Juicy Smoked Turkey Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Feast

Name: Juicy Smoked Turkey Recipe: Easy Thanksgiving Feast
Total time: 7 hrs 30 mins
Ingredients: 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed; 1 (20 pound) bag high quality charcoal briquettes; hickory chips or chunks

This easy smoked turkey recipe proves that simplicity yields the best results. Using quality charcoal and hickory wood chips infuses the turkey with a rich, smoky flavor, creating a juicy and tender centerpiece for any occasion without requiring specialized equipment.

Total time7 hrs 30 mins
Prep time30 mins
Cook time6 hrs
Yield1 (12-pound) turkey, 18

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Servings

Ingredients

1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
1 (20 pound) bag high quality charcoal briquettes
hickory chips or chunks

Instructions

Place charcoal in the smoker's bottom pan. Ignite the coals and allow the smoker to reach a temperature of 240°F (115°C). Lightly oil the grate to prevent sticking.
Thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels to ensure even smoking. Submerge hickory chips or chunks in water to prepare them for adding smoke.
Position the turkey on the prepared grate. At the start of cooking, add two handfuls of damp hickory chips, and then add a handful every couple of hours during smoking. Cover the smoker and maintain a consistent temperature of 240°F (115°C). Avoid lifting the lid frequently to preserve heat and smoke. Continue smoking until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C), approximately 6 hours.
Carefully remove the smoked turkey from the smoker. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest before carving to retain its juices and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 447 kcal
Fat Content: 21 g
Sodium Content: 146 mg
Protein Content: 60 g
Cholesterol Content: 176 mg
Saturated Fat Content: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g