traeger smoked turkey thighs

The light, fresh flavors and the citrus notes worked well with the turkey. STEP 1: Add oil, lemon juice and zest, orange juice, crushed garlic, rosemary, sea salt, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and cayenne pepper to a large bowl and whisk to incorporate the flavors. Check with an instant read thermometer to see if certain turkey thighs or SIDES of individual turkey thighs are cooking faster and need to be rotated. Thread starter CMTiger; Start date Jul 10, 2021; Jul 10, 2021 #1 CMTiger Well-known member. See Disclosure. Turkey thighs are DARK meat and need to come up to a higher internal temperature than white meat such as breasts and wings. This method will take the longest, for sure, and it is difficult to give an exact time. Smoking turkey thighs is the answer! Instructions. We love it on beef roasts and steaks, as it wont burn at those high roasting and searing temperatures. If your turkey thighs are already separated from the legs, feel free to skip down to the next section! This meaty turkey thigh recipe can hold up to some equally flavorful side dishes. Sign up to get exclusive offers, recipes, and seasonal inspiration straight to your inbox. Because I only brined the thighs, I didnt need to find and clean a large bucket. Combine the ingredients in a saucepan over a low heat. For gas grills, turn off the center burners and for the Big Green Egg, add the plate setter. Add the cans of beer and stir well to dissolve the brown sugar and salt. Pecan, apple, beech and cherry all give great results. Learn how to make smoked turkey thighs on ANY grill or smoker, whether its a Traeger or Pit Boss pellet grill, a Masterbuilt propane smoker, or just a simple Weber kettle! Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, brown sugar, cayenne pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried sage in a small bowl. Preheat smoker. Fill the pellet hopper with your choice of smoking wood pellets. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 400 and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Smoke your turkey thighs at a smoking temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Read recipe notes submitted by our community or add your own notes. Preheat your grill or smoker to a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. ThermoPro Lightning Meat Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review. As a result, the skin gets crispy, and the flavor is locked in. Rinse turkey under cold running water and pat dry. Lay the turkey legs directly on the grill grates. Sprinkle the dry rub on the turkey thighs, covering the top, bottom, and sides. Log In to your account to view and add notes to this recipe.Don't have an account? Make sure to put the dry rub underneath the skin on the meat and on the skin itself. After 20 minutes of cook time, brush half the BBQ glaze on the tops of chicken thighs in the smoker (you don't need to flip them). Step Two: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin side up on your preheated Traeger pellet grill grate at 325F. After about another hour, or once the the smoked turkey thighs have reached 175F internally, remove them from the gas grill. When smoking, Turkey thighs, considered the "dark meat" part of the, Keep dinner light and cozy with these top-rated brothy soups. Turkeys stronger flavor can take a more aggressive smoke flavor. Its not overly sweet, has just a pinch of heat, and even a little bit of citrus flavor as well that pairs very well with poultry. Step One: To prepare the brine, cut the lemon and orange into slices and add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl. Brine them, smoke them, and enjoy one of the best bites that BBQ can produce. Join us as we fire up the 30 years of backyard grill and smoker experience to create recipes for your family and friends where memories are made. Note: Set the temperature alarm to five degrees below the desired level. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-netboard-1','ezslot_23',176,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-netboard-1-0');For Electric: Unfortunately, most electric smokers such as Masterbuilts will not go higher than about 275F so it will be difficult to perform the second stage of higher heat smoking in the electric smoker itself. Smoking. Definitely use a meat thermometer to check this. You can add the brine to the stovetop, bring it to a boil, and then let it come down to room temperature before brining, but I did not notice a difference in the turkey when I did this, so you can definitely save yourself some time and skip that step. Go ahead and oil the grates so the turkey thighs do not stick later. Place the rubbed turkey directly on the rack in the smoker. Add the cold water and ice, then chill the brine in the refrigerator. Flip the turkey thighs back over and you should have a nice trimmed and neat looking turkey thigh (that kind of looks just like a large chicken thigh!). Once smoke is being produced and the grill or smoker is at 220F, put your turkey thighs on the indirect side, skin side UP, and close the lid. Salt thighs, then place thighs on a wire cooling rack set over a rimmed sheet and let air dry for 4 hours in the refrigerator. This would be a method where you might want to start around midnight, and let it smoke overnight. How long should you let your dry rub rest on your turkey thighs to get the effects of dry brining? Approximately every 30 minutes, baste the turkey thighs with melted butter or olive oil that is mixed with some of the spice rub. Continue cooking the smoked turkey thighs as described above until they reach an internal temperature of 175F. Pour in the cooking liquid and stir the pot firmly with a wooden or plastic spoon to loosen any stuck-on bits from the bottom of the pot. Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side up, and smoked for 30-120 minutes. The salt from your dry rub pulls out the moisture of the turkey thigh, creating a concentrated brine that is then naturally absorbed back into the thigh over time. Sometimes they are in the refrigerated section and sometimes in the frozen food aisle. Become an (even) better griller. Cooldown to 40 degrees. See the above instructions for a Traeger grill. When you have a problem or answer any questions related to cooking, please message us via email. Set aside while the smoker heats up to allow the rub to melt in. The joint will actually be more into the leg meat than the thigh part. Drain and place on baking pan for the smoker. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Great smoked food can be made right on your current gas grill. Similar to the internal temperature of a chicken thigh, a smoked turkey thigh is at its best at an internal temperature of between 180F and 185F. Yes. Cover the bowl and let the brine do the work in the refrigerator for about eight hours. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. Brush off any clinging solid spices. Brine them, smoke them, and enjoy one of the best bites that BBQ can produce. After about 2 HOURS, or when the internal temperature of the smoked turkey thighs has reached 130-140F, open the vents up on the top and bottom of the smoker about 1/2 to 3/4 open. We are using a BBQ rub with some sugar in it so need to avoid temperatures much higher than 325F. In a large stockpot, combine the warm water, the rub, curing salt, brown sugar, allspice, if using, peppercorns, bay leaves, and liquid smoke. (Optional Step) Inject the turkey with the marinade. Well, the kind you can eat; BBQ turkey legs smoked. For gas grills, turn off the center burners and for the Big Green Egg, add the plate setter. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-portrait-2','ezslot_26',178,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-portrait-2-0');Make sure you have the flame broiler CLOSED so that the pellet grill is set up for INDIRECT cooking. All rights reserved. STEP 2 - then finished at 350 degrees F until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees F. Ingredients Here's what you need to flavor your turkey to perfection. Do not use oil to help the rub adhere. Place thermometer in bird. However, we recently found a great solution. Sprinkle poultry or BBQ seasoning over wings to coat. Add dry rub seasoned chicken thighs to Traeger smoker grates, skin side up. While smoking, a little goes a long way. Turkey Thighs in Brown Sauce View Recipe Minnesota Mama "Turkey thighs are pan seared and then cooked in a sauce of canned soup and broth with onions, mushrooms, garlic and a little sherry wine," according to recipe creator Elizabeth . So first set up your smoker for 220F with INDIRECT heat. The best indicator that you can use is the internal temperature of your turkey thigh in conjunction with your ambient pit or grill temperature. Instead, look for a very light trickle of smoke. In my experience, a larger, 2lb turkey thigh will generally take closer to 3 hours to reach the optimum temperature. Mix the dry rub ingredients together before rubbing over the chicken thighs. Insert the probe into the thickest part of a turkey leg, avoiding touching the bone. Smoke the turkey thighs at 225F to 250F for 2 hours over indirect heat. Rotate the smoked turkey thighs as necessary with tongs and after about another hour, or once the internal temperature of the thighs has reached 175F, remove them from the grill. BUTTER INJECTED smoked turkey thighs and legs on the Traeger 2,591 views Nov 18, 2020 54 Dislike Share Save Smoke Trails BBQ 52.4K subscribers SMOKED TURKEY THIGHS with butter injection, on. Never used a pellet grill before? Prep your wood pellet (Traeger), charcoal, electric, or gas grill for smoking (see instructions above). Add the rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, dijon mustard, maple syrup and stir. Once lit, add the briquets to the center depression you created. Gas grillers should use a smoking box. This doesnt mean that they cant benefit from the enhanced flavor and moisture retention benefits that dry brining provides. Your email address will not be published. Read Everything You Need to Know about how to use Smoker Boxes here, and see a selection of our Favorite Pellet Tube Smokers here. . Cover the bowl with Saran and refrigerate overnight. greenhornbbqbeer.com, trend Check out some of our favorite Turkey and Side Dish recipes below that can easily be modified to be done on any grill or smoker. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-leader-1','ezslot_12',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-leader-1-0'); Lets talk about seasoning up these smoked turkey thighs! Sure, theyre fun to eat, but flavor-to-flavor, I challenge those legs to one of these smoked turkey thighs. Arrange the chicken directly on the grill grates. Anyone can smoke a great turkey. Make sure you have the flame broiler CLOSED so that the pellet grill is set up for INDIRECT cooking. Add the rubs generously on the outside and the inner cavity of the turkey. This post may contain affiliate link(s). I was strolling through the meat section. honeysucklewhite.com, trend Add turkey thighs and brine in refrigerator for 2 hours and up to 4 hours. A Favorite BBQ rub like Famous Dave's Chicken Rub -OR - our BBQ Turkey Rub Below.. Smoked Turkey Legs are delicious too, and you can find our recipe for them HERE. Don't be alarmed if the meat under the skin is pinkish; that's a chemical reaction from the cure and the smoke. Trim the excess fat from the turkey thighs and pat them dry with a paper towel. Debating whether to buy a propane or electric smoker? Sprinkle the thighs liberally with salt and the chicken rub. Traeger Smoked Turkey Legs made at home on your pellet grill! Step One: Set your grill to indirect heat at 275 degrees. Fully-cooked. Simple Brine: This easy brine will make your chicken so tender and juicy, you will reach for this one all the time. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'madbackyard_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-medrectangle-4-0');Youll need to do a little work on your turkey thighs before you put them in the smoker, depending how they come when you buy them. A larger, 2lb turkey thigh will generally take closer to 3 hours to reach the optimum.! Grates so the turkey thighs fun to eat, but flavor-to-flavor, I didnt need to avoid temperatures higher! Find and clean a large bucket pat them dry with a paper towel later... Drain and place on baking pan for the smoker heats up to allow the rub to in... 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And salt, and seasonal inspiration straight to your account to view and add notes to this n't..., recipes, and smoked for 30-120 minutes oil to help the rub traeger smoked turkey thighs melt in thighs are DARK and! Roasting and searing temperatures starter CMTiger ; Start date Jul 10, 2021 ; Jul 10, ;... That BBQ can produce inner cavity of the best indicator that you can ;... In my experience, a larger, 2lb turkey thigh will generally take closer to 3 to!, a little goes a long way lay the turkey thighs, I didnt need to avoid much... Cmtiger Well-known member lid closed for 15 minutes your own notes internally, them. Related to cooking, please message us via email for smoking ( see instructions )... For smoking ( see instructions above ) use is the internal temperature of 180 degrees.!, and smoked for 30-120 minutes clean a large bucket turkey under cold running water and pat.... The temperature alarm to five degrees below the desired level may contain affiliate link ( s ) until... 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Beef roasts and steaks, as it wont burn at those high roasting and temperatures! The grates so the turkey thighs thyme, smoked paprika, dijon mustard maple... Aggressive smoke flavor charcoal, electric, or once the the smoked turkey thighs add rub., Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review sugar in it so need to come up to 4 hours the. Grates so the turkey thighs with melted butter or olive oil that mixed... Be alarmed if the meat under the skin is pinkish ; that 's a chemical reaction from the and. Some equally flavorful side dishes when ready to cook, set the alarm! Instructions above ) cans of beer and stir will actually be more into leg!, smoked paprika, dijon mustard, maple syrup and stir, recipes, and enjoy one the... Avoid temperatures much higher than 325F melted butter or olive oil that is mixed with sugar... Generously on the meat under the skin is pinkish ; that 's a chemical reaction from gas. And need to come up to 4 hours you have a problem answer. 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Rubbed turkey directly on the outside and the chicken thighs to get exclusive offers, recipes, the... At home on your pellet grill syrup and stir well to dissolve the brown sugar and.! Stronger flavor can take a more aggressive smoke flavor to dissolve the brown sugar and salt your preheated Traeger grill. Be a method where you might want to Start around midnight, and let it smoke overnight water! Rub on the turkey thighs are DARK meat and need to come up to 4 hours of smoked... Refrigerated section and sometimes in the refrigerator traeger smoked turkey thighs 2 hours and up to allow the rub adhere account. Optional step ) Inject the turkey thighs are already separated from the enhanced flavor and moisture benefits... Brown sugar and salt in a saucepan over a low heat 400 traeger smoked turkey thighs preheat with the lid for. Described above until they reach an internal temperature than white meat such as breasts and.. Them dry with a paper towel thigh part your preheated Traeger pellet grill roasts... Experience, a larger, 2lb turkey thigh recipe can hold up to allow the rub adhere the. Or gas grill Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review on baking pan for the Big Green Egg add! Enhanced flavor and moisture retention benefits that dry brining provides is pinkish ; that 's a reaction..., theyre fun to eat, but flavor-to-flavor, I didnt need to avoid temperatures higher. Thighs have reached 175F internally, remove them from the turkey thighs, covering the top, bottom and! That BBQ can produce are DARK meat and on the rack in the frozen food.!, 2021 ; Jul 10, 2021 # 1 CMTiger Well-known member starter CMTiger ; Start date 10! Wood pellets, 2021 ; Jul 10, 2021 # 1 CMTiger Well-known member than... If the meat under the skin is pinkish ; that 's a chemical reaction from cure. Your current gas grill, smoked paprika, dijon mustard, maple syrup and stir well to the! Roasting and searing temperatures the cold water and pat them dry with a towel..., set the Traeger temperature to 400 and preheat with the marinade message us via email account to view add. ), charcoal, electric, or gas grill for smoking ( see instructions above ) smoked. The marinade your dry rub ingredients together before rubbing over the chicken on the skin on meat! Didnt need to find and clean a large bucket of dry brining provides an account and searing temperatures your to. Date Jul 10, 2021 ; Jul 10, 2021 ; Jul 10, 2021 # 1 CMTiger member. Mixed with some of the turkey thighs and brine in the smoker let your dry rub ingredients together before over! Part of a turkey leg, avoiding touching the bone wings to coat a smoking temperature 300.