Simple Smoked Turkey

Simple Smoked Turkey

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Simple Easy Smoked Turkey (Pellet Smoker Recipe)

Most people think smoking a turkey is complicated — but this Simple Easy Smoked Turkey proves just how easy it can be.


Using a pellet smoker, a few proven BBQ techniques, and the right seasonings, this recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful turkey that’s guaranteed to impress.


In this step-by-step guide, Elite BBQ Smokers walks you through injecting, seasoning, smoking, spritzing, and glazing a whole turkey using Heath Riles BBQ products and a Recteq Pellet Smoker. Finished with a Maple Honey Habanero glaze, this turkey is tender, golden brown, and packed with flavor — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.


Main Dish: 19 lb Smoked Turkey

Flavor Boost: Heath Riles Chicken Injection, Chicken Rub, Honey Rub, Maple Honey Habanero Glaze

Equipment: Recteq Pellet Smoker, ThermPro TempSpike

Key Techniques: Injection, spritzing for moisture, glazing for flavor

Author
Elite BBQ Smokers (Jason Hardee)
Prep Time
0 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time
4 hours
Servings
12–15 servings
Category
Main Dish
Cuisine
American / BBQ

Ingredients

  • 19 lb whole turkey
  • ¼ cup Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Injection & Brine
  • 16 oz chicken stock
  • Olive oil
  • Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Rub
  • Heath Riles BBQ Honey Rub
  • Heath Riles BBQ Glaze – Maple Honey Habanero
  • 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and Mott’s White Apple Grape Juice

Directions

  1. Preheat the Smoker Preheat the Recteq Pellet Smoker to 350°F.
  2. Preheat the Smoker Preheat the Recteq Pellet Smoker to 350°F.
  3. Prepare the Pan Setup Place the turkey on an aluminum sheet pan fitted with a cooling rack. This acts as a heat deflector and promotes even cooking.
  4. Prepare the Pan Setup Place the turkey on an aluminum sheet pan fitted with a cooling rack. This acts as a heat deflector and promotes even cooking.
  5. Inject the Turkey Mix Heath Riles Chicken Injection & Brine with chicken stock. Inject the turkey in a grid pattern to evenly distribute moisture and flavor.
  6. Inject the Turkey Mix Heath Riles Chicken Injection & Brine with chicken stock. Inject the turkey in a grid pattern to evenly distribute moisture and flavor.
  7. Dry and Oil the Skin Pat the turkey skin dry with paper towels. Lightly coat the skin with olive oil to help achieve a golden-brown finish.
  8. Dry and Oil the Skin Pat the turkey skin dry with paper towels. Lightly coat the skin with olive oil to help achieve a golden-brown finish.
  9. Season Season generously with Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Rub and Honey Rub.
  10. Season Season generously with Heath Riles BBQ Chicken Rub and Honey Rub.
  11. Smoke Place the turkey in the smoker and cook until the breast reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  12. Smoke Place the turkey in the smoker and cook until the breast reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  13. Spritz Regularly Every 30 minutes, spritz the turkey with the apple cider vinegar and apple grape juice mixture to keep it moist and enhance color.
  14. Spritz Regularly Every 30 minutes, spritz the turkey with the apple cider vinegar and apple grape juice mixture to keep it moist and enhance color.
  15. Wrap on Color Once the turkey reaches a rich golden-brown color, wrap it loosely in aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent over-browning.
  16. Wrap on Color Once the turkey reaches a rich golden-brown color, wrap it loosely in aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent over-browning.
  17. Finish Cooking Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast.
  18. Finish Cooking Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast.
  19. Rest Remove the turkey from the smoker, unwrap, and rest in a cooler or food-safe warmer for at least 1 hour to allow juices to redistribute without overcooking.
  20. Rest Remove the turkey from the smoker, unwrap, and rest in a cooler or food-safe warmer for at least 1 hour to allow juices to redistribute without overcooking.
  21. Glaze Apply a liberal coat of Heath Riles Maple Honey Habanero BBQ Glaze to the skin.
  22. Glaze Apply a liberal coat of Heath Riles Maple Honey Habanero BBQ Glaze to the skin.
  23. Serve Separate the turkey, slice, and serve.
  24. Serve Separate the turkey, slice, and serve.
  25. Share Take photos and tag @EliteBBQSmokers on Facebook and Instagram.
  26. Share Take photos and tag @EliteBBQSmokers on Facebook and Instagram.