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Leo_Benson's avatar
Leo_Benson
Explorer
Dec 30, 2020

Breaking down and smoking a turkey?

Hi, I have an extra Thanksgiving turkey defrosting in the refrigerator. I’d like to smoke it in my small propane smoker. Any advice? I need to break it down, never done that before but there’s plenty of you tubes. I’ve got a variety of wood chips, all kinds of stuff for a dry rub, beer, wine, apple juice I can use in the pan.
I’d be grateful for any tips.
Thanks!

12 Replies

  • I respect Y-Guy as a cook and a smoker, and I don't disagree with his method. I do mine differently though.

    I cut the backbone out of mine and flatten it out for more even cooking. It's called Spatchcock style, and you can find plenty of YouTube videos for instructions. Picture the way they grill the birds at El Pollo Loco.

    I do mine at 325* to get crispier skin.

    I use Susie Bulloch's pork/chicken run recipe and absolutely love it.

    https://heygrillhey.com/best-sweet-rub-grilled-pork-chicken/
  • I've never used a propane smoker, only a pellet smoker so your mileage may vary.
    I always (always) brine my turkey for at least 24 hours. IMHO doesn't matter what brine you use but its a must do for me. The Traeger Orange Brine and Turkey Rub kit is good, but Costco has one and spice island turkey brine kit worked well for us too.

    Day of my smoke I drain the turkey, pat it down well. Put some rub (I like the
    McCormick Smokehouse Maple Seasoning) use about 2 table spoons to coat the cavity, the more outside. Also separate the skin from the meat and spread butter around. Sometimes I mix the butter in with seasoning. Letting it rest in the fridge for an hour is nice but honestly I've only done it a few times.

    Then I fire up the smoker and set the "Smoke" or about 180-225° generally for about 4 hours or until you hit about 110° internal temperature, then increase the smoker to 350° until your internal temp reaches 160° - depending on your setup the total time on the grill might be 4 hours, I just don't know enough about a propane smoker to help on that aspect.

    Good luck & enjoy!