Is there anything more American than smoking a turkey on Thanksgiving? Smoking a turkey is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to the meat, and it’s really not as difficult as you might think.
If you have an electric smoker, smoking a turkey breast is even easier. In this article, we’ll show you how to smoke a turkey breast in an electric smoker.
You can also check our articles on How to Make Electric Smoker Pulled Pork, How to Use an Electric Smoker, Best Electric Smoker Recipes, How to Smoke a Pork Butt in an Electric Smoker, How to Smoke a Whole Chicken in an Electric Smoker, and How to Smoke a Turkey in an Electric Smoker.
What do you Need for the Best Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe?
There are a few important things you’ll need to make sure your smoked turkey breast turns out perfectly.
Picking the Best Turkey Breast
First, you’ll need to pick the right turkey breast. Look for a turkey breast that is around 4-5 pounds. Anything larger will be more difficult to cook evenly. You also want to make sure the turkey breast has skin on it. The skin will help protect the meat from drying out during smoking.
You can also use a whole turkey breast or a boneless turkey breast. If you’re using a whole turkey breast, make sure that it’s thawed completely and that the giblets have been removed.
Trussing the Turkey Breast
Once you’ve selected your turkey breast, the next step is to truss it. Trussing the turkey breast will help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out. To truss the turkey breast, you’ll need:
-Kitchen twine
-Poultry shears
First, cut off any excess fat from the turkey breast. Then, use the poultry shears to cut along each side of the breastbone. You want to make sure you cut through the meat and cartilage, but not the skin.
Once you’ve cut along both sides of the breastbone, you can remove it completely. Next, use your hands to tuck the wings underneath the turkey breast, so they’re flush against the body.
Then, take the kitchen twine and tie the legs together, making sure it’s tight against the body of the turkey. You can also use the kitchen twine to tie the turkey breast in a few places so that it holds its shape.
How to Prep your Turkey Breast?
Now that your turkey breast is trussed, it’s time to prep it for smoking. First, you’ll need to season the turkey breast. To do this, you’ll need:
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1 teaspoon of black pepper
-1 teaspoon of paprika
-1 teaspoon of garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
-1/4 cup of olive oil
Mix all of the spices together in a small bowl. Then, use your hands to rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast. Make sure you get it into all of the nooks and crannies. Once the turkey breast is coated with olive oil, sprinkle on the spice mixture.
Make sure you rub it in so that the spices stick to the turkey. These ingredients are for a small turkey breast. If you’re smoking a larger turkey, you’ll need to adjust the ingredients accordingly. You can also use a store-bought poultry seasoning if you don’t want to mix your own spices.
How to Inject the Turkey Breast?
If you want to add even more flavor to your smoked turkey breast, you can inject it with a marinade. This is optional, but we highly recommend it. To inject the turkey breast, you’ll need:
-1 cup of chicken stock
-1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
-2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
-1 tablespoon of garlic powder
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Then, use a meat injector to inject the marinade into the turkey breast. You want to make sure you inject it into the thickest part of the meat. Inject it in a few different places so that the marinade is evenly distributed.
How to Smoke Turkey Breast?
Now that your turkey breast is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to smoke it. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. We recommend using hickory wood chips, but you can use whatever type of wood you prefer.
Place the turkey breast on the smoker and smoke it for about 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the turkey breast is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so that they don’t all come pouring out when you slice into it.
After the turkey has rested, you can slice it and serve it however you like.
Do you Smoke a Turkey Breast Up or Breast Down?
It doesn’t matter whether you smoke your turkey breast up or down. However, we recommend smoking it breast-side down so that the juices from the meat can baste the breasts as it cooks. This will help to keep the turkey breasts moist and juicy.
Do you Cover Turkey Breast when Smoking?
You don’t need to cover your turkey breast when smoking it, but you can if you want to. If you do choose to cover it, we recommend using foil or a disposable roasting pan so that you don’t have to worry about cleaning the smoker afterward.
How do you Keep a Turkey Breast Moist when Smoking?
There are a few things you can do to help keep your turkey breast moist when smoking it. First, choose a young turkey that has not been frozen. Second, soak the turkey in a brine solution for several hours before smoking it. This will help to keep the moisture in. Finally, baste the turkey with butter or olive oil during the smoking process. This will also help to keep the moisture in and add flavor.
What Temperature do you Remove Turkey Breast from the Smoker?
The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you remove it from the smoker.
What Wood Pellets Should I use to Smoke a Turkey?
There are a variety of wood pellets you can use to smoke a turkey. However, we recommend using hickory pellets for the best flavor. You can also use fruitwood pellets, such as apple or cherry, for a sweeter flavor.
Once you’ve selected your wood pellets, soak them in water for about 30 minutes before using them. This will help to prevent them from burning up too quickly in the smoker.
Smoking Boneless Turkey Breast in Masterbuilt Electric Smoker
This is a guide on smoking boneless turkey breast in a Masterbuilt electric smoker. The process is pretty simple, and the results are delicious!
First, choose the turkey breast you want to smoke. We recommend using a young turkey that has not been frozen.
You’ll need to then prepare your turkey breast. Season it however you like, but we recommend using a dry rub. For the dry rub, you can use:
-1 tablespoon of garlic powder
-1 teaspoon of salt
-1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the turkey breast.
Then, inject it with your favorite marinade. We like to use a combination of chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Next, preheat your smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. While the smoker is preheating, soak your wood chips in water for about 30 minutes. Hickory or apple pellets give the greatest taste, according to our experts.
Once the smoker is preheated, place the turkey breast on the rack and smoke until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also baste the turkey breast with butter or olive oil every 30 minutes or so to help keep it moist.
Once the turkey breast is cooked through, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so that they don’t all come pouring out when you slice into it.
After the turkey has rested, you can slice it and serve it however you like. Enjoy!
How Long does it take to Smoke a Turkey Breast on a Masterbuilt Electric Smoker?
This will depend on the size of the turkey breast. A good rule of thumb is to smoke the turkey breast for about 30 minutes per pound.
So, for example, if you have a 4 pound turkey breast, it will take about 2 hours to smoke it. If you have a 6 pound turkey breast, it will take about 3 hours to smoke it.
As always, the best way to know if the turkey breast is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you remove it from the smoker.
Why you Should Brine and Smoke a Turkey Breast?
Brining is a process of soaking the turkey breast in a saltwater solution. This helps to add flavor and moisture to the meat. It also helps to tenderize the meat and keep it from drying out during the smoking process.
How to Brine a Turkey Breast for Smoking?
There are various ways you can brine a turkey breast. Following are a few types of brine solutions you can use:
Traditional Turkey Brine
-1 gallon of water
-1 cup of kosher salt
-1/2 cup of brown sugar
-1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
-1 teaspoon of allspice berries
-1/2 teaspoon of cloves
-1 gallon of ice cubes
Directions:
Place all of the ingredients (except for the ice cubes) into a large pot or bucket. Stir until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Then, add the ice cubes and stir until they have melted.
Place the turkey breast into the brine solution and make sure it is fully submerged. Cover the pot or bucket with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the turkey breast brine for at least 12 hours, but no more than 24 hours.
Buttermilk Brine
-1 gallon of buttermilk
-1 cup of salt
-1/4 cup of black pepper
-1 tablespoon of garlic powder
Directions:
Mix all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the turkey breast and make sure it is completely submerged in the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
Cranberry Brine
-1 cup of cranberry juice
-1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar
-1/4 cup of brown sugar
-1 tablespoon of salt
-1 teaspoon of black pepper
-1 gallon of water
Directions:
In a large pot or container, mix together all of the ingredients. Add the turkey breast and make sure it is completely submerged in the brine solution. Cover the pot or container and place it in the fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight.
What kind of Equipment do you Need to make Turkey Brine?
In order to make turkey brine, you will need a large pot or container (at least 2 gallons in size), a measuring cup, and a spoon. You will also need enough space in your fridge to store the pot or container.
Tips for Making the Turkey Breast Brine
-Make sure to use a food-grade container. Do not use a garbage can or any other type of container that is not meant for storing food.
-If you don’t have enough space in your fridge, you can brine the turkey breast in a cooler. Just make sure to keep the cooler at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
-If you don’t have time to brine the turkey breast, you can inject it with a brine solution. This is a quicker way to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
How to Make Smoked Turkey Breast without Brine?
It is possible to smoke a turkey breast without brining it first. However, the meat will not be as flavorful or moist. It is also more likely to dry out during the smoking process.
If you choose to smoke a turkey breast without brining it, you should inject it with a marinade or rub a spice blend into the skin. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
You should also cook the turkey breast at a lower temperature (250 degrees Fahrenheit) and for a shorter amount of time (2-3 hours). This will help to prevent the meat from drying out.
Different Smoked Turkey Breast Seasoning
There are many different ways you can season a smoked turkey breast. You can use a store-bought rub or spice blend, or you can make your own.
Here are a few ideas for seasoning your smoked turkey breast:
-Garlic
-Onion
-Rosemary
-Thyme
-Paprika
-Cumin
-Chili powder
-Cinnamon
-Brown sugar
-Maple syrup
-Honey
What is the Best Wood to Use when Smoking a Turkey Breast?
There are many different types of wood that you can use when smoking a turkey breast. The best woods to use are ones that have a mild flavor. Some of the best woods for smoking turkey include: apple, cherry, hickory, pecan, and maple.
Avoid using woods that have a strong flavor, such as mesquite or oak. These woods will make the meat taste bitter.
Serving Suggestions
There are many different ways you can serve smoked turkey breast. Here are a few ideas:
-Slice and serve with cranberry sauce
-Shred and use in a sandwich or wrap
-Chop and add to a salad
-Dice and use as a pizza topping
-Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy
-Serve with a side of green beans
-Serve with a side of corn
Storing Smoked Turkey Breast
Smoked turkey breast will last in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
To extend the shelf life of smoked turkey breast, you can slice it and store it in an airtight container. This will help to prevent the meat from drying out.
Reheating Smoked Turkey Breast
The best way to reheat smoked turkey breast is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the meat on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also reheat smoked turkey breast in the microwave. Place the meat on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Smoked turkey breast can also be reheated in a crockpot. Just add the meat to the pot and set it on low heat. Cover and heat for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
What to do with Leftover Turkey Breast?
There are many different ways you can use up leftover turkey breast. Here are a few ideas:
-Make turkey soup : Just add the leftover turkey, some vegetables, and some broth to a pot and let it simmer.
-Make turkey chili : This is a great way to use up both the turkey and any leftover beans you have in the pantry.
-Make turkey enchiladas : Just substitute the turkey for the chicken in your favorite recipe.
-Make a turkey pot pie : This is a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge.
-Make a turkey casserole : This is an easy and hearty meal that the whole family will love.
Tips and Tricks for Smoking Turkey Breast
Here are a few tips and tricks for smoking turkey breast:
– Use a quality electric smoker: This is perhaps the most important tip. A good smoker will help you to evenly cook the turkey breast and infuse it with flavor.
– Season the turkey breast: Seasoning the turkey breast before smoking will help to create a delicious, flavorful dish.
– Cook at a low temperature: Smoking turkey breast at a low temperature will help to prevent it from drying out.
– Use wood chips: Wood chips can be added to the electric smoker to infuse the turkey breast with flavor.
– Baste the turkey breast: Basting the turkey breast during smoking will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
– Let the turkey rest: Once the turkey breast is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This will allow the flavors to meld and the juices to redistribute.
Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe Electric Smoker
Applewood Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients:
1 (5-7 pound) turkey breast, bone-in
1/2 cup applewood chips, soaked in water for 30 minutes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup apple cider
Directions:
1. Preheat your electric smoker to 275 degrees F.
2. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and smoke for 2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165 degrees F.
4. Remove the turkey from the smoker and brush it with apple cider.
5. Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!
Masterbuilt Electric Smoker Turkey Breast Recipes
Smoked Turkey Breast with Herbs de Provence
Ingredients:
1 (5-7 pound) turkey breast, bone-in
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Herbs de Provence
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup chicken broth
Directions:
1. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and then the Herbs de Provence, salt, and pepper. Keep it for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
2. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F. Add wood chips according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Place the turkey breast in the smoker and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165 degrees F.
4. Baste the turkey breast with chicken broth every hour during smoking.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Enjoy!
Smoked Turkey Breast with Cranberry Glaze
Ingredients:
1 (5-7 pound) turkey breast, bone-in
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Directions:
1. Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. We used hickory wood chips for this recipe, but you could also use pecan or apple.
2. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the turkey on the rack inside your smoker.
3. Smoke the turkey for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165 degrees F.
4. While the turkey is smoking, prepare the cranberry glaze by whisking together cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small saucepan.
5. When the turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the smoker and brush it with cranberry glaze. Allow the turkey to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
How to Smoke a Turkey Breast in Electric Smoker FAQs
How long does it take to smoke a turkey breast at 275?
When smoking a turkey breast, it is important to allow enough time for the meat to cook through. At 275 degrees, it will take approximately 2 hours for a 4-pound turkey breast to reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. However, cooking times can vary depending on the size and type of turkey breast.
For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey before serving. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook after it is removed from the smoker.
Do I need to baste the turkey breast?
Basting is not required, but it will help to keep the turkey breast moist and flavorful. If you choose to baste, we recommend doing so every hour or so during smoking.
To make a simple basting liquid, mix together 1/2 cup chicken broth with 1 tablespoon each of olive oil and apple cider vinegar. This mixture can be used to baste the turkey breast during smoking.
Why should I cook a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
There are several reasons why a turkey breast may be a better option. First, turkey breasts are smaller and therefore easier to cook evenly.
Second, they take less time to cook, which can be helpful if you’re tight on kitchen time.
Third, turkey breasts are often more affordable than whole turkeys.
Finally, some people prefer the taste and texture of white meat over dark meat. If this is the case, then a turkey breast is definitely the way to go.
How long do you smoke a turkey breast per pound?
A general rule of thumb is to smoke a turkey breast for about 30 minutes per pound at a temperature of 250 degrees. However, this will vary depending on the specific recipe and the type of smoker being used.
Consequently, it is always best to follow the instructions in your recipe to ensure that your turkey breast turns out perfect every time.
How long do you smoke a boneless turkey breast?
When it comes to cooking a boneless turkey breast on an electric smoker, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The cook time will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and thickness of the breast, the type of smoker being used, and the desired level of doneness.
In general, however, most electric smokers operate at a temperature of around 225 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, a boneless turkey breast will take approximately 2 hours to cook through.
Can you fix a dry turkey breast?
A dry turkey breast is a common Thanksgiving problem. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to salvage your holiday meal. First, try slicing the turkey breast against the grain. This will help to make the meat more tender and less likely to dry out.
If the meat is already cooked through, you can also try moistening it with chicken broth or white wine. Simply spoon the liquid over the turkey breast until it is evenly coated. Then, cover the pan with foil and place it in a 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
You can also try injecting the turkey breast with a flavorful marinade. This will help to add moisture and flavor to the meat. Simply mix together your desired marinade ingredients and inject them into the turkey breast using a meat injector.
Finally, if all else fails, you can always serve the dry turkey breast with a flavorful gravy or sauce.
Conclusion
A smoked turkey breast is a delicious and impressive holiday dish. While it may take some time to prepare, the end result is definitely worth the effort.
For best results, be sure to use a meat thermometer and baste the turkey breast every hour or so. Additionally, try injecting the turkey breast with a flavorful marinade to help keep it moist and juicy.
We hope that this guide on how to smoke a turkey breast in electric smoker has been helpful. Happy smoking!