This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
This Grilled Turkey recipe is juicy, smoky, and packed with flavor! An easy step-by-step guide to cooking the perfect turkey on the grill for holidays, or any family gathering!
Why You’ll Love Grilled Turkey!
The first time I grilled a whole turkey, I was skeptical but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for Thanksgiving. The smoky flavor, juicy meat, and crispy skin are unbeatable.
Now, I don’t wait for the holidays to make this Grilled Turkey! It has become a year-round favorite at my house because of the flavor and how easy it is to grill. It’s simple, impressive, and guaranteed to make everyone go back for seconds because of the amazing tastes.
Keep the kitchen cool and make your holiday turkey on the outdoor gas grill! For other ideas try this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast or Instant Pot Turkey Breast Recipe.
Ingredients
- Whole Turkey – Make sure fully thawed
- Butter – We used unsalted butter that has been softened
- Garlic Powder – If you are out see The Best Garlic Powder Substitute
- Paprika – See Best Paprika Substitute
- Dried Thyme Leaves – See How to Dry Thyme
- Chicken Broth – See Chicken broth substitutes
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Grill a Whole Turkey
Step 1 – Preheat the grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2 – Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer. We like to pat our turkey dry with paper towels.
Step 3 – Place the turkey in a foil roasting pan breast-side up. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Rub the butter all over the skin of the turkey.
Step 4 – Mix together the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, paprika and dried thyme leaves. Feel free to add any of your favorite fresh herbs. Rub this mixture on the outside of the turkey.
Step 5 – Turn off the middle burners on the grill and then place turkey on the grill grate over indirect heat with the lid on the grill closed.
Step 6 – Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees f.
Step 7 – 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 8 – Remove the turkey from the grill and let the turkey rest for 20 minutes in the juices.
Step 9 – Move the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!
Grilled Turkey
Ingredients
- 12-24 pound Whole Turkey fully thawed
- ½ cup Butter softened
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme Leaves
- 2 cups chicken Broth
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the turkey and turk the wings under the turkey. You can tie back the wings of the turkey if you prefer.
- Place the turkey in a foil roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Rub the butter all over the skin of the turkey.
- Mix together the garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika and dried thyme leaves. Rub this mixture on the outside of the turkey.
- Turn off the middle burner on the grill and then place the turkey on the grill over indirect heat with the lid on the grill closed.
- Cook the turkey based on the size of the turkey and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 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.
- Remove the turkey from the grill and let the turkey rest for 20 minutes. T
- Move the turkey to a serving platter, carve and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Recipe Tips
- Place over Indirect Heat – Keeps the turkey juicy and prevents burning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer – It’s the best way to ensure perfect doneness. We recommend checking in the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees.
- Let it Rest – Don’t skip the resting period. It keeps the meat tender.
- Try a Marinade – Soak the turkey overnight in buttermilk or a citrus brine for added flavor. Try this Turkey Brine Recipe for another easy idea.
- Grilling Turkey – Place the turkey in a drip pan to catch all the drippings for delicious turkey gravy.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Recommendations
This Grilled Turkey is delicious served with your favorite side dishes. These are some of my favorites.
Grilled Turkey FAQ
No. The turkey needs to be completely thawed before placing on the grill.
Baste the turkey every 30 minutes and add more broth if needed.
I usually plan on 1 lb of turkey per person. This will ensure that we have leftovers for all of our turkey leftovers recipes.
We have all the tips and tricks on How to Carve a Whole Turkey with ease.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge – Store your leftover turkey in the refrigerator in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 5 days.
- Freezer – Place the cooked turkey in a freezer safe container to freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat – Reheat the leftovers in the oven on a baking dish or in the microwave until heated through.
More Ways to Cook a Whole Turkey
Main Dish
How to Cook a Turkey in a Bag
Main Dish
How to Roast a Turkey
Easy Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Whole Turkey
We love hearing from you! If you make this Grilled Turkey Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
