Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with roasted turkey, but why not spice things up this year with some creative BBQ turkey ideas? BBQ turkey brings smoky flavors, crispy skin, and juicy meat to your Thanksgiving table, offering a unique twist on the classic dish. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or cooking with a BBQ rub, there are endless ways to elevate your turkey game and wow your guests.
1️⃣ Smoked BBQ Turkey with Applewood Chips 🍏
Why It’s Great: Smoking turkey adds a rich, deep flavor that is perfect for Thanksgiving. Applewood chips provide a mild, fruity smoke that pairs beautifully with turkey, infusing it with a subtle sweetness and smokiness.
- How to Make It:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
- Rub your turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ seasoning.
- Add applewood chips to the smoker box or wrap them in aluminum foil to create smoke.
- Smoke the turkey for 3–4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for a beautiful glaze.
- Why It’s Important: The slow smoking process locks in moisture and infuses the turkey with a unique, smoky flavor that’s a departure from traditional roasting.
2️⃣ Grilled BBQ Turkey Spatchcock Style 🔥
Why It’s Great: Spatchcocking (removing the backbone) allows for even cooking and a crispy skin on your turkey. Grilling the spatchcocked turkey provides that perfect BBQ char, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- How to Make It:
- Remove the turkey’s backbone by using kitchen shears, then flatten the bird.
- Season generously with BBQ rub, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Place the turkey skin-side down on the grill and cook for about 1.5–2 hours, flipping halfway through.
- Brush with BBQ sauce during the last 15 minutes to caramelize the sauce.
- Why It’s Important: Spatchcocking ensures your turkey cooks evenly, while grilling provides that signature BBQ flavor and crispy skin everyone loves.
3️⃣ BBQ Turkey Breast with Honey Mustard Glaze 🍯
Why It’s Great: A BBQ turkey breast is a great option if you’re looking for a smaller portion or just want to try something different than a whole turkey. The honey mustard glaze adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the smoky flavor of the turkey.
- How to Make It:
- Preheat your grill or smoker to 350°F.
- Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika.
- Mix ½ cup of Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp of honey, and 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar for the glaze.
- Grill the turkey breast for about 1.5 hours, basting with the honey mustard glaze every 30 minutes.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Why It’s Important: The honey mustard glaze adds a delicious balance of sweet and savory, making this BBQ turkey breast an irresistible alternative to the traditional roasted version.
4️⃣ BBQ Turkey with Chipotle BBQ Sauce 🌶️
Why It’s Great: If you love a little heat, chipotle BBQ sauce is the perfect addition to your turkey. The smoky, spicy flavor of chipotle peppers pairs perfectly with turkey’s mild flavor, creating a deliciously bold combination.
- How to Make It:
- Rub your turkey with a blend of cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder for a smoky base.
- Grill the turkey on indirect heat at 350°F for 2–3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 30 minutes, brush your turkey with chipotle BBQ sauce for that smoky, spicy glaze.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving to lock in the juices.
- Why It’s Important: Chipotle BBQ sauce gives your turkey a unique smoky flavor with a spicy kick, taking your BBQ turkey to the next level.
5️⃣ Citrus and Herb Grilled BBQ Turkey 🥥
Why It’s Great: Adding citrus and fresh herbs to your BBQ turkey brings a refreshing twist to the smoky flavors. The citrus helps tenderize the meat while adding a light, zesty flavor, perfect for a summer-style Thanksgiving.
- How to Make It:
- Rub your turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped rosemary, thyme, and a zest of lemon.
- Stuff the turkey cavity with halved oranges, lemon slices, and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
- Grill the turkey on medium heat for 2–3 hours, occasionally basting with a mixture of orange juice and BBQ sauce.
- Make sure to cook the turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let it rest before carving, ensuring the juices stay locked in.
- Why It’s Important: The citrus and herb combination adds a fresh, bright contrast to the smoky turkey, balancing the richness with light, aromatic flavors.
6️⃣ BBQ Turkey with Maple Bourbon Glaze 🥃
Why It’s Great: For a sweet and smoky twist, a maple bourbon glaze adds a rich, complex flavor to your BBQ turkey. The combination of maple syrup’s sweetness and bourbon’s warmth creates a delightful glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the turkey.
- How to Make It:
- Prepare your turkey with a dry rub of salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a saucepan, combine ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Simmer on low until it thickens into a glaze.
- Grill the turkey on indirect heat at 350°F for 2–3 hours, brushing the turkey with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Allow the turkey to cook to an internal temperature of 165°F and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The maple bourbon glaze not only adds a caramelized crust but also enhances the turkey’s flavor with a beautiful balance of sweet and smoky notes.
7️⃣ BBQ Beer Can Turkey 🍻
Why It’s Great: If you’ve ever tried beer can chicken, you’ll love BBQ beer can turkey. This cooking method keeps the turkey moist, while the beer adds an extra layer of flavor. The beer can also help evenly distribute heat, allowing the turkey to cook perfectly.
- How to Make It:
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F.
- Season your turkey with your favorite BBQ rub and olive oil.
- Open a can of beer (about 12 oz), drink half, and insert the can into the turkey’s cavity.
- Place the turkey upright on the grill, ensuring it stands steadily. Grill for 2–3 hours, until the turkey reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
- Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for a nice glaze.
- Why It’s Important: The beer inside the turkey steams as it cooks, keeping the meat juicy and tender, while also imparting a light beer flavor.
8️⃣ BBQ Turducken (Turkey, Duck, Chicken Combo) 🍗
Why It’s Great: Take your Thanksgiving turkey to a whole new level with a turducken. This three-bird combo, wrapped and seasoned to perfection, creates an indulgent, flavorful feast that’s sure to impress your guests.
- How to Make It:
- Stuff a boneless duck inside a boneless chicken, then stuff the chicken inside a boneless turkey.
- Season each bird with salt, pepper, garlic, and your favorite BBQ seasoning before wrapping them together.
- Preheat your smoker or grill to 275°F.
- Smoke the turducken for 4–5 hours, basting it with BBQ sauce every hour until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to ensure all the juices stay in.
- Why It’s Important: A turducken is a showstopper, bringing multiple layers of flavor and texture, combining turkey, duck, and chicken for a unique and delicious BBQ experience.
9️⃣ BBQ Cajun Turkey with Creole Rub 🌶️
Why It’s Great: For those who like a little heat, a BBQ Cajun turkey with a creole rub brings bold, spicy flavors to the table. The smoky turkey combined with a zesty rub creates a mouthwatering dish that’s bursting with flavor.
- How to Make It:
- Make a creole rub with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and salt.
- Rub the turkey generously with the creole spice mix and drizzle with olive oil.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 350°F.
- Grill the turkey for 2.5–3 hours, basting it with a mixture of melted butter, lemon juice, and hot sauce every 30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F before removing it from the grill.
- Why It’s Important: The bold Cajun flavors, combined with the smoky BBQ taste, bring an exciting twist to your traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
🔟 BBQ Stuffed Turkey with Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing 🥖
Why It’s Great: Take your BBQ turkey to the next level with a savory cornbread and sausage stuffing. This stuffing adds a rich, hearty flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky turkey, creating a complete meal on its own.
- How to Make It:
- Prepare the stuffing by combining crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, onions, garlic, and chicken broth.
- Season the turkey with your favorite BBQ rub and stuff it with the cornbread and sausage mixture.
- Preheat the smoker or grill to 350°F and cook the turkey for 3–4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Baste with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes for a beautiful caramelized glaze.
- Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before carving to keep the stuffing moist.
- Why It’s Important: Stuffing the turkey with cornbread and sausage creates a flavorful, filling dish that adds texture and depth to your BBQ turkey, making it even more satisfying.
1️⃣1️⃣ BBQ Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Turkey 🌶️
Why It’s Great: If you like a balance of heat and sweetness, this sriracha-based BBQ turkey offers the perfect kick. The blend of sriracha and honey creates a tangy and sweet glaze that perfectly complements the smoky turkey.
- How to Make It:
- Mix ½ cup sriracha, 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar to make the glaze.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and a BBQ rub of your choice.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the sriracha glaze every 30 minutes.
- When the turkey reaches 165°F internally, remove from the grill and let it rest.
- Slice and serve with additional glaze on the side.
- Why It’s Important: The sriracha glaze adds a flavorful, spicy kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness of honey, creating an irresistible BBQ turkey with a unique flavor profile.
1️⃣2️⃣ BBQ Mediterranean Turkey with Feta and Olives 🧀
Why It’s Great: This Mediterranean-inspired BBQ turkey is stuffed with tangy feta and savory olives, offering a fresh and bold flavor twist that transports you to the Mediterranean coast.
- How to Make It:
- Mix 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup chopped Kalamata olives, and 1 tbsp oregano for the stuffing.
- Stuff the turkey with the mixture and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with olive oil and lemon juice during the last 30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Why It’s Important: The feta and olives bring a savory, briny flavor to the turkey, perfectly complementing the smoky BBQ taste and adding a Mediterranean flair to your meal.
1️⃣3️⃣ BBQ Turkey with Peach and Balsamic Glaze 🍑
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey recipe uses a peach and balsamic glaze that combines sweet and tangy flavors, creating a luscious and flavorful finish to your turkey.
- How to Make It:
- In a saucepan, simmer 1 cup peach preserves, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard until thickened.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the peach-balsamic glaze.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before removing from the grill.
- Let the turkey rest before carving and serve with additional glaze.
- Why It’s Important: The sweet, juicy peach and the rich tang of balsamic create a flavorful glaze that perfectly complements the smoky turkey, giving it a mouthwatering finish.
1️⃣4️⃣ BBQ Bourbon Chipotle Turkey 🥃
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey recipe features a bold, smoky bourbon chipotle sauce that adds a sweet, smoky, and spicy kick to the turkey, making it an unforgettable option for your BBQ feast.
- How to Make It:
- Combine ¼ cup bourbon, 1 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Rub the turkey with salt, pepper, and a BBQ rub.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the bourbon-chipotle sauce every 30 minutes.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest the turkey for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Why It’s Important: The bourbon and chipotle combo gives the turkey a rich, smoky flavor with a hint of heat, turning this BBQ turkey into a showstopper at your Thanksgiving table.
1️⃣5️⃣ BBQ Garlic Parmesan Turkey 🧄🧀
Why It’s Great: If you love garlic and cheese, this BBQ garlic parmesan turkey is the perfect choice. The rich, savory garlic parmesan butter creates a deliciously crispy, flavorful exterior, while the inside remains tender and juicy.
- How to Make It:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup melted butter, 4 cloves garlic (minced), ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tbsp fresh parsley.
- Rub the garlic parmesan mixture under the skin and all over the turkey.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the garlic parmesan butter every 30 minutes.
- Ensure the turkey reaches 165°F internally.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The garlic parmesan butter creates a mouthwatering crust that locks in moisture while infusing the turkey with rich, savory flavors. It’s a cheesy, crispy, and perfectly seasoned BBQ turkey.
1️⃣6️⃣ BBQ Apple Cider Glazed Turkey 🍏
Why It’s Great: The sweetness of apple cider combined with smoky BBQ flavors creates a fantastic, tangy glaze that enhances the turkey with deep, warm flavors.
- How to Make It:
- Combine 1 cup apple cider, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened into a glaze.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and a touch of cinnamon and cloves.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the apple cider glaze.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving with additional glaze.
- Why It’s Important: The apple cider glaze provides a perfectly sweet and tangy contrast to the savory turkey, making this BBQ turkey both flavorful and aromatic.
1️⃣7️⃣ BBQ Chili-Lime Turkey 🌶️🍋
Why It’s Great: The combination of chili powder and lime gives the turkey a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy kick that will excite your taste buds.
- How to Make It:
- Mix 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp lime zest, and 1 tbsp cumin with olive oil to create a seasoning paste.
- Rub the seasoning paste generously on the turkey and let it marinate for at least an hour.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with a mixture of lime juice and BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes.
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest the turkey before carving and serve with lime wedges.
- Why It’s Important: The chili and lime combination gives the turkey a fresh, vibrant flavor, while the BBQ sauce adds a smoky, caramelized finish.
1️⃣8️⃣ BBQ Cajun-Spiced Turkey with Creole Butter 🌶️🧈
Why It’s Great: This spicy, flavorful BBQ turkey is packed with bold Cajun spices, complemented by a rich Creole butter that keeps the turkey juicy and flavorful.
- How to Make It:
- Mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp cayenne pepper, 1 tbsp thyme, 1 tbsp oregano, and 1 tsp garlic powder for the Cajun rub.
- Make a Creole butter by mixing 1 cup melted butter, 2 tbsp hot sauce, and 1 tbsp Creole seasoning.
- Rub the Cajun spice mix all over the turkey and inject the Creole butter into the turkey’s breast and thighs.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting occasionally with the Creole butter.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F, then let it rest.
- Why It’s Important: The Cajun spices and Creole butter infuse the turkey with bold, spicy flavors while keeping it moist and tender, making this BBQ turkey perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
1️⃣9️⃣ BBQ Pomegranate-Glazed Turkey 🍷
Why It’s Great: The sweet and slightly tart flavor of pomegranate pairs wonderfully with turkey, creating a deep, rich glaze that brings a festive, luxurious touch to the BBQ turkey.
- How to Make It:
- Combine 1 cup pomegranate juice, ¼ cup honey, and 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar in a saucepan. Simmer until it reduces and thickens.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and a BBQ rub of your choice.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the pomegranate glaze every 30 minutes.
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with more glaze.
- Why It’s Important: The pomegranate glaze creates a glossy, flavorful finish that adds depth to the turkey’s taste, making it a stunning centerpiece for any occasion.
2️⃣0️⃣ BBQ Balsamic Rosemary Turkey 🧄🌿
Why It’s Great: The balsamic vinegar and fresh rosemary give the turkey a tangy yet savory flavor, while the BBQ cooking method locks in moisture and creates a beautiful crust.
- How to Make It:
- Combine ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
- Marinate the turkey in the balsamic rosemary mixture for 1–2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to 350°F and cook the turkey for 2.5–3 hours, basting occasionally with the marinade.
- Check the turkey’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving, then garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Why It’s Important: The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness to the turkey, and the rosemary enhances the flavors, making this BBQ turkey a flavorful and aromatic option for your holiday spread.
2️⃣1️⃣ BBQ Herb-Infused Turkey with Lemon and Garlic 🍋🧄
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey recipe infuses the bird with the refreshing brightness of lemon and the savory depth of garlic and herbs, making it both aromatic and full of flavor.
- How to Make It:
- Mix ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped garlic, and 2 tbsp fresh thyme and rosemary.
- Rub this mixture all over the turkey, making sure to massage it under the skin.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the garlic-lemon sauce.
- Ensure the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The garlic and lemon add a bright, fresh flavor, while the herbs contribute to a fragrant and flavorful BBQ turkey.
2️⃣2️⃣ BBQ Spicy Mango Salsa Turkey 🥭🌶️
Why It’s Great: The tropical sweetness of mango combined with the heat of chili peppers creates a unique and vibrant BBQ turkey that is perfect for those who love a sweet and spicy kick.
- How to Make It:
- Prepare the salsa by combining diced mango, 1 tbsp chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp cilantro.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the last 30 minutes, baste the turkey with BBQ sauce and top with the mango salsa as it cooks.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Why It’s Important: The spicy mango salsa adds a delicious contrast to the smoky turkey, with a combination of heat, sweetness, and fresh citrus.
2️⃣3️⃣ BBQ Rosemary and Fig-Glazed Turkey 🍇🌿
Why It’s Great: The sweet richness of figs combined with the earthy aroma of rosemary gives this BBQ turkey a luxurious, deep flavor profile that’s perfect for a festive gathering.
- How to Make It:
- Make a glaze by simmering ½ cup fig preserves, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar, and 1 tbsp fresh rosemary.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, and additional rosemary.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the rosemary-fig glaze every 30 minutes.
- Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The fig glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory, while the rosemary complements the rich flavors of the turkey.
2️⃣4️⃣ BBQ Chipotle Peach Turkey 🍑🌶️
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey features the smoky heat of chipotle and the sweet juiciness of peach, creating a tantalizing flavor profile that is both spicy and sweet.
- How to Make It:
- Prepare the glaze by combining ½ cup peach preserves, 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce, and 1 tbsp honey.
- Rub the turkey with a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the chipotle peach glaze every 30 minutes.
- Ensure the turkey reaches 165°F internally.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The smoky heat of chipotle combined with the sweet peach glaze creates a delicious contrast that makes this BBQ turkey irresistible.
2️⃣5️⃣ BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Turkey 🥓
Why It’s Great: Bacon and turkey are a match made in heaven. Wrapping the turkey in bacon adds flavor, juiciness, and a crispy finish that enhances the smoky BBQ flavor.
- How to Make It:
- Preheat your grill to 350°F.
- Season the turkey with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ rub.
- Wrap the turkey with bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Grill the turkey for 2.5–3 hours, basting with BBQ sauce and checking the internal temperature to reach 165°F.
- Remove from the grill, rest for 10 minutes, and carve.
- Why It’s Important: The bacon not only adds flavor but also helps keep the turkey moist, making this BBQ turkey tender and extra flavorful with crispy bacon.
2️⃣6️⃣ BBQ Mediterranean-Style Turkey with Tzatziki Sauce 🥒
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to the forefront with a fresh, cool tzatziki sauce that complements the smoky turkey perfectly.
- How to Make It:
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
- Serve the grilled turkey with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Why It’s Important: The cool, creamy tzatziki sauce pairs beautifully with the smoky, herb-infused turkey, creating a refreshing and flavorful BBQ experience.
2️⃣7️⃣ BBQ Smoky Citrus Turkey with Orange and Lime 🍊
Why It’s Great: This BBQ turkey features a zesty combination of citrus fruits like orange and lime, offering a perfect balance of smokiness and fresh citrus tang.
- How to Make It:
- Mix orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and a touch of honey for the marinade.
- Marinate the turkey for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat (350°F). Grill the turkey for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the citrus marinade every 30 minutes.
- Make sure the turkey reaches 165°F internally before removing it from the grill.
- Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes and carve.
- Why It’s Important: The smoky citrus marinade brings a bright, tangy twist to the turkey while enhancing its natural flavors, offering a light yet flavorful BBQ turkey option.
2️⃣8️⃣ BBQ Garlic Honey Butter Turkey 🧈🍯
Why It’s Great: If you love rich, buttery flavors, this BBQ garlic honey butter turkey is a must-try. The garlic and honey provide a savory-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the turkey.
- How to Make It:
- Mix 1 stick of melted butter, 2 tbsp honey, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme.
- Rub the turkey with the honey garlic butter mixture, massaging it under the skin for extra flavor.
- Grill the turkey at 350°F for 2.5–3 hours, basting with the butter mixture every 30 minutes.
- Once the turkey reaches 165°F, let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Why It’s Important: The garlic honey butter creates a sweet, savory glaze that crisps up beautifully on the skin, adding a flavorful layer to your BBQ turkey.
These 28 BBQ turkey ideas offer a range of creative, flavorful options that will make your Thanksgiving or BBQ gathering extra special. Whether you’re looking for bold, spicy flavors or light, citrus-infused profiles, there’s a BBQ turkey recipe for every palate. So fire up the grill, try something new, and make this year’s feast one to remember!
