Smoking a Whole Turkey

Weber Team

Technique Course5D2

Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Brush the legs, breast, and wings with butter.

Technique Course5D2 1

Place one large disposable foil pan inside the other and add vegetables, herbs, and [conversion imperial="2 cups" metric="475 milliliters"} of chicken broth.

Technique Course5D2 2

Arrange the charcoal in a half circle on one side of the charcoal grate. A large disposable foil pan filled with warm water will help you maintain the temperature of the fire.

Technique Course5D2 3

Place the turkey, breast side down, inside the foil pans and over the vegetables.

Technique Course5D2 4

Add damp wood chips to the charcoal and set the pan on the cooking grate over the water pan, with the legs facing the hottest side of the grill.

Technique Course5D2 5

Keep the grill temperature inside the range of [conversion imperial="350° to 400°F" metric="180° to 200°C"], adding charcoal as needed.

Technique Course5D2 6

After grilling for 1 hour, flip over the turkey so that the breast side is facing up.

Technique Course5D2 7

Continue grilling and smoking the turkey, occasionally adding damp wood chips.

Technique Course5D2 8

After the turkey has been on the grill for 1½ hours, cover any parts that are getting too dark. The turkey is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching the bone) registers [conversion imperial="170° to 175°F" metric="75º to 80ºC"]. Transfer the turkey to a platter and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes (the internal temperature will rise a few degrees during this time).

Technique Course5D2 9