Easy Smoked Turkey

Transform your holiday meal with this irresistibly juicy and flavorful Easy Smoked Turkey, a foolproof recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Infused with a fragrant blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme, this 12-pound turkey gets a golden, smoky finish thanks to slow cooking over hickory or applewood chips. Perfectly tender and moist, the meat is basted with chicken broth for added richness and roasted low and slow in a smoker at 225°F. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual weekend gathering, this easy-to-follow smoked turkey recipe brings bold flavors and a hint of rustic elegance to your table. Plus, with minimal prep time and just a handful of pantry staples, it’s an approachable centerpiece for cooks of any skill level. Serve it alongside classic sides for an unforgettable feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:360 mins

Total Time:390 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 12 pounds Whole turkey
• 4 tablespoons Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon Black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Paprika
• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 2 cups Chicken broth
• 2 cups Wood chips (hickory or applewood)

Directions

Step 1

Thaw the turkey completely if frozen. This may take 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Step 2

Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

Step 4

Remove the turkey giblets from the cavity. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, inside and out.

Step 5

Rub the olive oil all over the turkey, ensuring it is evenly coated. Then generously rub the spice mix all over the turkey, including inside the cavity.

Step 6

Fill the turkey cavity with your choice of aromatics such as onion quarters, lemon halves, and fresh herbs (optional, not listed in ingredients).

Step 7

Soak the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes, then drain them. Add wood chips to the smoker according to your manufacturer's instructions.

Step 8

Place the turkey breast-side up onto the smoker rack. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone.

Step 9

Smoke the turkey at 225°F (107°C) for approximately 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the breast and 175°F (79°C) in the thigh.

Step 10

About halfway through cooking, baste the turkey with chicken broth to keep it moist. Repeat every hour if desired.

Step 11

Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the smoker and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving.

Step 12

Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	6513.3 grams (6513.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7947

Total Fat 247.50g	317%
Saturated Fat 63.30g	317%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.30g
Cholesterol 3810mg	1270%
Sodium 9698mg	422%
Total Carbohydrate 15.80g	6%
Dietary Fiber 4.60g	16%
Total Sugars 1.70g
Protein 1315.60g	2631%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 705mg	54%
Iron 65mg	362%
Potassium 13693mg	291%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.5%

Protein: 69.7%

Carbs: 0.8%