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    You Are Here Home » Entree Recipes

    Published: Oct 14, 2021 Updated: Mar 29, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 10 Comments

    Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

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    smoked turkey breast on a grill, pin

    Learn how to smoke a tender and juicy turkey breast in this easy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast recipe! Smoking a turkey breast can add a delicious smoky flavor and injecting it with a buttery marinade really locks in the juices. Serve with Chipotle Smoked Mac and Cheese or Jiffy cornbread with creamed corn on the side!

    smoked turkey breast on the grill

    Traeger turkey recipes are all the rage, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas! However, when you don't want to prepare a whole smoked turkey, smoking a turkey breast is the perfect solution.

    Jump to:
    • 🧐 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 What Goes Into This Recipe
    • 🔖 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions
    • 🔪Tools Required
    • 🍗 How to Make A Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
    • 🍽 Serving Suggestions
    • What to do with Turkey leftovers?
    • 🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs
    • 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips
    • 🍖 Related Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🧐 Why This Recipe Works

    This smoked turkey recipe is perfect when you feel like having turkey but you don't want to cook a whole turkey. You'll find that turkey breasts range in size, just like whole turkeys do. Depending on the size, (4 — 10 pounds) it can feed anywhere from three to eight individuals.

    You can even prepare this Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving. The smaller size makes turkey breasts the perfect solution for those dining alone, with a few friends, or with a small family.

    You may miss the turkey leftovers and the turkey drippings to make gravy, however, sometimes it's nice not to have a fridge full of leftovers. If this is you, you'll love this scaled-down recipe!

    Another advantage to this recipe is that it frees up the oven for the Sweet Potato Pie and other side dishes!

    Smoking a turkey breast retains the juices inside, especially when injected first and smoked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This yields a juicy turkey that's neither overly cooked nor dried out.

    Although this recipe specifies using a Traeger grill (paid link), you can also use any other pellet grills.

    To feed a larger crowd, try my Traeger Smoked Turkey Without Brine recipe.

    Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast, sliced
    Have you ever seen a juicier turkey breast?

    🛒 What Goes Into This Recipe

    smoked turkey breast ingredients
    smoked turkey breast injection ingredients

    🔖 Recipe Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Turkey — This Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast recipe calls for a 7 lb bone-in turkey breast. If using a smaller or larger turkey breast, you'll need to adjust the other ingredients. Rinse the turkey and pat dry with paper towels before proceeding.
    • Tajin seasoning — Tajin seasoning is salty, lemony, and slightly spicy. If you don't have Tajin, you can double the amount of creole seasoning.
    • Creole Seasoning — Creole Seasoning adds both spice and saltiness. If you wish, you can leave out the creole seasoning and double the amount of Tajin seasoning.
    • Sage — Sage can be purchased fresh, ground, or rubbed. For this recipe, we're using rubbed sage. Rosemary and thyme are also great options!

    *You can find a printable recipe card with exact measurements at the bottom of the post!

    🔪Tools Required

    • Smoker or pellet grill
    • Meat probe or digital thermometer
    • Syringe
    • A sharp knife

    🍗 How to Make A Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

    Step 1 | Prepare Marinade/Inject Turkey

    Whisk turkey marinade injection ingredients together until combined. Using a Marinade Injecting Syringe, inject the marinade into the turkey breast.

    Tip: Inject the turkey breast all over. When injecting, pierce the turkey and slowly pull the syringe out as you inject the marinade into the turkey breast. This helps the marinade to get absorbed instead of leaking out entirely. However, some of the marinade will still leak out.

    Step 2 | Season Turkey Breast

    When there's approximately ¼ cup of marinade left, stir the turkey seasoning ingredients into the marinade to make a paste. Rub this paste all over the turkey breast, including the cavity. At this point, cover and refrigerate the turkey for one or more hours to let the flavors penetrate the meat.

    Tip: Don't forget to lift the skin and rub some of the paste into the skin. This will help the seasoning really soak in!

    Step 3 | Smoke The Turkey Breast

    Bring the turkey to room temperature. Heat Traeger to 225° F. When the smoker is ready, place turkey breast directly on the grill rack and stick the probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast. Set the probe temperature to 165° F. Use Super Smoke if you have that option. Smoke until the probe reaches 165° F.

    uncooked turkey breast on the grill
    Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast on the grill
    Traeger smoked turkey breast on the grill

    Tip: At 225° F, it will take approximately 4 to 5 hours to smoke the turkey. It's hard to predict the exact time. It will depend on the outside temperature, the turkey's temperature, and how many times you lift the grill lid to sneak a peak.

    Step 4 | Rest Turkey Breast

    Loosely tent the turkey breast with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing.

    Tip: The resting period will allow the juices to redistribute in the breast instead of seeping out when you slice into it.

    🍽 Serving Suggestions

    I recommend serving smoked turkey breast with cranberry sauce, chipotle smoked Mac and cheese, and zesty quinoa salad.

    What to do with Turkey leftovers?

    Smoked turkey leftovers can be enjoyed in so many ways! Need a little inspiration? Here are a few recipes that are sure to please!

    • Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
    • Creamy turkey soup
    • Mini turkey pot pies

    🤷🏻‍♀️ Recipe FAQs

    How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast at 225°?

    It will depend on the size of the turkey breast and the temperature outside. If the weather is cold, it will take longer to smoke the turkey breast. It could take 4 to 6 hours.

    How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast per pound?

    It depends on what temperature it is smoked at. Here are some approximate times based on temperatures.

    225° F — 40 minutes per pound
    250° F — 35 minutes per pound
    275° F — 30 minutes per pound
    300° F — 25 minutes per pound
    325° F — 20 minutes per pound
    350° F — 15 minutes per pound

    What's the best wood for smoking a turkey?

    When smoking a turkey, I like to stick with fruitwood. However, any of the following will give you great results.
    • Apple
    • Cherry
    • Pecan
    • Hickory
    • Oak

    👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips

    • If you buy a smaller turkey breast, you can reduce the amount of marinade and seasonings.
    • Inject the turkey breast all over. Pierce the turkey as you slowly pull the syringe out, allowing the marinade to slowly get absorbed into the breast instead of leaking out.
    • You may be tempted to skip the resting period, but don't! If you slice the turkey too soon, all the yummy juices will run out of the turkey, leaving the turkey breast dry.
    • If you need the turkey to cook faster, start the turkey at 225° F for one hour with super smoke, then turn up the temperature to 250° F or higher for the remaining time. Another option is to smoke the turkey breast at an even higher temperature, say 350° F, which will drastically reduce the cooking time.
    • If you prefer a milder taste, you can leave out the creole seasoning. You may want to add a little extra salt since you'll be losing the salt in the creole seasoning.
    They say timing is everything. Just as I pulled the Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast off the grill, the turkeys came running in the background. Maybe to pay their last respects? 😉

    You may also be interested in the following posts:

    • Perfectly Smoked Traeger Prime Rib
    • Smoke A Traeger Brisket Like A Boss
    • Habanero Pineapple Brisket Burnt Ends
    • Traeger Smoked Tri-Tip
    • Traeger Smoked Chicken Thighs
    • Smoked Corn on the Cob

    🍖 Related Recipes

    • jerky up close with more in the background
      Spicy Smoked Pork Jerky
    • smoked baby octopus
      Smoked Octopus
    • smoked salmon dip with crackers and veggies
      Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
    • smoked pastrami piled high
      Smoked Pastrami - A Beginner's Guide

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    📖 Recipe

    smoked turkey breast on the grill

    Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast

    Learn how to make an amazingly juicy, Traeger smoked turkey breast.
    4.86 from 27 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
    Resting Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 567kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    Turkey Injection Marinade

    • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
    • ¼ cup avocado oil
    • 2 tablespoon orange juice
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or black pepper)

    Other Ingredients

    • 7 lbs turkey breast
    • 1 tablespoon Tajin seasoning
    • 2 teaspoon creole seasoning
    • 1 tablespoon sage
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions

    • Whisk turkey marinade injection ingredients together until combined. Using a Marinade Injecting Syringe (paid link), inject the marinade into the turkey breast.
    • When there's approximately ¼ cup of marinade left, stir the turkey seasoning ingredients into the marinade to make a paste. Rub this paste all over the turkey breast, including the cavity. At this point, cover and refrigerate the turkey for one hour or more to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
    • Bring the turkey to room temperature. Heat Traeger to 225° F. When the smoker is ready, place the turkey directly on the grill and stick the probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast. Set the probe temperature to 165° F. Use Super Smoke if you have that option. Smoke until the probe reaches 165° F.
    • Tent the turkey breast with foil and allow it to rest for approximately 10 minutes before slicing. 

    Notes

    • Inject the turkey breast all over. Pierce the turkey as you slowly pull the syringe out, allowing the marinade to slowly get absorbed into the breast instead of leaking out.
    • You may be tempted to skip the resting period, but don't! If you slice the turkey too soon, all the yummy juices will run out of the turkey, leaving the turkey breast dry.
    • If you need the turkey to cook faster, start the turkey at 225° F for one hour with super smoke, then turn up the temperature to 250° F or higher for the remaining time. Another option is to smoke the turkey breast at an even higher temperature, say 350° F, which will drastically reduce the cooking time.
    • If you prefer a milder taste, you can leave out the creole seasoning. You may want to add a little extra salt since you'll be losing the salt in the creole seasoning.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 567kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 67g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 5203mg | Sugar: 8g
    Tried this Recipe? Please leave A Star Rating!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

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    1. Shar says

      November 24, 2022 at 9:20 am

      5 stars
      Love turkey on pellet grill but seeing those turkeys pat their last respects to Uncle Tom was the best laugh of the day!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 24, 2022 at 9:23 am

        Haha, I'm glad you caught that, Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply
    2. Ross says

      April 14, 2022 at 8:15 am

      How long should it take approximately to smoke a 5lb turkey breast at 225°???

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        April 14, 2022 at 8:28 am

        Hi Ross,
        At 225° it should take around 3 hours or 35 minutes per pound. It's hard to predict the exact time since it depends on the outside temp, how many times you lift the lid, the turkey's beginning temperature, and so on. If possible, use a probe to make sure it's cooked to 165.

        Reply
    3. Smitty says

      November 27, 2021 at 9:25 am

      5 stars
      Made this with a couple necessary substitutions, grape seed oil for Avocado oil and more garlic (it's an Italian thing). Came out moist and delicious. My wife who is not a fan usually of turkey noted Hilda has saved turkey for her using this recipe. BIG family Hit! Highly recommended!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 27, 2021 at 9:29 am

        Thank you so much for taking the time to rate the recipe. It makes me happy to know that your family enjoyed the recipe. I'd hate to ruin Thanksgiving. 😉

        Reply
    4. Mark S Cramer says

      November 25, 2021 at 2:19 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this exactly as written. It was amazing! The spice and heat seasonings were spot-on. The best turkey ever. Smoked some fresh pineapple and mom's stuffing. Wish I could share a picture. Tool out at 165. Will make again!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 25, 2021 at 2:21 pm

        Thanks, Mark! I'm glad you had success with the recipe. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

        Reply
    5. Patricia McGuffee says

      November 07, 2021 at 2:53 pm

      Have not tried yet but wondering if this can be cooked in the oven?
      No smoker.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 07, 2021 at 3:23 pm

        Hi Patricia, I don't see why you can't prepare it in the oven, just not sure how long it would take since I've only tried this recipe in my smoker.

        Reply

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