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+ servings
Sliced smoked turkey breast on a wood cutting board.
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5 from 1 vote

Smoked Turkey Breast

Smoked Turkey Breast. This simple, Texas style smoked Turkey Breast is made flavorful thanks to a brine, and a basic dry rub. Be prepared to fall in love with this tender, moist, flavorful turkey! 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time2 hours
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Author: Serene

Ingredients

  • 6 pound bone in turkey breast 
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt 
  • 3 cups water divided
  • 1 cup apple juice or cider 
  • 1/2 apple sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 2 rosemary sprigs
  • 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Dry Rub

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons ground black pepper 
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Remove the skin of the thawed turkey. Should be able to just peel off. May need to cut some portions off. 
  • Place the turkey in a large resealable plastic bag. Place this in a large pot. This will help keep the turkey and brine from spilling. 
  • In a small saucepan add one cup of water and the salt. Stir while heating until the salt has completely dissolved. You do not need to heat to boiling, just until salt is dissolved. 
  • Pour the warm salt water over the turkey, into the bag. Add in the rest of the water, apple juice, sliced apples, lemons, rosemary sprigs, and whole black peppercorns.
  • Seal the bag and place the turkey, in the pot, into refrigerator and let sit overnight. 
  • Next day, prepare grill/smoker according to directions. Preheat to 275.
  • Remove the turkey from the brine. Pat dry. Make sure you do this step to remove any excess salt from the brining process.
  • Cut the turkey breasts from the bones. Cut as close to the bones as possible to get the most meat possible. 
  • Brush the turkey breasts with the melted butter. Sprinkle with the dry rub. Press into the butter to have as much rub adhere to the turkey as possible.
  • Place the turkey breasts, skin side (where the skin was) up. 
  • Cook at 275℉ until turkey reaches 160℉ degrees. 
  • Remove from the smoker. Allow the turkey to rest for about 15 minutes before cutting. 
  • Slice and serve warm. 

Notes

Tips to ensure Turkey isn't Salty from Brining: 
Use Fresh turkey, not frozen. Frozen turkeys are usually injected with sodium. IF you are using a turkey that has been injected with sodium, reduce the amount of salt in the brine recipe, or decrease the brining time. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 546kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 70g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 247mg | Sodium: 1534mg | Potassium: 854mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 374IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg