Smoky BBQ Grilled Turkey: A Holiday Feast Game-Changer

Ultimate BBQ Grilled Turkey: A Smoky Twist on Holiday Tradition

Looking for a show-stopping bbq grilled turkey recipe that will have your guests raving? This mouthwatering alternative to oven-roasted turkey brings together the best of outdoor cooking with holiday tradition. By taking your turkey to the grill, you’ll achieve a beautifully smoky flavor and incredibly juicy meat that simply can’t be matched by conventional methods.

Why You’ll Love This BBQ Grilled Turkey Recipe

There are several compelling reasons to take your turkey to the grill this holiday season:

• Frees up oven space – Keep your oven available for sides and desserts
• Adds incredible smoky flavor – Something you simply can’t achieve in an oven
• Creates juicier meat – The indirect grilling method helps lock in moisture
• Makes for a great outdoor activity – Gathering around the grill adds to the festive atmosphere
• Produces crispy, flavorful skin – The dry heat of the grill creates the perfect exterior

Key Tips for Perfect BBQ Grilled Turkey

Before diving into the recipe, here are some essential pointers for success:

• Use indirect heat – Never place turkey directly over flames
• Maintain a consistent temperature – Aim for 325-350°F throughout cooking
• Consider a spatchcock method – Flattening the turkey speeds cooking and ensures even doneness
• Have a meat thermometer ready – The only reliable way to check for doneness
• Allow time for resting – Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 (15 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 3 medium apples, cored and quartered
• 2 large onions, peeled and quartered
• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons BBQ seasoning rub (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth (for basting)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (rosemary, thyme, sage)

Equipment Needed

• Gas or charcoal grill with lid
• Drip pan
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush
• Disposable aluminum roasting pan (optional)

Preparation Steps for BBQ Grilled Turkey

1. Remove the turkey from refrigeration about 1 hour before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, combine BBQ seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create your turkey rub.
3. Brush the entire turkey with olive oil, then generously apply the seasoning rub all over, including under the skin and inside the cavity.
4. Stuff the turkey cavity with apple quarters and onion quarters, reserving some for the drip pan.
5. Pour the bottle of white wine into the turkey cavity, allowing excess to flow into your drip pan.
6. Place remaining apple and onion pieces in the drip pan to create an aromatic base.
7. Preheat your gas grill to low heat (325-350°F). For a charcoal grill, arrange coals on the sides for indirect heat, leaving the center empty.
8. Place the drip pan in the center of the grill (or between the charcoal piles for a charcoal grill).
9. Position the turkey breast-side up over the drip pan, making sure it’s not directly over any flames.
10. Close the grill lid and maintain a steady temperature of 325-350°F.

Grilling Your BBQ Turkey to Perfection

11. Grill the turkey with the lid closed, maintaining temperature for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound of turkey (about 4-5 hours total for a 15-pound turkey).
12. Every 45 minutes, baste the turkey with a mixture of its own juices from the drip pan and chicken broth.
13. If parts of the turkey are browning too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
14. After about 3 hours, begin checking the internal temperature. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding bone) – it should reach 165°F when fully cooked.
15. Also check the breast temperature, which should reach 160°F (it will continue cooking to 165°F while resting).
16. Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the grill and transfer to a cutting board.
17. Tent loosely with foil and allow to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving.
18. While resting, strain the drippings from the drip pan and use them to make a flavorful gravy if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Your bbq grilled turkey deserves to be accompanied by sides that complement its smoky flavor profile. Consider serving with:

• Grilled vegetables (since you already have the grill going!)
• Smoked mac and cheese
• Classic cornbread stuffing
• Cranberry sauce with a touch of chipotle for smoky sweetness
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Apple-onion gravy made from the drippings

Troubleshooting Your BBQ Grilled Turkey

Even experienced grillers can encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common issues:

• Problem: Turkey is browning too quickly
  Solution: Cover the browning areas with foil and reduce grill temperature slightly.
• Problem: Temperature fluctuations
  Solution: For gas grills, adjust burners as needed. For charcoal, add more coals carefully to maintain heat.
• Problem: Drippings causing flare-ups
  Solution: Ensure your drip pan is properly positioned and has enough liquid.
• Problem: Turkey cooking unevenly
  Solution: Consider rotating the turkey halfway through cooking time.

Storage and Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftover bbq grilled turkey (though that’s rarely the case!), proper storage is key:

• Refrigerate leftover turkey within 2 hours of cooking
• Store in shallow airtight containers for quick cooling
• Consume refrigerated turkey within 3-4 days
• For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months

Leftover BBQ Grilled Turkey Recipe Ideas

The smoky flavor of grilled turkey makes for exceptional leftovers:

• Turkey Club Sandwiches – Layer with bacon, avocado and chipotle mayo
• Smoked Turkey Soup – Use the carcass to make an incredible smoky stock
• BBQ Turkey Tacos – Shred and serve with slaw and BBQ sauce
• Turkey Breakfast Hash – Dice and combine with potatoes, peppers and eggs

Why This BBQ Grilled Turkey Recipe Works

This recipe stands out because it combines the best aspects of traditional roasting with the unique benefits of grilling. The indirect heat method ensures even cooking, while the grill imparts a subtle smokiness that enhances the turkey’s natural flavor. The apple-onion-wine combination creates an aromatic steam that keeps the meat incredibly moist, addressing the number one complaint about holiday turkeys – dryness.

For holiday hosts looking to impress their guests with something different yet familiar, this bbq grilled turkey recipe delivers extraordinary results that will have everyone talking long after the meal is over.