BBQ Turkey with Apples and Wine: A Flavor-Packed Holiday Feast Technique

Juicy Grilled BBQ Turkey: A Mouthwatering Holiday Alternative

Grilling a BBQ turkey is a game-changing way to free up your oven during the holidays while delivering incredible smoky flavor and juicy meat that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe combines fresh apples, onions, and wine to create a mouthwatering bird that’s sure to become your new holiday tradition!

Why Grill Your Thanksgiving Turkey?

When you take your turkey to the grill, magic happens! The outdoor cooking environment creates a gentle, indirect heat that keeps your bird juicy while imparting that distinctive smoky flavor that oven cooking just can’t match. Plus, you free up valuable oven space for all those delicious sides!

The Secret to Perfect BBQ Turkey

The combination of fruit, aromatics, and wine creates a flavor-infused steam inside the turkey that keeps it incredibly moist. Meanwhile, the grill’s indirect heat slowly cooks the bird to perfection without drying it out.

Ingredients for Grilled BBQ Turkey

• 1 (15-pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 3 large apples, cored and quartered
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

Tools You’ll Need

• Gas or charcoal grill
• Disposable aluminum roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step BBQ Turkey Instructions

1. Prepare Your Grill

   Preheat your gas grill on low heat (around 325-350°F). If using charcoal, arrange coals for indirect heat by pushing them to the sides, leaving an empty space in the middle. Maintain a low, steady temperature throughout cooking.

2. Prepare the Turkey

   Remove the turkey from packaging, then thoroughly rinse inside and out. Pat dry with paper towels. Allow to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

3. Season the Bird

   Rub the outside of the turkey with olive oil. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Generously season the turkey inside and out with this mixture.

4. Stuff and Prepare

   Place the quartered apples and onions inside the turkey cavity. Position the turkey in a disposable aluminum roasting pan. Pour the wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the pan around (not over) the turkey.

5. Get Grilling

   Place the roasting pan with the turkey on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and maintain a temperature between 325-350°F.

6. Baste Regularly

   After the first hour, begin basting the turkey with the melted butter every 30 minutes. This helps create a beautifully browned, flavorful skin.

7. Monitor Temperature

   Cook the turkey until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, about 4 hours for a 15-pound turkey (approximately 15-18 minutes per pound).

8. Rest Before Carving

   Once done, carefully remove the turkey from the grill and tent with aluminum foil. Let rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

9. Serve and Enjoy

   Carve your perfectly grilled BBQ turkey and serve with your favorite holiday sides!

Pro Tips for the Perfect BBQ Turkey

• Temperature Control: The key to successful grilling is maintaining a consistent temperature. Use a grill thermometer to monitor heat levels.
• Natural Basting: The apples and onions inside the cavity release moisture as they cook, helping to keep the meat juicy from the inside out.
• Avoid Lifting the Lid: Every time you open the grill, heat escapes. Try to limit checking to when you need to baste.
• Foil Protection: If the wings or legs start to brown too quickly, wrap them in small pieces of foil.
• Drip Pan: If grilling directly on the grates (without the aluminum pan), place a drip pan beneath the turkey to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.

Perfect Pairings for Your BBQ Turkey

This smoky, flavorful turkey pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled vegetables (since you’ve already got the grill fired up!)
• Cranberry sauce with a hint of orange
• Buttery mashed potatoes
• Apple and sage stuffing
• Robust red wines like Pinot Noir or Syrah

Nutrition Information

Storing and Using Leftover BBQ Turkey

While this delicious BBQ turkey rarely leaves leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have some:

• Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Leftover Ideas: Try turkey sandwiches with cranberry aioli, turkey soup with wild rice, or turkey and apple quesadillas.

FAQs About Grilling Turkey on the BBQ

Can I use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill?

Absolutely! Charcoal actually imparts an even more distinctive smoky flavor. Just make sure to arrange your coals for indirect heat and maintain a consistent temperature.

What if I don’t have wine?

You can substitute apple cider, additional chicken broth, or even a combination of water and lemon juice.

How do I prevent the turkey skin from burning?

The key is maintaining a low, indirect heat. If you notice parts browning too quickly, cover those areas with small pieces of aluminum foil.

Can I add wood chips for more smoke flavor?

Yes! Soaked hickory, apple, or cherry wood chips add wonderful flavor. Add them to your charcoal or in a smoker box for gas grills.

Why This BBQ Turkey Recipe Will Become Your Holiday Tradition

Once you’ve experienced the incredible flavor and juiciness of a properly grilled BBQ turkey, you may never go back to oven roasting! The combination of smoky exterior, moist interior, and the incredible aromatics from the apples, onions, and wine creates a truly memorable centerpiece for your holiday feast. Plus, freeing up your oven for sides and desserts makes the entire meal preparation less stressful. Give this grilled BBQ turkey a try this holiday season – your family and friends will be talking about it for years to come!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes