How to Grill a Turkey

Although it’s not the most common method, grilling can be a fun way to take a delicious turkey dinner outdoors. But being in the elements requires some special food safety considerations, so be sure to read our instructions and tips carefully.

Outdoor Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal grilling can give you an amazing flavor when you use the right technique. For tasty results, use these instructions. Note: These directions are for Whole Turkeys under 16 lbs.:

  1. Prepare charcoal-covered grill by removing cooking grate and opening all vents.
  2. Position drip pan in center of charcoal grate and place 25 to 30 briquettes along each side (lengthwise) of drip pan. Burn briquettes until covered with gray ash, about 30 minutes. Place cooking grate in grill over coals.
  3. Prepare fresh or thawed turkey by removing giblets and neck, draining juices and patting dry with clean paper towels.
  4. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place and tuck legs. Brush or spray entire turkey with cooking or vegetable oil.
  5. Place turkey, breast up, on cooking grate over drip pan. Cover grill, leaving vents open.
  6. Add 6 to 8 briquettes to each side every 45 to 60 minutes.
  7. Using a meat thermometer, cook turkey to internal temperature of 180° F in thigh and 170° F in breast.
  8. 10 to 16 lb. turkeys will take 2 to 3 hours to grill. When done, remove and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Turkey Tips

Grilling Don'ts

  1. Stuff a turkey that you plan on grilling.
  2. Use lighter fluid infused briquettes.

Outdoor Gas Grilling

Gas grilling is a fun and easy way to get the taste you’re craving. Follow these simple instructions:

  1. Before turning on grill, lift grate and place drip pan directly on flavorizer bars, ceramic briquettes or lava rocks. Replace grate.
  2. Prepare grill for indirect heat cooking according to owner’s guide. Preheat burners on high for 10 to 15 minutes with lid closed.
  3. Prepare fresh or thawed turkey by removing giblets and neck, draining juices and patting dry with clean paper towels.
  4. Turn wings back to hold neck skin in place and tuck legs. Brush or spray entire turkey with cooking or vegetable oil.
  5. Turn temperature down to approximately 350° F.
  6. Place turkey, breast up, on cooking grate over drip pan. Close lid and cook with minimal peeking.
  7. Depending on burner arrangement, it may be necessary to turn turkey over, halfway through grilling for even cooking.
  8. Using meat thermometer, cook turkey to internal temperature of 180° F in thigh and 170° F in breast.
  9. 10 to 16 lb. turkeys will take 2 to 3 hours to grill. When done, remove and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.

Turkey Tips

Did You Know?

A thawed turkey may be kept in the refrigerator (40 degrees F or below) up to 4 days before cooking.

Frozen Whole Turkeys and Frozen Whole Turkey Breasts need to be thawed before cooking.

Thaw Fully Cooked Baked and Smoked Turkeys via the refrigerator method.

Refrigerator thawing is preferred and the least labor-intensive but requires more time.

Cold water thawing takes less time but requires more attention.

Suggested Products

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More Turkey Tips

How to Brine

Brining is the key to a juicy, flavor-filled turkey. Never tried it before? We'll show you how.

How to Stuff

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, it's at the heart of any Thanksgiving. Let us show you how to prepare a stuffed turkey.

How to Thaw

Ready to get cooking? We'll show you the do's and don'ts of thawing your turkey.

How to Inject a Turkey

Looking to add a little extra flavor? Try injecting your turkey with a favorite marinade. It's simple and easy.

How to Carve

There's one last step before you dig in: carving! Don't be intimidated. We're here to guide you.

Food Safety Essentials

Get the information you need to store, prepare and enjoy your meal safely.

How to Make a Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Got leftovers? Make a sandwich! Turn your Thanksgiving dinner leftovers into another tasty meal.

How to Choose a Turkey

Fresh or frozen? Big or small? We can help you choose the right turkey for your next gathering with our how-to video.

How to Place a Meat Thermometer

Unsure of how to check if your turkey is done cooking? Use a meat thermometer!

How to Marinate

When you know the basics of marinating, you can guarantee great flavor every time. Let us show you the steps and some great recipes, too. There's a marinade for every occasion and every palate.

How to Inject a Turkey

Looking to add a little extra flavor? Try injecting your turkey with a favorite marinade. It's simple and easy.

How to Check for Doneness

Is the turkey done yet? You may have heard of different ways to check, but there’s only one way to be sure.