Smoky Grilled BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey: A Flavor-Packed Holiday Centerpiece

The Ultimate BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe for a Showstopping Holiday Feast

Looking to wow your guests this holiday season? This bbq thanksgiving turkey recipe takes your traditional holiday bird to extraordinary new heights by moving the cooking process outdoors to the grill. The result is a beautifully bronzed, smoke-kissed turkey with incredibly juicy meat that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Transform your holiday dinner with this showstopping grilled turkey that combines the smoky flavor of barbecue with the festive tradition of Thanksgiving. This method uses apples, onions, and a whole bottle of wine to create a succulent, flavor-packed centerpiece that’s anything but ordinary!

Why Grill Your Thanksgiving Turkey This Year?

If you’re tired of the same old oven-roasted turkey, grilling offers several compelling advantages:

• Frees up your oven for all those delicious side dishes
• Creates a beautiful smoky flavor that you can’t achieve in a conventional oven
• Results in exceptionally juicy meat with crispy, flavorful skin
• Makes for a fun outdoor cooking experience that becomes part of the holiday tradition
• Impresses guests with your culinary creativity

What You’ll Need for a Perfect BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients

• 1 (15-pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons poultry seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3 medium apples, quartered
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 sprigs rosemary
• 4 sprigs thyme

Equipment

• Gas or charcoal grill
• Disposable aluminum roasting pan (large enough to hold turkey)
• Meat thermometer
• Basting brush
• Wood chips for smoking (optional, but recommended)
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil

How to Make the Ultimate BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey

1. Begin by preparing your grill for indirect heat cooking. For a gas grill, turn on burners on only one side and maintain a temperature of about 325-350°F. For a charcoal grill, arrange hot coals on either side, leaving the center empty.
2. If using wood chips for extra smoky flavor, soak them in water for 30 minutes, then drain and place in a smoker box or aluminum foil pouch with holes poked in the top. Place on the hot side of the grill.
3. While the grill preheats, prepare the turkey. Remove it from the refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat the turkey dry thoroughly with paper towels, inside and out.
4. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful rub.
5. Gently loosen the skin from the turkey breast and rub about 1/3 of the spice mixture directly on the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture all over the outside of the turkey.
6. Stuff the turkey cavity with the apple quarters, onion quarters, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. These will add moisture and flavor from within.
7. Place the prepared turkey in a large disposable aluminum roasting pan. Pour the wine and chicken broth into the bottom of the pan.
8. Position the roasting pan on the indirect heat side of the grill. Close the lid and maintain a consistent temperature of 325-350°F.
9. After the first hour, begin basting the turkey with the pan juices and melted butter every 30 minutes.
10. If the turkey begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
11. Continue grilling for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) registers 165°F and juices run clear.
12. Once done, carefully remove the turkey from the grill and transfer to a cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest for 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
13. Strain the pan drippings and reserve for gravy if desired.

Expert Tips for BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey Success

• Temperature is key: Maintain a consistent grill temperature throughout the cooking process. Too hot, and your turkey will burn; too cool, and it won’t cook properly.
• Brining option: For even juicier meat, consider brining your turkey for 12-24 hours before grilling.
• Fuel check: Ensure you have enough propane or charcoal before starting, as you don’t want to run out mid-cook!
• Drip pan placement: Place a drip pan under the turkey to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.
• Basting schedule: Don’t open the grill too frequently for basting, as you’ll lose heat. Stick to the 30-minute schedule.
• Rest period: The 30-minute rest after cooking is non-negotiable! This makes all the difference in juiciness.

Perfect Side Dishes for Your BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey

This smoky, flavorful turkey pairs beautifully with both traditional and unique Thanksgiving sides:

• Grilled vegetable medley (since the grill is already hot!)
• Smoked mac and cheese
• Classic mashed potatoes and gravy made from the turkey drippings
• Cornbread stuffing with smoked sausage
• Cranberry sauce with a touch of bourbon

Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey

Can I use a smaller or larger turkey for this recipe?

Yes! Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly, using the rule of approximately 15 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

What if I don’t have a grill large enough for a whole turkey?

Consider spatchcocking your turkey (removing the backbone and flattening it) to make it fit on a smaller grill. This also reduces cooking time significantly!

Can I prepare the turkey the night before?

Absolutely! You can apply the dry rub up to 24 hours in advance and keep the turkey refrigerated until about 30 minutes before grilling.

What type of wood chips work best for smoking turkey?

Milder woods like apple, cherry, or pecan complement turkey beautifully without overpowering its flavor. Avoid stronger woods like mesquite.

Make Your Holiday Memorable with This BBQ Thanksgiving Turkey

This bbq thanksgiving turkey is sure to become your new holiday tradition, combining the best of outdoor grilling with the cherished flavors of Thanksgiving. The smoke-infused, juicy meat with perfectly crisp skin will have your guests raving, and the outdoor cooking element creates a fun, festive atmosphere. Give your oven a break this year and embrace the flavorful adventure of grilling your holiday centerpiece!

This recipe was inspired by AllRecipes BBQ Turkey