Grilled Turkey

Looking for a Holiday show stopper? The type of roast that everyone one gives compliments once they see and taste it. A Grilled Turkey on the is the perfect Holiday meal.

Turkey has two characteristics. First, it’s obviously a tremendous Holiday favorite meal. The second is not so obvious. However, it’s just as true as the first. Turkey is great with a little bit of smoke. Smoked Turkey is a game changer at gatherings. Just a little bit of smoke from a grill takes the Holiday bird to a whole new level. Read on to learn the ultimate recipe for a juicy whole turkey on the grill.

Whole Turkey on Grill

Why to Grill a Whole Turkey?

• Save kitchen space
• Smoke flavor

Grilled Turkey on Roasting Pan on Grill

How to Grill a Whole Turkey

• Place whole carrots on the bottom of a large roasting aluminum sheet pan.
• Add 5 cups of chicken stock to the bottom of the sheet pan.
• Place unstuffed whole turkey into the pan resting on the carrots.
• Take your hand and gently separate the skin from the turkey breast.
• Slide slices of butter as far down the breast without breaking the skin.

Whole Turkey in roasting pan

• Season the skin of the Turkey with Poultry Seasoning.
• Place heavy duty tin foil over the turkey and sheet ban sides. Leave the other the front and rear of the sheet pan open.
• Bring the gas grill up to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the bird on one side of the grill.

Whole Turkey covered in roasting pan on grill

• Grill the turkey for two hours and then rotate so the other side is facing the direct flame.
• Grill for another 2 hours.
• Remove the tin foil and grill for another 1/2 hour then rotate again. (Tin foil should be off the bird for the last hour)
• Grill for another 1/2 hour.
• You will need a total of about 17 minutes per pound when grilling a whole unstuffed bird at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Once you reach an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the bird remove from the grill.
• Place foil over the bird and let sit for at least a half hour before serving.

Whole Turkey on grill in roasting pan

Internal Temp of Grilled Turkey.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture you want to bring the internal temp of turkey up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important that the thickest parts of the turkey at the bottom of the bird are checked as well. You may have a high enough temp at the upper breast but still need some extra grill time for the lower thigh area.

325 vs 375 when Grilling Turkey.

You will see a variety of recommended temperatures when cooking Turkey. When grilling a turkey pre heat your grill to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and keep in at that temperature the majority of the time when grilling. When you cook a turkey at higher temperatures than 325 degrees Fahrenheit you risk burning the skin of the turkey before the middle is completely cooked thru. The only time to raise the temp of the grill is at the very end of the process if you need a little more color on the bird and you are at a safe internal temp.

Sliced Grilled Turkey

Tips for Grilling a moist juicy Turkey

• Make sure your grill is clean. You don’t want flare ups.
• Make sure your Turkey is room temperature before putting on the grill.
• Get rid of the plastic pop up and make sure you have a digital thermometer.
• Use tinfoil to cover the bird. This will help retain the moisture during the grilling process.

Sliced Grilled Turkey on a plate with stuffing and cranberry

Grilling Turkey is worth trying instead of roasting in the oven. A little smoke from the grill will take your Holiday meal to a whole new level of guest compliments. The best part of grilling is the smoke, but you also keep the breast and dark meat juicy and moist.

If you like this recipe for grilled whole turkey check out these other grilled dinner suggestions from Sear Marks….

Flank Steak

Cabbage and Pork Recipe

Print Recipe

Ultimate Grilled Turkey

By Drew – Serves: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes – Cooking Time: 5 hours

Looking for a Holiday show stopper? The type of roast that everyone one gives compliments once they see and taste it. A Grilled Turkey on the is the perfect Holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 18 pound Turkey
• 5 slices salted butter
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 5 large carrots
• 5 cups turkey or chicken stock

Instructions

1

Place whole carrots on the bottom of a large roasting aluminum sheet pan.

2

Add 5 cups of chicken stock to the bottom of the sheet pan.

3

Place unstuffed whole turkey into the pan resting on the carrots.

4

Take your hand and gently separate the skin from the turkey breast. 

5

Slide slices of butter as far down the breast without breaking the skin.

6

Season the skin of the Turkey with Poultry Seasoning.

7

Place heavy duty tin foil over the turkey and sheet ban sides. Leave the other the front and rear of the sheet pan open.

8

Bring the gas grill up to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

9

Place the bird on one side of the grill. 

10

Grill the turkey for 2 hours and then rotate so the other side is facing the direct flame.

11

Grill for another 2 hours.

12

Remove the tin foil and grill for another 1/2 hour then rotate again. (Tin foil should be off the bird for the last hour)

13

Grill for another 1/2 hour.

14

You will need a total of about 17 minutes per pound when grilling a whole unstuffed bird at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

15

Once you reach an internal temp of 165 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part of the bird remove from the grill.

16

Place foil over the bird and let sit for at least a half hour before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer and check the Turkey at multiple locations for proper internal temp.