Smoked Turkey

This easy smoked turkey recipe keeps it simple for a juicy, tender bird with rich hickory flavor—perfect for Thanksgiving or any backyard feast.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 6 hr
• Total Time: 6 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 447 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place charcoal into the bottom pan of the smoker. Light coals and wait for temperature of the smoker to come to 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). Lightly oil grate.

Step 2

Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Soak hickory chips or chunks in a pan of water.

Step 3

Place turkey onto the prepared grate. Add 2 handfuls damp chips at start of cooking, then a handful every couple of hours during the cooking process. Cover the smoker and maintain the temperature at 240 degrees F (115 degrees C). Do not lift the lid frequently, as this will release heat and smoke. Continue smoking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 6 hours.

Step 4

Remove the turkey from the smoker. Cover loosely with foil and let rest for before carving.