How Long to Smoke a Turkey Breast on a Pellet Grill for Juicy, Tender Results

Smoking a turkey breast on a pellet grill results in incredibly moist, delicious meat infused with sweet, smoky flavor. While it may seem intimidating smoking a turkey breast is easier than you think with a pellet grill and only takes 2-5 hours depending on the size. Follow these simple steps for juicy, tender smoked turkey breast every time.

Things You’ll Need

• Turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
• Pellet grill
• Apple, cherry, or maple wood pellets
• Meat thermometer
• Brine (optional)
• Dry rub (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Breast

Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels. For quicker and more even cooking, you can spatchcock the breast by cutting out the breastbone and flattening it. If brining, submerge the breast in a saltwater solution for 8-12 hours before smoking. Rinse and pat dry again before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare the Pellet Grill

Make sure you have enough pellets, then preheat your pellet grill to 225-250°F. Apple, cherry, and maple wood pellets pair especially well with turkey. While it preheats, you can apply a dry rub or marinade if desired for added flavor

Step 3: Add Wood for Smoke

Once preheated, add your wood pellets to the grill to start creating smoke Give the grill 5-10 minutes to build up smoke before adding the turkey.

Step 4: Smoke the Turkey Breast

Place the turkey breast directly on the grill grates, skin-side up. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to touch any bones. Close the lid immediately to trap the smoke.

Step 5: Monitor the Temperature

Aim to keep the grill temperature steady at 225-250°F. Monitor the meat thermometer, and expect roughly 25 minutes per pound of turkey. For example, a 5 lb breast will take 2.5-3 hours. Spritz with broth or cider every 45-60 minutes to help keep the turkey moist.

Step 6: Finish and Rest

Once the internal temperature reaches 160°F, move the breast to a rimmed baking sheet, tent with foil, and rest for 20 minutes. The temperature will rise 5-10 degrees during this time for perfectly cooked turkey. Slice and serve warm.

Pellet Grill Smoking Times for Turkey Breast

• 1-2 lb breast: 1.5-2 hours
• 3-4 lb breast: 2.5-3 hours
• 5-6 lb breast: 3-4 hours
• 7-8 lb breast: 3.5-5 hours

Keep in mind bone-in breasts may take slightly longer than boneless. Monitor temperature rather than time for best results.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor

• Brining is highly recommended, as it infuses moisture and seasoning into the meat. Make a simple brine with 1 cup salt per gallon of water.

• Apply a dry rub before smoking to form a flavorful, caramelized bark. Sweet and savory rubs pair well with turkey.

• Try using a marinade for up to 24 hours before smoking. Herb marinades like rosemary, thyme, and sage are excellent choices.

• Wood choice matters. Apple, cherry, maple, and pecan impart mild, fruity smoke flavor. Hickory and mesquite have stronger smoke.

• Resist the urge to peek! Every time you open the grill, you lose smoke and heat. Opening frequently can dry out the turkey.

• Letting the breast rest after smoking allows juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat. Always rest at least 15-20 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Smoked turkey breast is extremely versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

• On sandwiches or wraps
• Sliced over greens for salad
• Diced in soups or casseroles
• Pair with BBQ sides like beans, coleslaw, or cornbread
• Top with gravy for holiday dinners

Smoked turkey breast also stores well. Refrigerate leftover meat for up to 4-5 days, or slice and freeze turkey for longer storage. The possibilities are endless!

With the right wood pellet smoker, smoking turkey breast at home is easy and incredibly delicious. In just 2-5 hours, you can infuse juicy, tender meat with incredible smoke flavor. Brining and seasoning the breast amps up moisture and flavor even more. Resting allows juices to redistribute before slicing and serving. Follow these tips for your best smoked turkey breast ever off your pellet grill.