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. You can use a fresh or frozen turkey breast with or without bones, skin on or off. Just season it to your liking.
Turkey breast, with or without bones; oil, such as vegetable oil, olive oil, or butter; brine and rub; other seasonings, such as fresh thyme, basil, rosemary, or other herbs; pepper;
Fire up the backyard BBQ grill for this easy recipe. You don’t need an oven. Just get the turkey ready, set the grill to the right temperature, put it on the grill, and come back 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.
As a backyard grill master, I’m always looking for new and exciting things to throw on the barbecue. And let me tell you, boneless turkey breast is one of my absolute favorites! It’s got a succulent, juicy flavor that really shines when grilled over an open flame.
But grilling boneless turkey breast can be tricky if you don’t know what you’re doing. It’s easy to overcook it and end up with dry chewy meat. That’s why I’m sharing all my tips and tricks for how to grill boneless turkey breast perfectly every single time. Keep reading to unlock the secrets to flawless grilled turkey!
Why Grilled Turkey Breast is So Good
Before we get into the nitty gritty of how to grill turkey breast, let’s first talk about why it’s so dang delicious. For starters, turkey breast is naturally lean and low in fat. This means that unlike fattier cuts of meat, turkey won’t flare up on the grill or get overly greasy. It stays nice and healthy.
Boneless turkey breast is also very versatile. You can season it simply with just salt, pepper, and olive oil. Or go bold with a zesty dry rub. It pairs well with all sorts of flavors.
And since turkey breast is all white meat, it’s quick cooking. You don’t have to babysit it for hours on the grill like you would a giant beef brisket. Just a quick sear over hot coals is all it needs to be cooked through while staying juicy.
Finally grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor that you just can’t replicate indoors. It takes turkey from blah to bodacious!
Picking the Right Turkey Breast
Obviously, starting with a high quality turkey breast is key. When selecting your turkey at the grocery store, look for a breast that is:
- Boneless – This makes prep easier since there are no bones to remove.
- Skinless – Skin can burn and dry out on the grill. Go skinless for optimal juiciness.
- At least 2 pounds – You want a thick breast so it stays moist during the short grill time.
- Little to no visible fat – Too much fat will cause flare ups.
- Pinkish in color – Avoid turkey breasts that look pale or gray.
Organic and free range turkey breasts often have the best flavor. Though they cost a bit more, it’s worth it for the superior taste
If turkey isn’t available, chicken breasts work too. They just require a shorter cooking time than turkey.
Essential Tools for Grilled Turkey Breast
Grilling boneless turkey breast doesn’t require any fancy equipment. But having the right basic grilling tools definitely helps. Here are the essentials I always keep on hand:
- Gas or Charcoal Grill – While turkey breast can work on either, I prefer charcoal for a smokier flavor.
- Tongs – Use metal tongs to easily flip the turkey.
- Basting Brush – A brush lets you baste on glazes and sauces. Silicone models can withstand grill heat.
- Instant Read Thermometer – This is the only reliable way to check for doneness on thick cuts of meat. It inserts quickly to read the internal temperature.
- Sheet Pan – Use this for transporting the seasoned turkey out to the grill. It keeps everything tidy.
- Cutting Board & Carving Knife – You’ll need these for slicing up the cooked turkey breast.
A spray bottle of water and heavy duty oven mitts also come in handy. Now you’ve got all the gear needed for perfect grilled turkey breast!
Prepping the Turkey Breast for the Grill
Proper prep is crucial for grilling boneless turkey breast. Here are the key steps:
- Rinse & Pat Dry – Give the turkey a quick rinse, then use paper towels to pat it completely dry. Moisture on the surface could cause splatter flare ups.
- Trim Excess Fat – Use a sharp knife to trim away any large chunks of fat. Leave the skin intact.
- Pound to Even Thickness – Place turkey between sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet or heavy skillet to gently pound and flatten the breast to an even 1-1.5 inch thickness. This ensures it cooks evenly.
- Apply Dry Rub – For amazing flavor, coat the turkey all over with a dry spice rub. Let it penetrate the meat for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Bring to Room Temp – Always let the rubbed turkey rest on the counter for 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
Once prepped, it’s time to head outside and fire up the grill!
Grilling to Perfection Over Direct Heat
Grilling over a hot direct heat is the best way to achieve a juicy, beautifully seared turkey breast. Follow these steps:
- Preheat Grill – Crank your gas grill to medium-high heat or let charcoal burn until covered with gray ash. Use tongs to scrape the grill grates clean.
- Place Turkey on Hot Grates – Lay the boneless breast directly over the heat. Close the grill lid.
- Sear Both Sides – After 2-3 minutes, flip the turkey using tongs. Sear the second side for another 2-3 minutes. Searing creates a delicious brown crust.
- Move to Indirect Heat – Transfer the seared breast to indirect heat. This means off to the side, away from the burners or coals. Close the lid to let it finish cooking through.
- Cook Until 165°F – Use an instant read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part. Remove from grill once it hits 165°F.
- Let Rest 5 Minutes – This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when sliced. Never skip this step!
Cooking over direct then indirect heat gives you the charred exterior and tender, juicy interior that everyone craves in grilled turkey breast.
Sauces and Rubs That Take It Up a Notch
While plain grilled turkey is tasty, the right sauces and rubs make it extraordinary. Here are some of my favorites:
Dry Rubs
- Lemon Pepper – Bright citrus and peppery bite
- Jerk Spice – Caribbean kick of chili, allspice, thyme
- Szechuan Peppercorns – Smoky and slightly numbing
Basting Sauces
- Peach BBQ – Sweet and tangy
- Chipotle Lime – Smoky zip
- Honey Mustard – Savory with a touch of sweet
Get creative and make your own signature combinations! Spice blends with some heat are especially good with mild turkey breast.
And don’t wait until the turkey is done to add sauce. Regularly baste it over indirect heat so the sugars caramelize right into the meat. Delicious!
Next Level Side Dishes
Amazingly, boneless turkey breast pairs well with all sorts of flavors. Bring your cookout to the next level by serving it alongside:
- Grilled peaches, nectarines or pineapple
- Charred corn on the cob with chili lime butter
- Tomato Avocado Salad
- Loaded Baked Potatoes
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans
If you want a one-pot summer meal, toss diced turkey breast into a fresh tomato pasta salad. The possibilities are endless!
Grilled Turkey Breast Recipe Inspiration
To get you started, here are a few of my personal favorite boneless turkey breast recipes perfect for the grill:
- Jalapeno Lime Turkey – The tangy citrus cuts the heat beautifully.
- Coffee Spice Turkey – Unexpectedly delicious blend of savory spices.
- Brown Sugar Bourbon Turkey – Charred exterior gives way to sweet, boozy flavor.
- Mediterranean Turkey – Olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano are so fresh.
- Jamaican Jerk Turkey – Crazy tender thanks to the pineapple and lime marinade.
And don’t be afraid to get creative with your own original recipes! Turkey breast is very forgiving.
Mastering Leftover Grilled Turkey
A large turkey breast will likely leave you with leftovers. That’s a good thing since the flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge!
Here are my favorite ways to use up leftover grilled turkey breast:
- Dice and add to salads or wraps
- Shred for turkey BBQ sandwiches
- Dice or slice for breakfast scrambles or omelets
- Use in soups, chili, or turkey tetrazzini
- Slice and pan fry for quick turkey cutlets
- Shred into BBQ pulled turkey sandwiches or pizza
Turkey freezes very well too. Portion it into bags or airtight containers and it will keep for 2-3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before using.
Grilled Turkey Perfection
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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.
❄️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.
According to the USDA, turkey must be cooked to at least 165° for safety reasons, just like any other poultry.
We don’t like to rinse chicken, but the brine needs to be carefully washed off. For more information, see Chicken: To Rinse or Not to Rinse?
A frozen turkey breast should be thawed fully according to the package instructions.
- ▢ 4-7 pounds turkey breast – whole or half
- ▢ 2 qts water
- ▢ ¼ cup table salt
- ▢ ¼ cup brown sugar – optional
- ▢ 2-3 cloves crushed garlic – optional
- ▢ 2-3 bay leafs – optional
- ▢ 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt – only if not brining
- ▢ 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ▢ ½ teaspoon oregano
- ▢ ½ teaspoon cumin
- ▢ 2 teaspoons oil
- If your turkey breast hasn’t been injected or brined before, brining it is a great idea. Make a brine by mixing 2 quarts of water with ¼ cup of Morton Kosher or table salt. You can also include ¼ cup of brown sugar, two to three crushed garlic cloves, or two to three bay leaves.
- Trim and clean 4-7 pound turkey breast. A half-breast is fine. If brining, put the turkey in the brine and put it in the fridge for three to six hours. Take care to rinse the brine off the turkey breast and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Warm the grill up until the surface is between 350° and 400°. Clean and oil grill grates well.
- Add a rub made of 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon cumin if you want to.
- Dry it off, then brush it with butter or oil, and then add the rub or seasoning of your choice. Just salt and butter are fine.
- For grill marks, put the meat on the grill skin-side down for five minutes and then flip it over. Close the lid and stay away from it as much as possible.
- For about 1 ½ to 2 hours, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°. The time will depend on how thick and heavy the turkey breast is and what kind of grill you use. Please check the temperature early. DO NOT COOK BY TIME.
- Take it off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes before cutting it up and serving it.
How To Grill A Turkey Breast – Ace Hardware
FAQ
How long does a turkey breast take on the grill?
Do you cover turkey with foil when grilling?
Is boneless turkey breast already cooked?
Can a boneless turkey breast be grilled?
Boneless turkey breast can be grilled on a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even in an oven. It can be grilled whole or sliced into strips or chunks. It can be marinated or seasoned with a variety of different flavors. Grilled boneless turkey breast is a great addition to any summer barbecue or cookout. How to cook a turkey breast on a grill?
How to cook a turkey breast on a grill?
Instructions 1. Preheat your grill to medium heat. 2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry. 3. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and olive oil. You can also add your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. 4. Place the turkey breast on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
How long do you Grill a skinless turkey breast?
To grill a boneless, skinless turkey breast, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the turkey breast on the grill, skin-side down. Grill the turkey breast for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the turkey breast is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
How long do you cook a skinless turkey breast?
Place the turkey breast on the grill. Now it’s time to cook the turkey breast. Place the breast on the grill, directly over the heat. Cook the breast for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 6. Baste the turkey breast with butter or olive oil.
How do you cook a boneless turkey breast on a charcoal grill?
Place the boneless turkey breast on the cooler side, away from the lit burner. Add a drip pan underneath to catch drippings. Charcoal grill: Bank charcoal on just one side of the grill, leaving the other empty. Place a drip pan in the empty side and put the turkey breast over the pan, away from the coals. Either way, setup takes just a few minutes.
What temperature should a boneless turkey breast be grilled?
boneless turkey breast is a delicious and versatile protein that can be grilled in a variety of ways. It is a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and it is relatively low in fat. When grilling boneless turkey breast, it is important to cook it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.