Smoked Turkey Breast

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This Smoked Turkey Breast recipe brings bold flavors to your Christmas, Thanksgiving, and holiday table. With a generous seasoning of cumin and smoked paprika, each bite is packed with flavor. It’s not just about the spice, though. This turkey is so moist and tender that it melts in your mouth!

Just like my smoked stuffing, the smoky aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks will have your guests eagerly awaiting the moment they can tuck in. Whether hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a tasty meal, this recipe always delivers.

Smoked Turkey Breast

Serve this smoked breast alongside traditional sides or change things up with Mexican-inspired dishes like salsa verde and grilled corn. This irresistible smoked turkey breast will take your holiday feast to the next level!

If you love turkey as much as I do, you’ll want to check out my homemade turkey rub recipe and these Air-Fried Turkey Legs or Wings.

Why Make This Recipe

• Perfect for Meal Prep – This Smoked Turkey Breast is ideal for meal prep. Easily cooked in larger quantities, it’s perfect for slicing into sandwiches, adding to salads, or enjoying as a protein boost.
• Great Holiday Meal – This smoked turkey breast gives your holiday meals a delicious twist. Packed with a unique blend of Mexican spices, it offers a flavorful alternative to traditional roasts.
• Perfect for All Seasons – It is perfect for summer BBQs or cozy winter dinners. Its deep flavors and succulent texture make it a crowd-pleaser year-round.

Ingredient Notes

• Turkey Breast – Opt for a fresh, boneless turkey breast to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Melted Butter – Adds richness and helps the spices stick to the turkey. You could substitute olive oil for a healthy option, but the flavor will differ slightly.
• Cumin – Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor. Freshly ground cumin seeds offer the most taste, but pre-ground cumin works well too.
• Smoked Paprika – This spice is key for adding a deep smoky flavor. Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste,
• Coarse Black Pepper – Coarse ground pepper provides a nice texture and a more pronounced flavor than finely ground pepper.
• Salt – Coarse kosher salt is recommended for an even rub and to help lock in the flavors and juices.
• Granulated Garlic – Use granulated garlic for a more consistent garlic flavor throughout the dish than fresh garlic, which can burn during smoking.
• Onion Powder – Provides a subtle sweetness. Make sure it’s fresh for the best taste.
• Ground Coriander – This optional spice adds a hint of citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall spice blend. If unavailable, you could omit it without drastically changing the flavor.

How To Smoke A Turkey Breast

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

1. Set your smoker to a steady 250 degrees F / 121 degrees C.
2. Liberally apply each seasoning to both sides of the turkey breast, beginning with the salt. Make sure every inch is covered for the best flavor.
3. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and let it cook slowly. Aim for about 1 ½ hours or until the internal temperature reaches 150 degrees F / 65 degrees C.
4. Once the turkey reaches 150 degrees F / 65 degrees C, set it into a foil boat, leaving the top open. Drizzle the melted butter over the turkey, then seal the foil tightly around it.
5. Continue cooking the turkey breast in its buttery wrap for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160 degrees F / 71 degrees C.
6. Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, slice it up and serve it hot!

Expert Tips

• To achieve consistent cooking, make sure your smoker reaches the correct temperature of 250 degrees F / 121 degrees C before placing the turkey inside.
• Take the time to evenly coat both sides of the turkey breast with each seasoning to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature instead of relying on cooking time alone to prevent overcooking and guarantee juiciness.
• Wrapping the turkey in a foil boat and sealing it tightly after adding the melted butter helps retain moisture and flavors during the final cooking phase.
• Allowing the turkey to rest for 15 to 30 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat, making the turkey more tender and flavorful when sliced.
• Cut against the meat’s grain when carving the turkey to make the slices softer and easier to chew.

Delicious Variations

• Herb-Infused Butter – Mix fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage into the melted butter before pouring it over the turkey. This will infuse the meat with the herbs’ flavors.
• Citrus Twist – Brush the turkey with orange juice, lime juice, and a hint of garlic powder before smoking. This citrus blend brings a fresh zest that perfectly complements the smoky flavor.
• Maple Mustard Coating – Mix equal parts maple syrup and Dijon mustard with a sprinkle of black pepper to create a sweet and sharp glaze. Apply it to the turkey before wrapping it in foil for a unique flavor combination.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Season your turkey breast beforehand. Place the seasoned turkey in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before you plan to smoke it. This allows the spices to penetrate deeply for better flavor.
• Store – Any leftover turkey can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cool it to room temperature before storing.
• Freeze – For longer storage, wrap the cooled turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer, where it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use.
• Reheat – Reheat leftover turkey in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also enjoy it cold from the fridge, which makes it a great addition to salads or sandwiches.

FAQs

Similar Recipes

Looking for more EASY, delicious, and flavorful recipes? I’ve got you covered. Check out my full collection of air fryer recipes, or start a few of my most popular recipes:

• Smoked Stuffing.
• Turkey Rub.
• Smoked Pork Tenderloin.
• Smoked Pork Shoulder.
• Smoked Chicken Breast Recipe.

Serve With:

• Garlic Crockpot Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and rich, these mashed potatoes are infused with garlic, making them the perfect side to the smoky turkey.
• Green Bean Almondine – Fresh green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer a crunchy, buttery side.
• Glazed Instant Pot Carrots – Sweet and slightly caramelized, these roasted carrots add a pop of color and a natural sweetness that complements the flavors of the smoked turkey.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 8 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

Recommended Tools

• A super awesome smoker to cook your meat to perfection
• A charcoal chimney is used to light coal or briquettes easily. It makes life easier.
• An instant-read digital thermometer. This awesome one gives you an instant read to avoid overcooking your food.
• Aluminum foil is used for tenting food, keeping it warm, and more.
• Nice long grilling tongs for adding, removing, or turning your food on the smoker.
• Your favorite seasoning or dry rubs and a good quality sea salt for flavoring or brining.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

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