisture. Turkey breast cooked on the grill is much juicier than oven roasted.

• More flavor – The smoke from the grill gives turkey a wonderful charred, wood-fired taste.

• Frees up oven space – With the turkey on the grill, the oven is free for cooking side dishes and pies.

• Lower fat – Excess fat drips away on the grill grates, so grilled turkey is slightly lower in fat and calories.

• Versatile – Grilled turkey breast is delicious hot off the grill or served cold in sandwiches and salads. Leftovers are fantastic.

• Quick cooking – Turkey breast cooks much faster on the grill than a whole turkey in the oven.

Picking the Right Turkey Breast

For the best results, choose a high quality bone-in turkey breast:

• Bone-in – The bone helps the breast hold its shape on the grill and imparts extra flavor.

• Skin-on – The skin protects the delicate white meat and crisps up nicely.

• Brined or enhanced – Opt for a brined or enhanced (injected with broth) turkey breast to guarantee the juiciest meat.

• Approximately 5 pounds – This size will cook evenly without drying out.

• Fresh, never frozen – Fresh turkey has the best texture and flavor.

Tools for Grilling Turkey Breast

Having the right tools makes grilling turkey breast easier:

• Gas or charcoal grill
• Instant read thermometer
• Basting brush
• Disposable aluminum pan
• Cooling rack

The aluminum pan catches the delicious drippings for making gravy or pan sauce later.

How to Grill a Juicy Turkey Breast

Follow these simple steps for perfect grilled turkey breast every time:

1. Prep the Turkey

• Thaw – Thaw frozen turkey breast for 24-48 hours in the fridge until no ice crystals remain.

• Trim – Use kitchen shears to trim away excess skin and fat.

• Pat Dry – Gently pat the turkey completely dry with paper towels.

• Loosen Skin – Carefully loosen the skin from the breast meat with your fingers.

• Season – Generously season under and over the skin with salt, pepper, and other spices if desired.

2. Make Compound Butter

Mix together:

• 1 stick softened butter
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme

Stir in salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Grill

• Oil the grates well.
• Preheat gas grill to medium heat, about 350°F.
• For charcoal, mound coals to one side.

4. Grill the Turkey

• Place turkey breast skin-side up on grill grates over indirect heat.
• Slide aluminum pan under breast to catch drippings.
• Spread compound butter evenly under and over skin.
• Close lid and grill 1-1 1/2 hours until 165°F.

5. Finish and Rest

• Transfer turkey to a cutting board and tent with foil.
• Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.

The turkey breast is done when the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F on an instant read thermometer. Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute for juicier meat.

Troubleshooting Grilled Turkey Breast

Having some issues with your grilled turkey? Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

Problem: Turkey breast is charred on the outside but raw in the center.

Solution: Allow more time for the inner temperature to rise to 165°F. Check temperature early and often.

Problem: Turkey breast is very dry and stringy.

Solution: Don’t overcook. Pull turkey off grill when it reaches 165°F even if more time remains.

Problem: Skin didn’t crisp up.

Solution: Start skin-side down. Mound coals for very high initial heat.

Problem: Turkey breast falls through grill grates.

Solution: Use aluminum pan to support breast and catch drippings.

Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe Variations

There are endless ways to flavor grilled turkey breast. Consider rubbing spice blends under the skin or making compound butters with different herb and flavor combinations.

Fun Compound Butter Ideas

• Lemon herb butter – lemon zest, rosemary, thyme
• Tuscan butter – sun dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic
• Southwest butter – cilantro, chili powder, lime
• Maple bourbon butter – maple syrup, bourbon, pecans

Quick Wet Marinades

• Apple cider vinaigrette
• Italian dressing
• Teriyaki marinade
• Lime cilantro mojo

Dry Rub Ideas

• BBQ rub – chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic
• Jerk seasoning – allspice, thyme, brown sugar, chili flakes
• Moroccan spices – cumin, cinnamon, coriander
• Herbes de Provence – basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano

What to Serve with Grilled Turkey Breast

Grilled turkey breast makes a quick, easy entree any time of year. Pair it with these flavorful sides:

• Grilled vegetables – zucchini, squash, eggplant, peppers
• Pasta salad or potato salad
• Coleslaw or broccoli salad
• Fresh cranberry sauce
• Cheesy polenta
• Skillet corn bread or rolls

Leftover turkey is fantastic in sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and soups. Store tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Grilling Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving

Grilled turkey breast is a great alternative to roasting a whole turkey for Thanksgiving. With multiple turkey breasts on the grill, you’ll have plenty of white meat for sandwiches and leftovers. Serve with traditional Thanksgiving sides for an incredible holiday feast.

Cooking turkey breast on the grill makes for an easy, delicious family meal with tender, juicy meat and wonderful smoky flavor. With a few simple tips, you can master grilled turkey breast anytime. Experiment with fun marinades and spice rubs for your own unique twists. Happy grilling!