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–+ servings
A whole smoked turkey on a large serving platter, garnished with herbs and small apples.
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Smoked Turkey Recipe

This smoked turkey recipe is a whole turkey that's coated in homemade spice rub then slow smoked to tender and juicy perfection. A super easy and impressive holiday main course that won't take up any oven space!
Course Main
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked turkey
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 463kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe turkey brine optional, if you choose to brine your turkey, you can skip the chicken broth basting
  • 12 lb whole turkey giblets and neck removed
  • 1/2 cup BBQ rub
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 4 sprigs fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or parsley
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • fresh herbs for garnish
  • cooking spray

Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker to 250 degrees F. Load the smoker with apple wood.
  • Coat a large disposable aluminum pan with cooking spray. Place the turkey in the pan and tuck the wings under the body.
  • Stuff the cavity of the turkey with the onion, lemon and herbs, then use kitchen twine to tie the legs together.
  • Sprinkle the BBQ rub all over the surface of the turkey.
  • Place the turkey in the smoker. Cook for 6-7 hours, basting with chicken broth every 30-45 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F.  Refill the wood chips as needed.
  • If the turkey starts to get too dark, cover it with foil.
  • Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with herbs if desired, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 576mg | Potassium: 794mg | Vitamin A: 210IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 3mg