It’s a similar method to a smoked turkey, however, grilling a turkey requires no flavored wood chips, so it has a more traditional roast turkey flavor. Cooking a turkey on the grill is actually really fun and other than basting a few times, it’s basically hands-off. It takes about 10 minutes of prep time and just a few simple ingredients for seasoning and that’s it! I highly recommend that you brine the turkey beforehand to really ensure added moisture and juicy meat, but it’s not all the way necessary to grill a turkey with bang-on results. It’s definitely a bonus. So, grab your turkey, check your propane tank, and enjoy this recipe for grilled turkey and other incredible side dishes this Thanksgiving! Looking for something a little different (and way faster!) this year? Try my roast spatchcock turkey recipe because much like a butterflied chicken, this is the fastest way to roast a whole turkey! You’ll also love my easy method for wrapping a turkey with bacon before roasting it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need:
Turkey: I used a smaller 12 pound turkey but any size will work. Make sure that it’s completely thawed. For tips on how to thaw a turkey and for how long, check out my complete turkey guide. Butter, melted: This performs the same duty that oil would and serve a few purposes. It helps to brown the skin to a beautiful golden color. It helps to keep the turkey moist and the seasonings adhering to the outside of the turkey. It also adds flavor.Yellow onions & Garlic cloves: Stuffing the bird cavity with incredible aromatics gives all parts of the turkey flavor.Fresh herbs: Along with the aromatics, using fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and/or thyme gives it another depth of flavor. So vibrant and delicious!Salt & Ground black pepper: A sprinkling of salt and pepper inside and outside the turkey is great but to enhance the flavor, even more, feel free to use this quick and easy turkey seasoning.
How to Grill a Turkey
Top Tips
Remove the turkey from the fridge one hour prior to cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.Prior to grilling, make sure you have enough propane as you’ll be grilling the turkey for up to 3 hours.Always pat the turkey dry before seasoning. It helps create a nice crispy skin.Using disposable oval aluminum roaster pans that are big enough to fit your bird means easy clean-up.You may find you need to double up on roasting pans if they’re not strong enough to hold the weight of the turkey.Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to tell if your turkey is done. You can do for a leave in thermometer which is quite convenient, but a smaller and cheaper thermometer like this works just fine.Allowing the turkey to rest. Cutting too early will lose all the juices!
What to Serve with Grilled Turkey
Sides: This delicious holiday meat isn’t complete without some classic sides like green bean casserole, crockpot mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, and gravy. For some options that may soon become your new traditions, serve a basket of Texas Roadhouse Rolls, sausage stuffed mushrooms, shaved Brussels sprouts salad, or bacon wrapped asparagus. Dessert: Finish off your meal with a slice of sweet potato pie, pumpkin pie, or pecan pie. Or maybe all three! Pecan Pie Cheesecake and this adorable turkey dessert cheeseball are other great Thanksgiving dessert ideas. I hope you enjoy this grilled turkey recipe as much as I do! I would love for you to share it with others who enjoy using the BBQ too. Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! © Little Sunny Kitchen
