How to Pellet Smoke a Juicy Turkey Breast

Smoking a turkey breast on a pellet grill is a great way to enjoy delicious smoked turkey flavor without undertaking the task of cooking a whole turkey. A smoked turkey breast makes a perfect entree for smaller gatherings like Friendsgiving or an intimate Christmas dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can have tender, juicy smoked turkey breast ready to wow your guests.

Why Smoke a Turkey Breast?

There are several advantages to smoking just a turkey breast rather than a whole turkey

• Smaller size: A turkey breast is a more manageable size for feeding just 4-6 people. No huge turkey leftovers to deal with.

• Shorter cook time: Smoking a breast takes only 3-4 hours, versus 6-8 hours for a whole turkey.

• More smoke flavor: With the greater surface area of a butterflied breast, you get more delicious smoky flavor on the meat.

• Juicier meat: Brining and cooking a breast helps it stay incredibly moist and tender.

• Frees up oven space: You can use your oven for sides and desserts while the pellet grill smokes the turkey.

Turkey Breast Basics

Size

Turkey breasts are sold both bone-in and boneless. For 4-6 servings, look for a 3 to 5 pound bone-in breast. Boneless breasts come in 2 to 3 pound sizes.

Preparation

For maximum smoke absorption and seasoning penetration, it’s best to butterfly the breast by slicing it horizontally without fully cutting through, then opening it up like a book. This exposes more surface area.

Brining

Soaking the breast in a saltwater brine before smoking helps ensure a juicy interior and seasoned flavor throughout the meat. The brine seasons the turkey and helps it retain moisture.

Step-By-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps for foolproof smoked turkey breast every time:

1. Make the Brine

A brine made with apple juice or cider gives both sweet and tart flavor that complements the smoke. Dissolve 1/2 cup kosher salt and 1/2 cup brown sugar into 4 cups apple juice/cider and 2 cups water. Add aromatics like garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, etc.

Soak breast for 8-12 hours in the fridge. Rinse and pat dry before moving to the next step.

2. Prepare the Turkey Breast

• Butterfly: Use a sharp knife to slice the breast horizontally, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edge. Open it up into one flat piece.

• Remove skin: For better smoke absorption, it’s best to remove the skin before smoking. Reserve it to make turkey cracklins if desired.

• Season: Generously sprinkle a savory poultry seasoning or dry rub all over the meat. Get seasoning into every nook and cranny.

3. Set Up the Pellet Smoker

Turn on your pellet grill and preheat to 225°F using apple, cherry, pecan, or hickory pellets for a sweet, fruity smoke flavor. Maintain temperature between 225-250°F.

4. Smoke the Turkey

Place the seasoned turkey breast directly on the grill grates. Insert a digital meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care that the probe doesn’t touch bone.

Maintain your smoker temperature between 225-250°F until the breast reaches an internal temp of 165°F, about 3-4 hours.

5. Rest and Slice

When the breast hits 165°F, remove it from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes so juices can redistribute.

To serve, slice across the grain into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick pieces. Be sure to save any juices from the cutting board to drizzle over the smoked turkey before serving.

Turkey Breast Pellet Smoker Tips

• If you want a crispy skin, leave it on during smoking and then finish directly over the fire for a few minutes after smoking.

• For expedited cooking, start at 225°F for an hour to absorb smoke flavor, then increase to 300+°F to finish.

• Use a water pan or spritz with apple juice to help keep the lean breast meat from drying out.

• Injecting with broth or melted butter also helps prevent dryness. Inject into the thickest part of the breast.

• Brining for the full recommended time makes a huge difference in moisture and flavor.

• Let the breast rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

• For ultimate flavor and caramelization, lightly glaze or mop the breast for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

A smoked turkey breast makes a fabulous entree for dinners and special occasions. Serve with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. Or pair it with seasonal sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash salad, or green bean casserole. Leftovers can be used for smoked turkey sandwiches, turkey pot pie, turkey tetrazzini, and more!

Smoking a turkey breast on your pellet grill is an easy, foolproof method that’s sure to become your new go-to recipe. Following the steps above will reward you with incredibly juicy, flavorful smoked turkey breast every time. Enjoy this simple preparation to wow guests without spending all day tending a whole turkey.