Smoking a turkey is a time-honored tradition for many families during the holidays. The rich smoky flavor that smoking imparts takes the typical roasted turkey to new heights. But what if you don’t have time to brine and smoke a raw turkey from scratch? Can you still get that same smoky flavor with a fully cooked turkey?
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can smoke a precooked turkey! While it requires some modifications to your normal smoking method, smoking a fully cooked turkey allows you to skip lengthy prep and get straight to the good stuff – the finger-licking smoke flavor.
In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know about smoking a precooked turkey including
- How to smoke a fully cooked turkey step-by-step
- Tips for keeping it moist
- How long to smoke a precooked turkey
- Can you smoke a turkey twice?
- Reheating turkey in a smoker
- Smoking precooked turkey parts
Let’s get smoking!
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoking a Fully Cooked Turkey
Smoking a fully cooked turkey is a bit different than smoking raw. Since it’s already cooked through, your goal is to impart flavor and gently reheat, not cook it further. Here are the simple steps:
1. Pat the Turkey Dry
Gently blot any exposed areas with paper towels. This helps crisping up the skin.
2. Apply a Light Coat of Oil or Butter
Brushing on a thin layer of oil or butter helps the skin get crispy and golden brown.
3. Season the Turkey
Coat the turkey all over with your favorite spice rub or herb blend. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are perfect for simple seasoning.
4. Preheat Smoker to 300-325°F
This higher temperature helps infuse smoky flavor faster without overcooking.
5. Place Turkey in Smoker
Set the turkey in a foil pan on the grill grates. Having it raised allows smoke to circulate underneath.
6. Smoke for 1-2 Hours
Smoke the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Whole turkeys take about 2 hours, while boneless turkey breasts may only need 1 hour.
7. Rest and Serve
Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your smoked masterpiece!
Tips for Keeping Your Smoked Precooked Turkey Moist
Since the turkey is already fully cooked, the biggest challenge is preventing it from drying out in the smoker. Here are some tips:
-
Brush with oil/butter – Creates a moisture barrier on the skin.
-
Use a water pan – Having water in the smoker provides humidity.
-
Spritz with juice/broth – Misting the turkey with apple juice or chicken broth adds instant moisture.
-
Wrap in foil – Covering with foil for part of the cook time steams the meat.
-
Cook quickly – Don’t over smoke. Get in and out of the smoker fast.
-
Let it rest – Allowing the turkey to rest before carving lets juices redistribute.
How Long Does it Take to Smoke a Fully Cooked Turkey?
Smoking times can vary a bit depending on the size of your turkey, but here are general guidelines:
- Whole turkey: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Turkey breast: 45 mins – 1 hour
- Turkey parts: 30 mins – 1 hour
The best way to tell when it’s done is to use an instant read thermometer. Check the thickest part of the breast and thigh for 165°F.
For food safety, it’s critical fully cooked turkey reaches this safe minimum internal temperature. If unsure, go longer rather than shorter.
Can You Smoke a Turkey Twice?
What about double smoking a turkey that’s already been smoked once? The short answer is yes, you can certainly smoke a turkey twice to amplify the flavor.
However, turkey is a delicate meat, so take care not to overdo it. After the first smoke, the natural turkey flavor diminishes, so a second round of heavy smoking can make it taste overly smoky.
If double smoking, use lighter smoke the second time and pull it as soon as it reaches temperature. Also, boost the turkey flavor with a brine or rub before smoking again.
Reheating Turkey in a Smoker
You can also use your smoker just to reheat fully cooked turkey without necessarily adding more smoke flavor. This is great for leftover turkey after the holidays.
To reheat in a smoker:
-
Preheat to 300°F.
-
Place turkey in a foil pan with broth or sauce for extra moisture.
-
Cover pan tightly with foil.
-
Heat until 165°F internal, about 1-2 hours depending on size.
The foil steam heats the turkey gently without drying it out. Feel free to add smoke wood chunks or pellets for extra flavor.
Smoking Precooked Turkey Breast and Parts
You can smoke any precooked turkey, not just a whole bird. Smoked turkey breast is delicious for sandwiches, salads and more. Just follow the same method as above, reducing cook time.
For boneless turkey breast, smoke at 300°F for 30-60 minutes until heated through. Bone-in breasts take about 1 hour.
For turkey parts like drumsticks or thighs, smoke at 300°F for 30-45 minutes until fully hot. Brush with oil and season the skin for crisping.
No matter what cut you choose, let it rest before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute so your meat stays nice and moist.
Let’s Get Smoking!
As you can see, smoking precooked turkey opens up a whole world of possibilities. With a few simple tips, you can infuse an already delicious fully cooked turkey with incredible smoke flavor.
The next time you find a smoked turkey at the store, don’t hesitate to grab it. Or if you have turkey leftovers after the holidays, revive them in the smoker.
Smoking precooked turkey also allows you to quickly add smoky flavor to boneless turkey breast, legs, thighs and more.
Let us know how your smoked precooked turkey turns out! Share any lessons learned or your favorite flavors in the comments.
Adding Wood for Flavor
To achieve that irresistible smoky flavor, consider using wood chips or chunks in your smoker. Hickory, apple, or cherry wood can impart delicious nuances to the turkey, enhancing its overall taste. Experiment with different wood types to find your favorite flavor profile.
Once the precooked turkey has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey. Carve and serve your smoked precooked turkey alongside your favorite sides and watch as your guests savor every bite.
Smoking a precooked turkey is a fantastic way to elevate its flavor and impress your guests. With the right turkey, a well-prepared smoker, and a bit of patience, you can create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will be the highlight of any gathering. So, fire up the smoker, get that turkey ready, and prepare to enjoy a delicious and smoky feast! Share your tips and techniques for smoking precooked turkey in the
Choosing the Right Turkey
Before you start smoking your precooked turkey, it’s important to select the right bird. Look for a high-quality precooked turkey that is free from any added flavors or seasonings. This will allow the natural smoky flavor to shine through without any competing tastes.
Once you have your turkey, it’s time to prepare the smoker. Whether you’re using a traditional charcoal smoker or a modern electric smoker, the key is to maintain a consistent temperature of around 225-250°F (107-121°C) throughout the smoking process. This low and slow approach will ensure that the turkey absorbs the perfect amount of smoky goodness.
Before placing the precooked turkey in the smoker, consider adding some seasoning to enhance its flavor. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and paprika can work wonders, or you can get creative with your favorite herbs and spices. Just be sure not to overdo it, as the natural flavors of the turkey and the smokiness should be the stars of the show.
Once the smoker is ready and the turkey is seasoned, carefully place the bird on the cooking grate. Close the smoker and let the magic happen. Depending on the size of the turkey, smoking times can vary, but a good rule of thumb is to allow approximately 30-40 minutes per pound of turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the turkey reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).