BBQ Turkey Breast

BBQ Turkey Breast
DifficultyBeginner

BBQ Turkey Breast (Juicy & Sliceable) is a lean, flavorful barbecue recipe made by gently smoking or grilling turkey breast and finishing it with a light BBQ glaze. This easy BBQ turkey breast recipe stays moist, slices cleanly, and is perfect for healthy dinners, holiday alternatives, and backyard cookouts.

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Yields6 Servings
Prep Time20 minsCook Time2 hrsTotal Time2 hrs 20 mins
For the Turkey Breast
 1 whole turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Dry Rub
 2 tsp kosher salt
 1 ½ tsp black pepper
 2 tsp smoked paprika
 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
 1 tsp onion powder
 1 tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning
 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, helps browning)
BBQ Glaze
 ¾ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or honey-style)
 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
 1 tbsp melted butter
 ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Quick Brine (Highly Recommended)
 1 gallon cold water
 ¼ cup kosher salt
 ¼ cup brown sugar
Optional brine
1

  • Dissolve salt and brown sugar in water.

  • Submerge turkey breast 4–8 hours.

  • Rinse and pat completely dry.

Season the turkey
2

  • Brush turkey breast with olive oil or butter.

  • Mix dry rub ingredients and coat evenly on all sides.

  • Let rest at room temperature 20 minutes.

Preheat smoker or grill
3

  • Heat to 275–300°F (135–150°C).

  • Set for indirect heat.

  • Use apple or cherry wood for mild smoke.

Cook the turkey
4

  • Place turkey breast skin-side up.

  • Cook 1½–2 hours, until internal temp reaches:

    • 160–165°F in the thickest part

  • Baste lightly with pan juices if desired.

Make the BBQ glaze
5

  • Whisk BBQ sauce, vinegar, honey, butter, and pepper.

  • Warm slightly for easy brushing.

Glaze & finish
6

  • Brush turkey breast with BBQ glaze.

  • Increase heat to 375°F.

  • Cook 10–15 minutes, brushing once more, until glaze sets.

Rest & slice
7

  • Remove turkey and rest 10–15 minutes.

  • Slice thinly against the grain.

Side Information (Perfect with Turkey Breast)
8

  • Grilled corn with BBQ butter

  • Roasted or smoked sweet potatoes

  • Coleslaw or cranberry slaw

  • Green beans or grilled asparagus

  • Dinner rolls or cornbread

Pairing Suggestions
9

  • Beer: Amber ale, wheat beer, or lager

  • Wine: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Riesling

  • Non-alcoholic: Sweet tea, apple cider, or sparkling water

Tips & Notes
10

  • Brining is the #1 secret to juicy turkey breast.

  • Don’t cook past 165°F—turkey dries quickly.

  • Bone-in breasts stay juicier but boneless slice easier.

  • Light smoke works best; turkey absorbs smoke fast.

  • Leftovers are ideal for sandwiches, salads, wraps, and meal prep.

Category,

Ingredients

For the Turkey Breast
 1 whole turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)
 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Dry Rub
 2 tsp kosher salt
 1 ½ tsp black pepper
 2 tsp smoked paprika
 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
 1 tsp onion powder
 1 tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning
 1 tsp brown sugar (optional, helps browning)
BBQ Glaze
 ¾ cup BBQ sauce (smoky or honey-style)
 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
 1 tbsp melted butter
 ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Quick Brine (Highly Recommended)
 1 gallon cold water
 ¼ cup kosher salt
 ¼ cup brown sugar
BBQ Turkey Breast
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