A Pit Boss pellet grill is the perfect way to infuse your holiday turkey with incredible smoky flavor. The key is determining the right cook time to achieve a moist, tender bird. Follow this guide for foolproof techniques to smoke the ideal turkey on your Pit Boss.
Benefits of a Pit Boss for Smoked Turkey
Pellet grills like the Pit Boss provide advantages over oven roasting:
- Infuses rich, smoky flavor into the meat
- Maintains a constant, even temperature for uniform cooking
- Allows cooking juicy turkey without drying out
- Imparts a crispy, seasoned skin
- Simple “set and forget” operation
Estimating Cook Time on a Pit Boss
As a general guideline plan for
- 15-20 minutes per pound at 225°F
- 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F
So a 15 lb turkey will need 5-6 hours at 225°F or 25-3 hours at 325°F
Cook times vary based on size of turkey, desired doneness, and grill model. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Proper Internal Temperatures
- Breast: 160-165°F
- Thighs: 175°F
Check both breast and thighs with an instant read thermometer before removing from grill.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these tips for perfect smoked turkey on your Pit Boss:
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Dry brine turkey in the refrigerator 1-2 days before smoking. This seasons and ensures moist meat.
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On smoking day, rinse off brine, pat dry, and coat with olive oil. Generously season all over with barbecue rub.
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Preheat grill to 225-325°F with preferred smoking wood pellets like hickory, cherry, or maple.
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Place turkey on upper rack, breast up, away from direct heat. Add water pan.
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Insert probe thermometer into thickest part of breast, keeping tip centered in meat.
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Smoke turkey until breast hits 160-165°F and thighs reach 175°F. Expect 10-15 minutes per pound.
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Check temp periodically. If browning too fast, tent with foil. Rotate turkey for even cooking.
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When done, remove turkey and let rest 30 minutes before carving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve smoked turkey with:
- Cranberry sauce, gravy
- Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes
- Stuffing or dressing
- Green beans, Brussels sprouts, roasted veggies
- Dinner rolls, biscuits, cornbread
Pit Boss Turkey Smoking Tips
- Inject with broth or melted butter for added moisture
- Spray skin with oil/broth to help crisping
- Use a disposable drip pan filled with broth or water
- Add chopped onion, celery, apples inside cavity
- Start early – smoking a turkey takes patience
- Let turkey rest before slicing for juicy meat
With the right prep and cook time, your Pit Boss pellet grill delivers incredibly tender, flavorful smoked turkey. Follow these guidelines to master the art of smoking turkey. You’ll impress your guests with your expertly barbecued holiday centerpiece.
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Smoked Turkey On A Pit Boss Pellet Smoker
FAQ
What temperature do you cook turkey on Pit Boss pellet grill?
Cook time at 225°F is 30 minutes per pound, or when the temperature internally reaches 165°F.
Is it better to smoke a turkey at 225 or 250?
325-350. It’s not a low and slow like a brisket or pork shoulder. Poultry soaks up the smoke flavor so you run the risk of having way too much smoke flavor if you go 225. Also 225 will never give you crispy skin.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
We recommend roasting turkey at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 13 minutes per pound for an unstuffed turkey.Nov 6, 2024
How long does it take to smoke a 12 lb turkey on a pellet grill?
An unstuffed 12-pound turkey will take around 3 hours to cook at 325 degrees. Meanwhile, a stuffed 12-pound bird will take closer to 3 ½ hours.
How do you cook a Turkey on a pit boss pellet grill?
Cooking a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill involves several key steps. Follow this guide for a delicious outcome. Preheat your grill before cooking. Set the temperature to 225°F for a low and slow method or 325°F for quicker results. Allow the grill to fully reach the desired temperature, which typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
What temperature do you smoke a Turkey on a pellet grill?
A: The ideal temperature for smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill is between 225F and 250F. This will allow the turkey to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a juicy and flavorful bird. Q: How long does it take to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill? A: The cooking time for a smoked turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird.
How do you cook a Turkey on a pellet grill?
To cook a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet grill, start by preheating the grill to 225°F or 325°F, depending on your cooking speed preference. Season the turkey with your choice of brine or rub, then place it on the grill. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, cooking for about 13-15 minutes per pound at 225°F or 11-13 minutes at 325°F.
How long does it take to smoke a Turkey on a pit boss?
With the right technique, you can get a tender, moist turkey with a beautifully browned, crispy skin in about 4 hours. When smoking a turkey on a Pit Boss, there are a few key things to keep in mind: For the Pit Boss, you’ll want to select a turkey that’s around 12-15 lbs. Larger birds can be difficult to cook evenly on a pellet grill.
How do you smoke a Turkey on a pit boss pellet smoker?
One of the easiest ways to smoke a turkey on a Pit Boss pellet smoker is to spatchcock the turkey, then place it right on the grill grate to cook. The spatchcock method allows for even cooking of the bird and gets more surface area of the turkey browned and crispy.
Can you cook a 15 pound turkey on a pellet grill?
A smaller bird works best on a pellet grill, mainly for food safety reasons. It’s best to limit the weight to 15 pounds of turkey maximum. Drawing out the cooking process too long increases the risk of bacteria thriving. If you need more than a 15-pound turkey, it’s best to cook two birds.