Smoking turkey breast on a Pit Boss pellet grill is a great way to enjoy moist, flavorful turkey meat any time of year. With the right technique, you can achieve a tender, juicy smoked turkey breast with delicious crispy skin in just a few hours.
I love using my Pit Boss to smoke turkey breasts because it delivers consistent low temperatures and infuses amazing wood-fired flavor without constant monitoring Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof smoked turkey breast every time
Benefits of Smoking Turkey Breast on a Pellet Grill
There are several advantages to using a pellet smoker like the Pit Boss over a traditional oven to cook turkey breast:
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Infuses smoky flavor – The wood pellets impart a delicious subtle smoke flavor you can’t achieve in an oven. Apple, cherry, or maple wood pellets pair especially nicely with poultry.
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Cooks evenly – The consistent temperature of the Pit Boss grill means the turkey cooks evenly throughout without drying out. No more worrying about hot and cold spots.
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Juicy and tender meat – The low, indirect heat helps keep turkey breast incredibly moist and tender.
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Crispy skin – While the interior stays juicy, the exterior gets beautifully browned and crisp.
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Hands-off cooking – Once you set the temperature, the Pit Boss does the work for you with no need to hover over a hot oven.
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Versatility – You can infuse different wood smoke flavors and use rubs to easily change up the turkey flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Smoking Turkey Breast on a Pit Boss
Follow these simple steps for foolproof smoked turkey breast every time:
1. Brine the Turkey Breast (1-12 hours)
- Make a basic brine using 1 gallon water, 1 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and choice of spices and aromatics.
- Fully submerge turkey breast in brine. Brine for 1 hour per pound, up to 12 hours maximum.
- Brining ensures a juicy, seasoned interior.
2. Prepare the Turkey Breast (10 minutes)
- Remove turkey breast from brine and rinse well. Pat very dry with paper towels.
- Loosen the skin from the meat and rub compound butter or seasoning directly onto meat.
- Apply a dry rub liberally on skin and underside.
3. Preheat Pit Boss to 225°F
- Use apple, cherry, maple, or pecan wood pellets.
- Maintain a consistent temperature between 225-250°F.
4. Smoke the Turkey Breast (3-4 hours)
- Place turkey breast directly on grill grates, skin-side up.
- Insert a probe thermometer into thickest part of breast, avoiding bone.
- Smoke for approx. 35 minutes per pound, until internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Spritz with apple juice or broth every 45-60 minutes if desired.
5. Rest and Slice (10-15 minutes)
- Remove turkey breast and tent loosely with foil. Allow to rest 10-15 minutes.
- The internal temperature will rise 5-10°F during rest time.
- Slice turkey across the grain for most tender results.
Turkey Breast Smoking Tips
- Choose bone-in over boneless for better flavor and moisture.
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature for food safety.
- Use a digital thermometer for accuracy.
- Allow 10-15 minutes rest time before slicing for juicier meat.
- Serve smoked turkey breast on sandwiches, salads, cheese boards, and more!
With the right wood pellet smoker like the Pit Boss, you can easily achieve competition-worthy smoked turkey breast right in your own backyard. Follow this guide for tender, juicy meat with crispy skin and incredible smoky flavor. Ditch the oven and let your Pit Boss do the work for you!
#1 Classic Smoked Turkey
Add a shot of top-shelf flavor to your turkey with this Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Turkey Breast. Smoked on a Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill then glazed with a sweet and rich mixture of maple syrup, butter, orange juice and your favorite bourbon, this turkey packs mouthwatering flavor into every bite.
#3 Hot & Fast BBQ Turkey
If you’re short on time, this recipe delivers a delicious, table-ready turkey in just two hours. Not only will you have dinner on the table in half the time, but this turkey is packed with traditional BBQ flavor. It starts with injecting a mixture of honey, garlic, and herbs, and finishes with a spicy-sweet glaze of BBQ sauce.
Smoked BONELESS TURKEY BREAST on a PIT BOSS! | Pellet Grill Boneless Turkey Breast
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast on a Pit Boss pellet grill?
Transfer turkey to the grill and smoke for 3 to 3 ½ hours, or until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, rotating after 1 ½ hours.
Is it better to smoke a turkey breast at 225 or 250?
Forget Low and Slow for Smoking Turkey
Many hardcore barbeque and smoking aficionados will argue that smoking meat (including poultry) is best when done at a lower temperature range of 225 to 250℉.
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast at 225 degrees?
- Preheat smoker to 225°F.
- Wash turkey well and pat dry. …
- Ingredients. …
- Place on middle rack of smoker and smoke for 4 ½ to 5 hours, about 45 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Do you wrap a turkey breast when smoking?
Should I wrap a turkey breast in foil when smoking? No, you do not have to wrap a turkey in foil. But you can if you want to.Nov 12, 2023
How do you smoke a turkey breast in a pit boss smoker?
Get started on your pit boss smoker turkey breast today! Preheat your Pit Boss smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Place the turkey breast in a large roasting pan and pour the marinade over it.
Can you smoke a turkey breast on a pit boss pellet grill?
Infusing flavor with wood smoke while locking in moisture a smoked turkey breast can be the star of your meal. With the right techniques smoking a turkey breast on a Pit Boss pellet grill is easy. Follow this guide for tips on preparing and smoking a mouthwatering turkey breast.
How do you cook a turkey breast in a pellet smoker?
Preheat Your Pit Boss: Fire up your Pit Boss pellet smoker and preheat it to 225°F. While it’s heating up, let’s get that turkey ready! Prepare the Turkey Breast: Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it on a clean cutting board.
What size Turkey to smoke on a pit boss?
When selecting a turkey to smoke on your Pit Boss, smaller birds around 12-15 lbs tend to work best. Larger birds take much longer to cook and the breast meat can dry out before the legs and thighs are finished. A smaller turkey will cook more evenly from top to bottom. You’ll also want to make sure you have a thawed turkey.
How do you cook a boneless turkey breast on a pit boss?
Once the Pit Boss has come up to 250°F, clean the grill grates with a good grill brush, oil the grates, and close the lid. Position your seasoned boneless turkey breast on the oiled grates of the Pit Boss. Place an internal temperature probe if you have one into the center of the roast. Close the lid. Rotate and flip occasionally for even cooking.
When is a pit boss smoked boneless turkey breast ready to eat?
Your Pit Boss smoked boneless turkey breast is ready to eat when it hits an internal temperature of 165°F on your instant read thermometer. If you don’t yet own an instant read thermometer, it’s going to be hard to really know exactly when that turkey is done cooking on the pellet grill.