This juicy and flavorful Texas Smoked Turkey Breast recipe is perfect, mouthwatering BBQ dish that everyone will love. Making it is super easy- you'll need just a few minutes of prep time and really simple pantry staples to put it together.
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Serve with a delicious Turkey recipe with, Potatoes Au Gratin, Roasted Dutch Carrots or a tasty Beet and Sweet Potato Salad for the perfect meal!
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple: My favorite part about this Texas style smoked turkey breast recipe is its flavor and simplicity.
- Versatile: Plus, this Texas Smoked Turkey Breast is super versatile- you can have it on your menu year round and it is sure to be a total hit with your BBQs and summer potlucks.
🥘 Ingredients
- Turkey Breast: The star of the dish, offering lean, flavorful protein.
- Butter: Gives the turkey a golden brown color and adds richness.
- Seasonings: Black pepper, salt, and granulated garlic provide a simple but effective flavor profile.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Sweet & Smoky – A little brown sugar in the seasoning adds caramelization and a touch of sweetness.
- Spice it up! Cayenne, smoked paprika, or chipotle powder bring the heat.
- Herby Upgrade – Add thyme, rosemary, or sage for a classic flavor boost.
- Butter Swap – Use olive oil instead for a lighter, juicier turkey.
- BBQ Twist – A Texas-style BBQ rub or brisket rub with kosher salt takes it to the next level!
🔪How To Make Texas Smoked Turkey Breast
- Step 1: Heat the smoker to 250 degrees. One at a time, starting with the salt, sprinkle the entire turkey with each seasoning.
- Step 2: Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook for about 1 ½ hours or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 150 degrees.
- Step 3: Remove the turkey breast and place it in an aluminum foil boat. Coat with melted butter and wrap with aluminum foil. Remember to wrap the foil tightly.
- Step 4: Continue to cook for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees, then remove and rest for 15-30 minutes. Slice the Texas smoked turkey breast and serve!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Think you're ready to give this smoked turkey recipe a try? Here are some tips and tricks you might want to take note of.
- If your turkey has already been brined, you can cut the amount of salt you're using in half. Also remember to pat dry the turkey breast before you start to coat it with the spices. Use paper towels.
- To make sure that no butter leaks out, use 2 pieces of foil to wrap the turkey breast.
- You can also place a pan in the smoker to catch all the drippings from the smoked turkey. You can then use this to create a nice gravy to go with the Texas style smoked turkey breast.
- You can also experiment with different seasonings and rubs for your turkey breast. Brown sugar is a great option as it can create a beautiful caramelization and a nice crusty bark on the outside of the turkey breast.
- You can also try any other packaged dry rub of your choice. I love using the TX brisket rub with a dash of kosher salt.
- To check if the smoked turkey is cooked to perfection, you'll need to use a probe thermometer or a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the internal temperature reaches about 165°F on the thickest part of the meat, you'll know your turkey is done.
- To get that perfect smoke flavor, use a medium smoking wood like oak or pecan. Post oak wood is a great choice. You can use either pellets or wood chips- it's all up to you.
- While boneless turkey breast is the way to go, if you're using a pack of bone in turkey breast, you might want to first remove the bone and trim the excess fat before you start to rub the spices and seasonings on it.
💭 FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in turkey breast. Just be sure to remove the bone and trim any excess fat before applying the seasoning.
What type of wood is best for smoking the turkey breast?
For the best flavor, use medium smoking woods like oak or pecan. Post oak wood is highly recommended for a great smoky taste.
How can I keep the turkey breast moist while smoking?
To keep the turkey breast moist, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil after basting with melted butter. This helps retain moisture during the final stage of cooking.
Can I store leftovers, and how do I reheat them?
Yes, you can store leftover turkey breast in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or skillet with a bit of butter or stock to keep it moist.
🧂Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite sides to serve with Texas style smoke turkey breast:
- Cranberry Sauce: The best way to enjoy these Texas smoked turkey breasts is to team them up with a fine dipping sauce or a tasty Cranberry Orange Sauce.
- BBQ Sauce: BBQ sauce is an obvious great option, but you could also try making a simple garlic butter dipping sauce by mixing some of the remaining butter with a little garlic.
- Veggies: You might want to serve this turkey breast with Mashed Potatoes, Smashed Potato Salad, Steamed Carrots, Broccoli, Air Fryer Asparagus or Crispy Green Beans.
🍽 Yummy Turkey Recipes You'll Love
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Texas Style Smoke Turkey Breast
Smoked Texas Style Turkey Breast is a delicious and peppery option for your holiday table! Of course, anytime of year would be perfect for this juicy recipe. Tender and moist, this recipe will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients
- 20 Ounce Turkey Breast
- ½ Cup Melted Butter
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Granulated Garlic
- 1 Tablespoon Coarse Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Heat the smoker to 250 degrees. One at a time, starting with the salt, sprinkle the entire turkey with each seasoning.
- Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook for about 1 ½ hours or until the turkey hits an internal temperature of 150 degrees.
- Remove the turkey breast and place it in an aluminum foil boat. Coat with melted butter and wrap with aluminum foil. Remember to wrap the foil tight.
- Continue to cook for 15 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 160 degrees, then remove and rest for 15-30 minutes. Slice the Texas smoked turkey breast and serve!
Notes
If your turkey has already been brined, you can cut the amount of salt you’re using in half. Also remember to pat dry the turkey breast before you start to coat it with the spices. Use paper towels.
To make sure that no butter leaks out, use 2 pieces of foil to wrap the turkey breast.
You can also place a pan in the smoker to catch all the drippings from the smoked turkey. You can then use this to create a nice gravy to go with the Texas style smoked turkey breast.
You can also experiment with different seasonings and rubs for your turkey breast. Brown sugar is a great option as it can create a beautiful caramelization and a nice crusty bark on the outside of the turkey breast.
You can also try any other packaged dry rub of your choice. I love using the TX brisket rub with a dash of kosher salt.
To check if the smoked turkey is cooked to perfection, you’ll need to use a probe thermometer or a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once the internal temperature reaches about 165°F on the thickest part of the meat, you’ll know your turkey is done.
To get that perfect smoke flavor, use a medium smoking wood like oak or pecan. Post oak wood is a great choice. You can use either pellets or wood chips- it’s all up to you.
While boneless turkey breast is the way to go, if you’re using a pack of bone in turkey breast, you might want to first remove the bone and trim the excess fat before you start to rub the spices and seasonings on it.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 357kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 31gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 3964mgPotassium: 386mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 737IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg
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More Super Yummy Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed trying your hands at this Texas smoked turkey breast and are inspired to try some more BBQ-friendly recipes, here are a few good options.
This Texas Smoked Turkey Breast is a smoky, juicy masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make! I love how the simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and granulated garlic lets the natural flavor of the turkey shine. Wrapping it in foil with melted butter ensures it stays moist and tender. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for an extra kick. Perfect for BBQs, holidays, or any time you’re craving something hearty and flavorful!