How to Grill a Turkey (Because the Oven Is Overrated)
So you’ve decided to grill your turkey. Bold move.
Grandma might clutch her pearls, but once you taste that smoky, juicy, crispy-skinned masterpiece, you’ll never go back to an oven-baked bird.
(Plus, grilling means you’ll have more oven space for pie. Priorities, right?)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, let’s talk turkey.
How to Grill a Turkey on a Charcoal Grill
Like any good grilling adventure, preparation and patience are key to successfully grilling a turkey.
Step 1: Pick the Right Size Bird
Aim for a 12–14-pound turkey. You want it to be big enough to feed your crew, but small enough to fit on your grill without needing an engineering degree to figure out how to make it work. (I've definitely had to engi-nerd some turkeys in the past.)
Step 2: Thaw Your Turkey
Thaw the dang thing. Thawing a turkey can take days, so you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid scrambling at the last minute.
Step 3: Prep the Turkey
After thawing, it’s time to prep and season your turkey so it’ll grill up nicely.
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Start by removing all the innards (giblets, neck, etc.).
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Once removed, gently drain the juices and pat your turkey dry, inside and out.
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Lightly brush or spray your dry turkey with butter or oil.
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Now season like you mean it. Salt, pepper, herbs, maybe a rub that makes your neighbors peek over the fence. (We humbly recommend our Shake that Herb rub — it’s delicious with poultry!)
Step 4: Set Up Your Grill for Indirect Heat
This is not a hot dog or brat situation. We’re going low and slow, baby.
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Bank your charcoal to the sides of the grill. Leave the middle part empty. That’s where you’ll place your turkey. (Our charcoal dividers can come in handy here.)
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Toss in some wood chunks if you want that smoky vibe. Apple or hickory are classics, or you can try our Bourbon Barrel smoking wood for that little something extra.
Step 5: Get the Grill Temperature Right
You’re aiming for 325–350°F. Too low, and you’re basically turkey-slow-roasting until next Thanksgiving. Too high, and you’re serving turkey jerky.
Use your grill vents to control airflow like the grillmaster you are. More air for a hotter fire, less air if you need to chill out. (Accidentally get your grill too hot? We’ve done that before, too. If you are crunched for time, add a little more charcoal to lower your temps quicker.)
Step 6: Cook the Turkey Like a Pro
Now’s where the magic happens — it’s time to grill the turkey.
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Place the turkey breast-side up. Keep a drip pan underneath the bird to catch those glorious drippings (and to prevent your grill from looking like a crime scene).
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Close the lid — and resist the urge to peek every five minutes.
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Figure about 15 minutes per pound or so. So, a 12-pound turkey would take about 3 hours to cook. But don’t trust math alone; use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey’s minimal internal temperature is at least 165°F in the thickest part.
Step 7: Big Finish
When the bird hits 165°F, it’s officially go time.
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Tent it in foil for 15-20 minutes before carving to let all the juices redistribute back into the meat. Yes, patience is a virtue, but it’s totally worth it.
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Carve, serve, and bask in the compliments.
Tips & Tricks for Successfully Cooking a Turkey on the Grill
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Keep extra charcoal handy. You’ll probably need to top up your grill mid-cook. Running out of fuel in the midst of all the chaos is a rookie move.
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Use those drippings for gravy. Your mashed potatoes (and your guests) will thank you.
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Don’t stuff the turkey when grilling. Stuffing slows cooking, messes with food safety, and deserves its own pan anyway.
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Rotate the bird halfway through. Not a flip over but a 180 degree rotation with the breasts still up. That way you’ll avoid any issues from hot spots and get an even golden brown look.
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Invest in a reliable meat thermometer. “Looks done” is not a cooking strategy for big birds.
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Schedule and plan ahead. It’s not every day you cook a big holiday meal. Schedule out cooking times, make what you can ahead of time, and divvy up prep work and Thanksgiving side dishes. That way, everything finishes and is ready at the same time.
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Get the right grilling accessories. Our charcoal baskets, cans, and dividers can help you control airflow and temperature and simplify cleanup, making grilling a turkey on Thanksgiving easier, more flavorful, and more fun.
FAQs
We're answering some of the most common questions people have before tackling a grilled turkey.
Can I cook a frozen turkey on the grill?
No, unless you want to make Thanksgiving memorable with a trip to urgent care, aim to thaw your bird completely in the fridge (allow about 24 hours per 4 pounds). You can keep a thawed turkey in the refrigerator for about four days before cooking.
Should I cook the turkey breast-side up or down?
Up. Breast-side down can result in a soggy, weird-looking bird when we’re going for Instagram-ready turkey selfies!
How do I keep the turkey skin crispy?
Pat your bird dry, slather it with butter or oil, and keep your grill temp steady in the 325–350°F range. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this will help keep things nice and crispy.
Do I need a special grill to cook a turkey?
Nope! Any decent-sized charcoal grill with a lid will do. What’s most important is that the size of your turkey fits the size of your grill.
Ceramic cookers (like the Big Green Egg) may make the process easier, but a trusty kettle grill will work too. Ceramic cookers require smaller vent openings to maintain consistent temps and therefore there is considerably less airflow through the cooker and therefore the meat doesn't dry out during the cook.
Can I stuff the turkey before grilling?
No. Stuffing inside your bird can end up being a food safety nightmare. Cook your stuffing separately. Or, consider this grilled turkey method on the JoeTisserie.
How do I know the turkey is done?
The only way to know your turkey is truly done is with a meat thermometer. When the breast (or thickest part of the turkey) is at 165°F and juices are running clear, that’s the sweet spot for juicy turkey.
When testing with the thermometer, make sure you’re not hitting bone (which can throw off the reading).
Turn Your Turkey Game Into a Kick Ash Masterpiece
We wish you lots of luck on your turkey grilling adventure. Every minute will be worth it when you taste that juicy, delicious bite. Be sure to join The Kick Ash Crew on Facebook and share photos of the results so we can cheer you on!
Looking for the latest and greatest grilling accessories? Shop our iconic grill baskets, dividers, and so much more.