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The Best Smoked Whole Turkey

A smoky and delicious twist on a classic holiday main course

by the Perdue Farms Culinary Team

For the perfectly smoked holiday turkey, we recommend using either apple or peach wood, as each variety imparts a subtle flavor and does not burn as hot as other smoking woods. In this recipe, turkey is smoked whole, but you can also butterfly your turkey before seasoning and smoking.

PREP	MARINATE	COOK
30	1	3.5+
MINUTES	HOUR	HOURS

Ingredients

1 16-18 lb. Perdue Whole Turkey

Turkey Injection Marinade

1 cup chicken stock

1/2 cup butter

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper, finely ground

1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic

Topical Seasoning

2 tablespoons canola oil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon cracked black pepper

2 teaspoons paprika

2 teaspoons granulated garlic

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step 1: Make Marinade and Inject Turkey

Bring all ingredients for the injection marinade to a boil in a pot while stirring. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes; remove from heat. Let cool until slightly warmer than room temp. Fill injector with marinade and inject throughout legs, thighs and breast. Allow turkey to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking.

Step 2: Make Topical Seasoning and Rub Over Turkey

Blend remaining spices. Rub entire surface of turkey with canola oil, then evenly season with spice blend.

Step 3: Smoke Turkey

Preheat smoker to 325 F. Place the seasoned bird directly on the smoker rack, close the lid and cook until meat thermometer, inserted in the thickest part of turkey, measures 175 F (approximately 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours). Remove from smoker, tent with foil and allow to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Meet the Perdue Farms Culinary Team

Chef Chris Moyer, CEC, CRC, and Chef Shawn Reese, CEC, CRC, bring decades of combined culinary experience to their roles at Perdue Farms. Day to day, the chefs contribute to recipe development, culinary ideation and all culinary aspects of the company business.