Grilled Turkey Breast is perfect for a smaller Thanksgiving or a healthier year-round change of pace. Use traditional seasoning or make BBQ with the recommended brown sugar dry rub.
Easy to do with the simple instructions. Any turkey, fresh or frozen, skin-on-bone-in whole or half breast, or a boneless turkey breast, will work—season to your taste.
Turkey breast—bone-in or bonelessOil—vegetable oil, olive oil, or butterOptional brine and rub Other optional seasoning—sprigs of fresh thyme, basil, rosemary, or other fresh herbs, pepper
Fire up the backyard BBQ grill for this easy recipe. There is no need for an oven; prep the turkey, control the grill temperature, place it on the grill, and return in a few hours.
This recipe is great for any smaller gathering when you dont need a whole turkey. Its also a perfect summer change of pace or for a smaller holiday feast. Use the suggested brown sugar spice, a BBQ rub, or season like a traditional holiday bird.
Grilled turkey breast is a delicious alternative to traditional roasted whole turkey that’s perfect for smaller gatherings But how long does it take to grill turkey breast to juicy, flavorful perfection? Here’s a complete guide to grilling times for bone-in and boneless turkey breasts of different sizes.
Overview of Grilling Turkey Breast
Grilling imparts a lovely smoky flavor while keeping the turkey breast moist and tender The bone-in breast with skin is the most flavorful and juicy option, Grilling time depends on the size and bone-in or boneless The bone conducts heat slower while the skin protects the meat,
Advantages of Grilled Turkey Breast
- Takes less time than a whole turkey – 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Moist and tender with a smoky grilled flavor.
- Perfect smaller portions for fewer guests.
- Frees up the oven for sides.
- Easier to carve than whole turkey.
- Skin gets crispy and full of flavor.
- More white meat with no leftovers.
Grilling Tips
- Bring turkey breast to room temperature before grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to gauge doneness – 165°F.
- Create zones for direct and indirect heat if possible.
- Grill over medium heat between 325-375°F.
- Bone-in and skin-on keeps breast moist and juicy.
- Baste with herb butter or oil to prevent drying out.
Grilling Times
Grilling times depend primarily on the size and bone-in or boneless. Here are general guidelines for grilling times for turkey breasts:
Bone-in Turkey Breast
- 2 pounds: 45-60 minutes
- 3-4 pounds: 60-75 minutes
- 5-7 pounds: 75-90 minutes
Boneless Turkey Breast
- 1-2 pounds: 30-45 minutes
- 3-4 pounds: 45-60 minutes
Turkey Breast Roll/Roast
- 2-3 pounds: 60-75 minutes
- 4-6 pounds: 75-90 minutes
Monitoring Doneness
A meat thermometer is essential for perfectly cooked turkey breast. Insert into the thickest part without touching bone.
- 145°F – Turkey is partially cooked.
- 160°F – Turkey breast is almost done.
- 165°F – Turkey breast is fully cooked.
Let the turkey breast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Grilling Prep Tips
- Pat turkey breast dry and let sit at room temp 1 hour before grilling.
- Loosen skin from meat and rub flavorings underneath.
- Place breast in center of grill grate over indirect heat.
- Flip breast halfway through. Grill to 165°F internal temp.
Flavoring Ideas
- Herb butter under and over skin
- Citrus zest and juice
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Spice rubs
- Soy sauce or teriyaki
- Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper
The grill imparts wonderful smoky flavor to turkey breast. Cooking times range from 30 minutes for boneless up to 90 minutes for a large bone-in breast. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness – 165°F for safe and delicious turkey breast.
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❄️Storage of leftover turkey
Store leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
Yes, use a smoker box or a foil pack with holes. Use the wood flavor you prefer, but dont overdo it. Poultry will absorb smoke very well.
Yes, it may extend the cooking time some. But I prefer direct exposure to the heat.
You can brush the skin lightly with your favorite sauce for the last 5-10 minutes of grilling. If you are planning to do this, keep the rub light.
Like any poultry, turkey must be cooked to a minimum of 165° for safety according to the USDA safety temperature guidelines.
While we dont like to rinse poultry, the brine should be rinsed off carefully— for more information, please see Chicken… To Rinse or Not To Rinse?
A frozen turkey breast should be thawed fully according to the package instructions.
Suggested Brown Sugar BBQ Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- ½ teaspoon of oregano
- ½ teaspoon of cumin.
Serve the BBQ version with Memphis BBQ Sauce or your favorite BBQ sauce.
How To Grill A Turkey Breast – Ace Hardware
FAQ
How long does it take to grill a turkey breast on the grill?
Place turkey breasts on grill grate situated over foil pan, cover, positioning top air vent opposite of wood chunk. Cook until an instant read thermometer registers 160°F in the thickest part of the breast, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove turkey from grill and allow to rest, uncovered, for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do you cover turkey with foil when grilling?
When cooking a turkey, it is recommended to cover it for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out. However, towards the end of the cooking process, it is advised to remove the cover to allow the skin to crisp up (1). Covering the turkey with foil helps trap steam and moisture, resulting in a juicier bird.
How long does it take to cook a 2 pound turkey?
The standard rule of turkey roasting time says 13 minutes per pound for unstuffed birds and 15 minutes per pound for the stuffed ones.Nov 3, 2024