Cooking a turkey on a BBQ can lead to incredibly moist, flavorful meat when done properly. However, it’s important to allot enough time for the size of turkey you are cooking. Here are some tips on how long to BBQ a turkey, along with suggestions for preparation and cooking.
Introduction
BBQing a turkey allows you to infuse delicious smoky flavors into the meat. While grilling times can vary based on a few factors, in general you can expect a turkey to take 2-3 hours to fully cook through on a BBQ. Patience is key, as you don’t want to serve undercooked poultry.
When determining how long to BBQ a turkey, consider the following:
Turkey Size
- An 8-12 pound turkey breast takes around 1.5-2.5 hours
- A 12-16 pound whole turkey takes around 2.5-3.5 hours
- Larger birds over 16 pounds can take over 4 hours
Temperature
- Cook at a moderate BBQ temperature of 325-375°F
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F
Preparation
- Thaw the turkey completely before grilling
- Brine the turkey or rub it with herbs/spices for added moisture and flavor
- Use indirect heat, keeping the turkey away from direct flames
With the right technique, you can enjoy juicy BBQ turkey with crisp, golden skin. Read on for more detail on how long different sizes of turkeys take to fully cook on the grill.
How Long to BBQ an 8-12 Pound Turkey Breast
For a boneless turkey breast in the 8-12 pound range, you can expect it to take 1.5-2.5 hours on the grill.
To ensure even cooking, it helps to cut the turkey breast in half crosswise before putting it on the BBQ. This gives you two thinner pieces that will cook through more quickly and evenly.
Place the turkey breast pieces over indirect medium heat, around 350°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F throughout the meat. Expect the thinner ends to cook faster than the thicker center.
Rotate the pieces and move them to hotter/cooler areas of the grill as needed. Once the breast hits 160°F, move it directly over the heat for a final crisping of the skin. Rest the turkey for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How Long to BBQ a 12-16 Pound Whole Turkey
For a whole turkey in the 12-16 pound range, plan for a grilling time of 2.5-3.5 hours.
It is best to cook a whole turkey indirectly, placing it away from direct flames. Use a medium BBQ temperature of about 350°F.
Set the turkey on its back to start, propping it up with crumpled foil balls under the wings and cavities. This allows the heat to circulate all around the bird. Cook for about 2 hours this way, until the breast meat reaches 160°F on a meat thermometer.
Carefully flip the turkey using grilling gloves or spatulas. Cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour once flipped, until the thigh meat reaches 165°F.
If the skin isn’t crispy enough, move the turkey directly over the heat for 5-10 minutes once the internal temperature is close to 165°F. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
How Long to BBQ a 16+ Pound Turkey
For super large turkeys over 16 pounds, be prepared for a long BBQ time of at least 4 hours.
The best method is using indirect heat at approximately 325°F. Place the turkey breast-side up, propped on foil balls. Cook for about 3 hours, rotating periodically and monitoring the temperature.
Once the breast meat reaches 160°F, carefully flip the bird. Continue cooking for another 45-60 minutes until the thighs reach 165°F.
Move directly over the heat for the last 10 minutes if you want crisper skin. As always, let the turkey rest before slicing into it.
Turkey BBQ Tips
Here are some extra pointers for successfully grilling turkey on your BBQ:
- Invest in a good digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. This is the best way to test doneness.
- Brine the turkey in a saltwater solution overnight before cooking. This seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.
- Apply an herb rub under and on top of the skin. Try rosemary, thyme, sage, pepper and garlic.
- Use indirect heat and resist the urge to move the turkey right over the flames. This leads to burnt outsides before the interior cooks through.
- Place a disposable foil pan filled with water beneath the turkey on the grill. This keeps the meat from drying out.
- Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes once removed from the BBQ. The juices will redistribute through the meat.
Common Turkey BBQ Questions
Still have some questions about BBQing turkey? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long per pound for turkey on a BBQ?
For whole turkeys, estimate about 15-20 minutes per pound at a BBQ temperature of 325-375°F. Turkey breasts cook slightly faster at 12-15 minutes per pound.
Should you cook turkey breast-side up or down?
Start breast-side up, then flip halfway through cooking. This allows even exposure to heat and prevents the breast from drying out.
What is the minimum internal temperature for BBQ turkey?
Cook whole turkeys until the thigh meat reaches 165°F minimum. For turkey breasts or halves, aim for 165°F in the thickest part.
Can I stuff my turkey when BBQing?
It is not recommended. Stuffing makes it very difficult for the inside of the turkey to reach a safe minimum temperature. Cook stuffing separately.
How do I get crispy BBQ turkey skin?
Move the turkey directly over higher heat just until the skin crisps at the end. Brining also helps crisp the skin. Avoid constant flipping or molasses-based bbq sauce.
Conclusion
BBQing a turkey may take several hours, but the smoky, juicy meat is well worth the wait. Follow the guide for how long to BBQ a turkey based on its size. Use indirect heat, monitor the temperature, and don’t rush the process. With the right grilling technique, you can enjoy tender, flavorful turkey off the grill.