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A roasted turkey on a white plate.

Grilled Turkey Recipe

Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 10
Calories: 695kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Stuff your turkey and throw it on the grill to cook. That crispy grilled skin and tender meat will have you changing up your holiday traditons!
Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Print Recipe

Equipment

  • Grill

Ingredients

  • 12-20 pound whole turkey thawed if frozen
  • 1 yellow onion quartered
  • 1 lemon quartered
  • 1 bunch fresh herbs we like a mix of thyme, rosemary, and sage
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or stock

Instructions

  • Preheat your grill to medium, about 350-400°F.
  • Pat the turkey dry and remove giblets and the neck.
    12-20 pound whole turkey
    A white turkey on a wooden cutting board.
  • Stuff the cavity with half of the onion and lemon quarters and herbs. Tie the legs together with twine.
    1 yellow onion, 1 lemon, 1 bunch fresh herbs
  • Place the turkey in a double stack aluminum pan (two pans stacked on top of each other creates a sturdier vessel for your turkey).
    A turkey is sitting in a tray on a marble surface.
  • Brush the melted butter all over the turkey. Sprinkle the turkey generously with salt and pepper all over the skin.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
    A turkey in a foil container on a marble countertop.
  • Scatter the remaining onion and lemon quarters around the turkey. Pour the chicken stock in the pan. Do not pour it on top of the seasoned turkey.
    1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Place the pan on the grill. Close the lid and cook, monitoring the temperature, for 2⅓-3 hours, or until the turkey registers 180°F in the thickest part of the thigh. Check the turkey every 30 minutes. Baste with the juices in the pan. Let rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
    A roasted turkey sitting on a grill.

Video

Notes

  • If some of the skin is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
  • Feel free to season your turkey with additional spices.
  • Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to lock in the juices
  • Nutritional information is based on a 12-pound turkey.
Storage: Store grilled turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.2pounds | Calories: 695kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.3g | Protein: 124g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 389mg | Sodium: 1174mg | Potassium: 1302mg | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 5mg