Grilled Turkey

You are going to love this Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe. It is full of smoky flavor and it is the juiciest turkey you will ever eat. Save oven space this holiday season and grill your turkey.

We love the flavor of a smoked turkey and the grill gives us that. The texture of the turkey comes out crispy and the inside is tender and juicy. Trust me this will be your new way to make your holiday turkey. You may also love Christmas Turkey, Slow Cooker Whole Turkey or Slow Cooker Turkey Breast. Check out How to Carve a Turkey for carving tips.

Can you Grill a Whole Turkey?

Yes, you can grill a whole turkey on your gas grill. You will be amazed how easy it is to grill. Not only does it save you oven space but the flavor of this turkey, will become a new family favorite.

I was also amazed how juicy the turkey was now it is the only way I make my holiday turkey.

We enjoy making our turkey on the grill so much that we make it throughout the year. We love to use the leftover turkey for sandwiches, casseroles and more. Add your favorite side dishes for a complete meal idea.

Ingredients

• Whole Turkey – Make sure turkey is fully thawed
• Butter – We used unsalted, softened butter
• Garlic Powder – If you are out, see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
• Paprika – Check out the Best Paprika Substitute
• Chicken Broth – If you are out, see Chicken broth substitutes

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Best Turkey Seasoning

There are many options that you can season your turkey with. We used simple seasoning, but feel free to use what you prefer. Here are some delicious variations.

• Rosemary
• Garlic Cloves
• Turkey Seasoning Blend

How to Cook Turkey on the Grill

• Step 1 – Heat Grill – Preheat the grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  
• Step 2 – Prepare the Turkey – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and tuck the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
• Step 3 – Place turkey in pan – Place the turkey in a foil roasting pan.  Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.  
• Step 4 – Rub Butter – Rub the butter all over the skin of the turkey. You can also rub olive oil over the turkey.

• Step 5 – Combine Seasoning – Mix together the garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika and dried thyme leaves.  Rub this mixture on the outside of the turkey.  

• Step 6 – Place turkey on grill – Turn off the middle burner on the grill. Then place the turkey on the grill rack over indirect heat with the lid on the grill closed.  

• Step 7 – Cook Turkey – Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey. Use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey is cooked. This makes sure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. 
• Step 8 – Grill Turkey – A 12-15 pound turkey will take approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours. A 15-20 pound turkey will take approximately 2 ½ – 3 hours. A 20-24 pound turkey will take approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours. Check the turkey every 30 minutes and add more broth if needed.  
• Step 9 – Remove Turkey – Remove the turkey from the grill and let the turkey rest for 20 minutes.
• Step 10 – Serve and Enjoy – Move the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

• Thawing Turkey – To thaw a turkey properly, allow 24 hours for every 5 pounds of turkey to thaw in a refrigerator.
• Prepare Grill – Make sure to preheat the grill to medium heat. You can also place on a charcoal grill using charcoal briquettes. If you are needing a new grill, check out the Best Grills under $500.
• Preparing Turkey – Prepare the turkey by removing the insides from the cavity and tying the wing back. We recommend to pat dry the turkey before adding the melted butter.
• Roasting Pan – You will cook your turkey in a aluminum foil roasting pan on the grill grate. Place turkey in the pan and prepare by adding chicken broth and seasoning. Make sure to rub butter on top for a crispy texture.
• Grilling Turkey – Grill turkey over indirect heat with the lid close. You will want to use a meat thermometer to ensure your turkey is cooked completely.
• Turkey Breast – You can make this recipe with a turkey breast.
• Drip Pan – As the turkey cooks it creates a gravy to serve with your side dishes.
• Cook Time – Cook time will vary based on the size of turkey.
• Resting Turkey – After grilling turkey, make sure you allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes to 20 minutes.
• Stuffing the Turkey – For added flavor, you can easily add in vegetables to the turkey cavity. I usually add in onions, celery, and more butter.
• Slicing the Turkey – After you have allowed the turkey to rest, cut with a sharp knife. Place on a cutting board to slice.

How Long to Grill Turkey

It will depend on how large your turkey will depend how long you grill. These gas grilling tips will give you the correct grilling lengths for your turkey. Cook times will vary.

• A 12-15 pound turkey will take approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours.
• For a 15-20 pound turkey will take approximately 2 ½ – 3 hours.
• A 20-24 pound turkey will take approximately 3 – 3 ½ hours.
• Check the turkey every 30 minutes and add more broth if needed.  

What to Serve with Grilled Turkey?

When I make this grilled turkey recipe, I love to serve traditional side dishes for the holidays. They may change if I make this during the summer, so make what you family prefers.

• Mashed Potatoes – Make Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes Recipe to easily feed a crowd. This effortless way to make mashed potatoes is perfect for holiday cooking. Everyone will love these creamy mashed potatoes.
• Cranberry Sauce – Cranberry sauce is so easy to make with just 3 ingredients. It is tangy, sweet and perfect for your holiday meal. Try it today for an easy side dish.
• Homemade Stuffing – Crockpot Stuffing is so simple to make and will be everyone’s favorite side dish during the holidays. The slow cooker does all of the work and cooks everything to perfection.
• Homemade Crescent Rolls – Make these crescent rolls for an easy homemade bread recipe.
• Easy Green Bean Casserole – This classic recipe is made with simple ingredients.

How to Store Leftover Grilled Turkey

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.