Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

This post was updated on April 22, 2020 by Jesseca

This simple boneless Traeger smoked turkey breast recipe is so delicious and easy to make! Perfect for a small Thanksgiving dinner or comforting meal!

Thank you to Traeger Grills for sponsoring this post. 

It’s fall ya’ll! The cooling temps and falling leaves have me ready to snuggle up in a cozy blanket with a good book and cup of cocoa. Luckily, the view out of my window keeps my staring straight at my Traeger Grill. Smoking a turkey has been high on my culinary to-do list for ages, and what better time than just before Thanksgiving?

I opted to start with a boneless turkey breast (small family of three would have a rough time going through a whole turkey) to start, and boy-oh-boy is this DELISH!

Smoked Boneless Turkey Breast 

Before I got started on a recipe, I decided to do a little digging on pellet types and options. For this specific recipe I opted for Cherry. Why? Because it’s one of the varieties I had on hand and I felt like the cherry would work well with the apple flavor profile I was adding (more on that later).

What pellet types are best for smoking a turkey?

Short answer? You can’t really go wrong with any option. My go-to’s with poultry are normally apple, pecan, oak, or cherry. Sometimes I’m even known to use hickory.

I really love the fall flavors that are brought together in this recipe. Apple cider gives you the most incredible brine base and elevates the flavor of the turkey. Pair that with fresh garlic, allspice, and poultry seasoning and you have got yourself one incredible main course.

Ingredients for smoked turkey breast:

• Apple cider
• Garlic
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Allspice
• Bay leaves
• Water
• Turkey breast
• Poultry seasoning

Is it better to use fresh or dry herbs?

Both fresh and dry herbs are amazing additions to any recipe. Specifically, dry herbs to better in this bring. The flavors are bold and help enhance the overall dish. Fresh herbs, like rosemary, are a great addition to the final product. Sprinkle a few sprigs onto your serving tray to give it an elegant look and taste just before serving.

How to smoke a turkey breast:

Like this recipe? You will love my:

• Simple Turkey Gravy
• Leftover Thanksgiving Stuffed Shells
• Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Print

Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe

This simple boneless smoked turkey breast recipe is so delicious and easy to make! Perfect for a small Thanksgiving dinner or comforting meal! 

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword grill, Poultry, smoker, Thanksgiving, Turkey

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Brine Time 8 hours

Total Time 10 hours 20 minutes

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• 6 cups apple cider
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon allspice
• 3 bay leaves
• 4 cups ice water
• 1 (3lb) boneless turkey breast
• Poultry seasoning

Instructions

Prepare the brine (the night before):

1. Combine the apple cider, garlic, brown sugar, salt, allspice, and bay leaves in a large pot. Bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes.

2. Remove from the heat and stir in the ice water. Allow to cool to room temperature.

3. Pour the brine over the turkey breast. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Smoking the Turkey:

1. Preheat your Traeger grill to 325 degrees. This should take about 15 minutes with the lid closed.

2. While the grill is preheating, remove the turkey breast from the brine. Rinse and pat dry. Rub with poultry seasoning.

3. Place the turkey breast onto the preheated grill. Cook for 1 to 2 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Remove from the grill and allow to sit for 10 minutes before slicing.

Recipe Notes

*Cooking a bone in turkey breast will take approximately 3 to 4 hours to cook, depending on the size. Add additional water to the brine if needed to cover the entire breast.  

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