The Easiest Smoked Turkey Recipe

When I’m looking to make a turkey that’s a little more exciting, I always turn to this smoked turkey recipe. It’s got such a deep, smoky flavor, thanks to the long, slow time in the smoker, and it’s so simple to put together. You don’t need much—just a good turkey, some butter, and a solid seasoning blend like the one from Spiceology. I love how the butter keeps the meat juicy while the smoky aroma fills the air, making it perfect for a special dinner without a ton of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Smoked Turkey Recipe

• Rich Smoky Flavor: The long, slow smoke gives the turkey a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Juicy Every Time: The butter tucked under the skin and inside the cavity keeps the meat tender and moist.
• Perfect for Gatherings: With a large turkey, it’s great for feeding a crowd, whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a weekend barbecue.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of ingredients to pull off a flavorful meal.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once it’s in the smoker, you can relax and let it cook to perfection without much fuss.

Ingredients Needed To Make This Smoked Turkey Recipe

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• Turkey
• Turkey seasoning (Spice House recommended)
• Butter

How To Make This Smoked Turkey Recipe

1. Preheat your smoker.
2. Prepare the turkey by drying it and adding butter under the skin and in the cavity. Then, rub it with seasoning.

3. Place the turkey in a pan or directly on the smoker grates.
4. Smoke the turkey until it reaches the right internal temperature.
5. Let the turkey rest before carving and serving.

Commonly Asked Questions

How long should I smoke the turkey?

The turkey needs to smoke for about 5-8 hours, depending on its size and your smoker’s temperature. It’s essential to monitor the internal temperature and aim for 165°F at the thickest part of the breast.

Can I use any type of seasoning for this recipe?

Yes! While the recipe recommends Spiceology Turkey Seasoning, you can use your favorite turkey seasoning blend to match your taste preferences.

What if I don’t have a smoker?

This recipe is designed for a smoker to achieve that smoky flavor, but you could adapt it for an oven if necessary. Just keep in mind, you’ll lose the signature smoky taste.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover smoked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days.

How do I reheat the smoked turkey?

Reheat leftover turkey in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) to avoid drying it out. You can add some broth or drippings to keep it moist.

Can I use frozen turkey for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure the turkey is completely thawed before preparing it for smoking. Thawing can take several days in the fridge, so plan ahead.

Will the skin be crispy?

Since this turkey is smoked, the skin won’t be as crispy as oven-roasted, but you can always finish it in the oven at a higher temperature if you want crispier skin.

Smoked Turkey

This smoked turkey is packed with bold flavor thanks to the perfect blend of turkey seasoning and butter tucked under the skin. Whether you're craving that rich smoky taste or just looking for a tender turkey that falls apart beautifully, this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Resting Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 8 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 683 kcal

Equipment

• Smoker
• Aluminum foil pan (optional)
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels
• Tongs or oven mitts for handling the turkey

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 14-16 lbs turkey
• ½ cup turkey seasoning Spice House is my favorite
• 6 tbsp butter

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Instructions

 

Preheat the Smoker:

• Set the smoker to 250°F.

Prepare the Turkey:

• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and remove the gizzards/neck from the cavity.
• Place 2 tbsp of butter under the skin of each turkey breast, and 2 tbsp of butter inside the cavity.
• Rub the entire turkey with the seasoning for an even coating.

Smoking the Turkey:

• If you want to save the turkey drippings, place the turkey in an aluminum foil pan; otherwise, place the turkey directly on the smoker grates.
• Smoke the turkey for 5-8 hours, or until the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F (measured by inserting a thermometer halfway through the breast).

Resting and Serving:

• Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Notes

Note: The skin may not be as crispy as oven-roasted turkey, but the smoky flavor more than makes up for it!

Nutrition

Calories: 683kcalCarbohydrates: 0.004gProtein: 86gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 327mgSodium: 370mgPotassium: 1201mgSugar: 0.004gVitamin A: 188IUCalcium: 76mgIron: 8mg

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After a long day, nothing beats the flavor of a perfectly smoked turkey. The combination of juicy meat and that slow-smoked, rich taste just feels like comfort on a plate. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or just want to try something different for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and brings that deep, smoky flavor that always hits the spot. It’s the kind of recipe that makes the effort well worth it!