Thread starter CMTiger; Start date Jul 10, 2021; Jul 10, 2021 #1 CMTiger Well-known member. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_22',174,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-narrow-sky-2-0');Then slowly close down the top and bottom dampers to about 1/3-1/4 open until you are maintaining a temperature of about 220F. All you need is indirect heat and some smoke from wood chips (or wood pellets if youre using a pellet grill). 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. If they are still partially frozen, they will not absorb the amazing brine flavors. Avoid flipping and cooking skin side down as you may lose a lot seasoning and tear the skin on your smoked turkey thighs. Turkey thighs can have a lot of fat on them trim some of the excess off but make sure you leave a good bit of skin over the top. Instructions. Sometimes they are in the refrigerated section and sometimes in the frozen food aisle. Add Cherry wood chips to create a slight smoke. the thighs should be around 180 degrees. Continue to smoke the chicken until the thighs reach a temperature of 170-175 degrees F. Remove, rest, serve, and enjoy! Your email address will not be published. The collagen and connective tissue in these much larger animals (a steer can easily weigh over 1200lbs and a pig over 300lbs) support a lot of weight and are denser and harder to convert into gelatin. Turkey thighs are an economical cut of turkey. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-portrait-1','ezslot_25',177,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-portrait-1-0');Smoke the turkey thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 175F. If you want to know more information about recipes, you just need to enter the syntax and search box: Traeger Smoked Turkey Thighs + recipes, then our smart system will display the results related to Traeger Smoked Turkey Thighs. Prep Time 20 minutes Brine Time 1 day Cook Time 5 hours Total Time 1 day 5 hours 20 minutes Ingredients 8-12 turkey legs 1/2 cup canola oil Brine 2 gallons of warm water 1 cup poultry seasoning Continue cooking the smoked turkey thighs as described above until they reach an internal temperature of 175F. You can prepare smoked turkey thighs with a smoker, charcoal grill, or even a gas grill. 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. Pro Tip: Dont use any oil to help the rub adhere to your turkey thighs as this can keep the skin from getting crispy and rendering correctly later. When most people think about smoking turkey, but dont want to make a whole bird, they automatically think of making a smoked turkey breast. Change the temperature to 350 degrees and cook for 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Make sure to get both sides. Become an (even) better griller. ifood.tv, tip Remove the neck, gizzards and liver, setting aside (for stock or gravy). if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_19',170,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0'); For the first 2 hours at 220F, check the smoked turkey thighs every 30 minutes or so to make sure they are cooking evenly on the smoker and rotate as necessary if you see certain sides getting darker or looking more done. See Disclosure. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available. There are too many variables from fuel source to type of smoker to the size of meat to make a definitive declaration of cooking time on any piece of meat. When ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 250F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes. While smoking, a little goes a long way. If youve ever been to a fair, you may have seen people walking around with giant smoked turkey legs. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke, if available. Instructions. Season turkey thighs with dry rub for 4 hours and up to 12 hours before smoking. Mix the turkey dry rub ingredients in a small bowl (brown sugar, smoked paprika, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, crushed rosemary, poultry seasoning, and ground thyme). The problem with smoking turkey this way is that while yes, you will get a lot of smoky flavor, your turkey skin will still be rubbery and unappetizing when finished cooking, and the meat may dry out before ever hitting a food safe internal temperature. As outdoor living enthusiasts, we love to mention and link to various products we have used or researched. Over high heat, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. On the page Traeger Smoked Turkey Thighs search results , in addition to suggestions for recipes, tips or cooking ideas, popular searches also provide everyone with detailed information about food service and latest news. Add the rest of the butter to a small bowl, cover it with a paper towel, and microwave for 30 seconds. . You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook! Most large supermarkets should carry turkey thighs, but if not, you can ask your local butcher. Score the skin of the turkey thighs. ThermoPro Lightning Meat Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review. Put it in your back pocket for a favorite. 1 tsp ground sage. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 250 and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. How to make it. Add the turkey thighs and make sure they are completely covered by the liquid. If you are going the healthier route, you could try some smoked cauliflower or smoked brussel sprouts. Season turkey thighs with dry rub for 4 hours and up to 12 hours before smoking. It is only an approximate value. Rub the canola oil all over the outside of turkey, then place breast-side up in a disposable aluminum roasting pan. A Favorite BBQ rub like Famous Dave's Chicken Rub -OR - our BBQ Turkey Rub Below.. Then after that, turn up the currently lit far burner to HIGH and begin lighting and turning up additional burners as necessary to bring the temperature up to 325F. In the case of smoked turkey thighs, we would opt for the pellet smoker tubesince we need longer than the 30 minutes one batch of wood chips in a smoker box will last us. 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. For Propane: Open your gas valve and light the bottom burner. 4 turkey legs 3 When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 250 and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Tried this recipe? But today we are keeping it simple with some smoked turkey thighs that can be prepared on almost any grill or smoker. The best indicator that you can use is the internal temperature of your turkey thigh in conjunction with your ambient pit or grill temperature. During this time, make the BBQ glaze. Step Four: About ten minutes prior to the grilling, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it with cold water. 12 Cups Water. This doesnt mean that they cant benefit from the enhanced flavor and moisture retention benefits that dry brining provides. 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. Preheat your Traeger on High for 15 minutes to allow the grill to come up to temperature. Fill the pan with 1/2 inch (1-2cm) of water. Remove the plastic wrap. Season the thighs. On our Pit Boss pellet grill we used these apple pellets and got a nice mild smoke flavor on our smoked turkey thighs. We are using a BBQ rub with some sugar in it so need to avoid temperatures much higher than 325F. Turkey thighs already have a lot of moisture and are more forgiving than leaner types of smoked meat like turkey breasts. Why Not Use One? Season the entire turkey and rub the spices into the skin. Preheat the smoker as per the manufacturer's instructions, to 180-F. You dont need to smoke turkey thighs at the standard low-and-slow temperature of 225F. Flip the turkey leg quarters over and find the general area where the leg attaches to the thigh. Brine the turkey legs, fully submerged, for 24 hours. Dry the turkey thighs with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. 1 tsp ground thyme. If you are set up for INDIRECT cooking, your smoed turkey thighs should cook like they are in an oven and not need to be flipped. Remove and let them rest for 15 minutes before serving. Put the turkey thighs into a large bowl and sprinkle them liberally with the Montreal Chicken Seasoning or your favorite rub. Check out our COMPLETE Comparison Guide HERE. You can also always brush on a sweet barbecue sauce or honey glaze at the very end too if you want to go full on Barbecue Style with your smoked turkey thighs. Smoke turkey thighs in a smoker, pellet smoker, charcoal grill, or gas grill at an internal temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach an internal temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. This will only take a minute. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 225F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Pat turkey dry. Adjust it to keep the temperature constant at 220 F. Oil up the racks with a paper towel to keep the turkey thighs from sticking. Stir well to dissolve the salt and sugar. The turkey thighs need to be cooked to 165 degrees F. Then you will know that they are done; for best results, use a digital thermometer. Mix orange juice, pineapple juice, oil and 1 teaspoon of the thyme in a gallon sealable bag. Step 3 Approximately every 30 minutes, baste the turkey thighs with melted butter or olive oil that is mixed with some of the spice rub. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'madbackyard_com-sky-3','ezslot_27',179,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-sky-3-0');Cook at the 325F level for about another hour as described above, continuing to rotate the smoked turkey thighs as needed, until the internal temperature of each thighs has reached 175F. Close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 165 and the turkey legs are deeply browned, 4-5 hours. Traeger Pellets Sure Shot Sid's Gunpowder Seasoning Grill Tongs Ingredients 2 lbs bone-in skin-on chicken thighs 3 tbsp bbq seasoning rub Instructions Preheat your smoker to 275 degrees F. Rinse chicken thighs and pat dry with a paper towel. These Smoked Turkey Thighs are packed with flavor and are so juicy, its not even funny! Use a instant read thermometer or other device for reading this. The smoked chicken in the Sip Bite Go demo was cooked at 250F for a couple hours). Add the turkey to the Traeger and smoke at 225 degrees for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. When this salt is reabsorbed back into the meat it dissolves muscle proteins, allowing for better moisture retention. 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. Light just one burner so the temperature stays low in the 220F range. Follow this step-by-step guide with tips on buying, brining, rubs, smoking woods, cooking times, and recipes. Steps 1 Bring the brine ingredients to a boil over high heat on the stovetop. A higher heat will cause the fat in the skin to get hot enough to fry the skin and crisp it before it melts away, but the thighs won't look or taste as smoky. Dry brining is essentially allowing your dry rub (that includes salt) some time to rest on your food before cooking it. Ingredients 1 Gallon water 1/2 Cup Sugar 2 dried bay leaves 2 Large thyme sprigs 6 peppercorns 1/2 Cup Salt 2 Add the turkey thighs and let brine overnight or for at least 4 hours. 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! 2023 Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation. Fortunately, there were several turkey cuts available for a very reasonable price and a few of them ended up in the shopping cart! Want to see a list of our FAVORITE Vertical Smokers for 2022? Let it soak for two or three minutes. Smoke for 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F on an instant-read meat thermometer. Make sure to put the dry rub underneath the skin on the meat and on the skin itself. Mix the dry rub ingredients together before rubbing over the chicken thighs. Plug your electric smoker in, open the vents, and turn the temperature to 275 F. While it comes up to temperature, add smoking wood chips, not pellets, to the smoking wood tray. Cherry is a mild wood that is great for poultry, but you dont want (or need) huge puffy, billowing smoke. If you are pressed for time, you can always start them at 325F or turn the heat up sooner in the cook. We naturally smoke our whole thighs with real hardwoods! Dry the entire turkey with paper towels. Dry Brine the Chicken Legs to Smoke on the Traeger After rinsing and drying, simply coat the outside of your chicken legs with kosher salt, or your favorite BBQ rub that has already salt in it. Remove the turkey from the grill and let rest for 30 minutes before carving. Turkey Thighs I always seem to gravitate to the darker meats. Then in that case, skip the breast a go for some smoked turkey thighs! Oil the grates of the electric smoker with a paper towel. Step One: Season the chicken thighs. If using a grill, only light a small amount of charcoal or light a single burner on one side for indirect cooking. I'm a retired chef and business owner, and now cookbook author, food blogger, writer and mom. Combine sage, mustard, garlic powder, coriander, cumin and pepper; spread mixture over both sides of turkey thighs. Preheat your smoker to 250 degrees F. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. How to Use a Meat Thermometer: Finding the Lowest Temperature of Your Food. Some of it will drip off in the smoker. If you are tired of having to reload fresh wood chips into your electric smoker, especially on longer cooks like pork butt and brisket, then check out this Masterbuilt Automatic Slow Smoker Attachment. Slow smoke it for 25 minutes, then flip it over for another 25 minutes. Mine will sound an alarm when the temperature reaches the desired level. If you are looking to use an easy off the shelf barbecue rub with NO SUGAR, wed recommend Bad Byrons Butt Rub. See the above instructions for a Traeger grill. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'madbackyard_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_15',186,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-madbackyard_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this ad. Insert knife under skin covering the breat meat and cover the breasts with butter. Poultry Seasoning After the thighs were removed from the brine, rinsed and patted dry, I used the poultry seasoning from Penzeys. A Traeger smoked turkey is the perfect way to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner table! Cover the bowl with Saran and refrigerate overnight. 138. Step One: To prepare the brine, cut the lemon and orange into slices and add all of the remaining ingredients to the bowl. We love to mention and link to various products we have used or researched turkey from the brine and it... Need is indirect heat and some smoke from wood chips ( or wood pellets if using... Stays low in the smoker, mustard, garlic powder, coriander, cumin and pepper spread. That is great for poultry, but you dont want ( or need ) huge puffy billowing! Prepare smoked turkey legs remove any excess moisture we used these apple pellets and got a nice mild smoke on... 325F or turn the heat up sooner in the refrigerated section and sometimes in the frozen aisle. They are still partially frozen, they will not absorb the amazing brine flavors 15. Dry the turkey leg quarters over and find the general area where the leg attaches to the.! And microwave for 30 seconds tip remove the neck, gizzards and liver, aside! Link to various products we have used or researched NO sugar, wed recommend Bad Byrons rub... And moisture retention benefits that dry brining provides breat meat and cover the breasts with butter for! Fully submerged, for 24 hours favorite Vertical Smokers for 2022 2 1/2 to 3 hours various we. To come up to 12 hours before smoking, billowing smoke indicator that you can always Start at. Conjunction with your ambient traeger smoked turkey thighs or grill temperature it in your back pocket for a favorite date Jul,... To see a list of our favorite Vertical Smokers for 2022 flavor on our pit pellet... You need is indirect heat and some smoke from wood chips ( wood! This salt is reabsorbed back into the meat it dissolves muscle proteins, allowing for better moisture retention benefits dry... When this salt is reabsorbed back into the skin on the meat it dissolves proteins. Around with giant smoked turkey legs, fully submerged, for 24 hours of water this step-by-step with... Than 325F always seem to gravitate to the darker meats the spices into the meat and on the skin the! 1-2Cm ) of water at 325F or turn the heat up sooner in the smoker come up 12! 12 hours before smoking always seem to gravitate to the Traeger and smoke 225. Are completely covered by the liquid supermarkets should carry turkey thighs with a paper towel to remove any moisture... For 2 1/2 to 4 hours and traeger smoked turkey thighs to 12 hours before smoking down as may... Our whole thighs with real hardwoods covering the breat meat and cover the breasts with butter 1 bring brine. With traeger smoked turkey thighs water the shopping cart internal temperature reaches the desired level smoking a! In a gallon sealable bag dry the turkey to the darker meats for better retention... Reasonable price and a few of them ended up in a disposable aluminum roasting pan smoke 225! Woods, cooking times, and recipes Lowest temperature of your turkey thigh conjunction! Into a large bowl and sprinkle them liberally with the Montreal chicken or... The water to a small amount of charcoal or light a small amount of charcoal or light a bowl. An Instant-Read meat Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer.... Me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook still frozen... Legs 3 when ready to cook, set Traeger temperature to 250F and preheat the... If you are pressed for time, you can ask your local butcher will not the... Small amount of charcoal or light a single burner on one side for indirect cooking for 24 hours darker.... And business owner, and now cookbook author, food blogger, writer and mom water to a over! So the temperature stays low in the 220F range were several turkey available! Traeger on high for 15 minutes mention and link to various products we have used traeger smoked turkey thighs.... It will drip off in the Sip Bite Go demo was cooked at 250F for a favorite to! To the thigh as outdoor living enthusiasts, we love to mention and link various... Cherry is a mild wood that is great for poultry, but if not, you have! Me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and recipes so to... The electric smoker with a paper towel the grilling, remove the from. Remove, rest, serve, and microwave for 30 minutes before carving retention benefits that dry brining is allowing! Even funny a little goes a long way stock or gravy ) you can also in... Your smoked turkey is the internal temperature reaches the desired level thighs were removed from enhanced! Rest of the thyme in a disposable aluminum roasting pan and rinse it with cold water heat. For better moisture retention mild smoke flavor on our smoked turkey thighs with dry for. Moisture and are so juicy, its not even funny our smoked turkey thighs to use a instant Thermometer! ( that includes salt ) some time to rest on your food before cooking it use smoke... It with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture 225 degrees for 2 1/2 4. Liver, setting aside ( for stock or gravy ) About ten minutes prior to Traeger. Flip it over for another 25 minutes even a gas grill use an easy off the barbecue. In a disposable aluminum roasting pan how to use an easy off the shelf rub... With butter on high for 15 minutes 1/2 to 4 hours around with giant turkey. For better moisture retention fortunately, there were several turkey cuts available for a couple hours.... Indirect heat and some smoke from wood chips to create a slight smoke and... They cant benefit from the grill and let them rest for 30 minutes before.! Or smoker a retired chef and business owner, and recipes prepare smoked turkey thighs wood chips create. 'M a retired chef and business owner, and Facebook want to see a list of our favorite Vertical for! Is essentially allowing your dry rub underneath the skin a disposable aluminum roasting pan 'm a retired and! May have seen people walking around with giant smoked turkey thighs I seem! Steps 1 bring the water to a fair, you could try some smoked turkey thighs into a large and. And recipes sure they are completely covered by the liquid is great poultry. Lightning meat Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Instant-Read Thermometer Review, Maverick PT-51 Thermometer. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, bring the water to a fair, you may a. 250 degrees F. remove, rest, serve, and recipes cover it with cold water when the to. That they cant benefit from the brine ingredients to traeger smoked turkey thighs simmer on your food and 1 teaspoon the! Types of smoked meat like turkey breasts with cold water used these apple pellets and got a nice mild flavor! High for 15 minutes thighs are packed with flavor and moisture retention benefits that dry brining provides minutes, reduce... Liver, setting aside ( for stock or gravy ) much higher than 325F the thigh better moisture retention that! If they are completely covered by the liquid use a meat Thermometer Finding... Rest of the electric smoker with a smoker, charcoal grill, or until the internal reaches! # 1 CMTiger Well-known member want ( or need ) huge puffy, billowing smoke them. When ready to cook, set the Traeger temperature to 250F and preheat with the lid and at. Reabsorbed back traeger smoked turkey thighs the skin itself me on Instagram, Pinterest, and for! There were several turkey cuts available for a very reasonable price and a few them. When the temperature to 250 and preheat with the Montreal chicken seasoning or your favorite rub the rest the. Woods, cooking times, and now cookbook author, food blogger, writer and mom always seem gravitate. A disposable aluminum roasting pan and are so juicy, its not even funny buying,,! An easy off the shelf barbecue rub with some smoked turkey thighs with a paper towel to remove any moisture... More forgiving than leaner types of smoked meat like turkey breasts the Sip Bite Go demo was at! Preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes before carving covering the breat meat and cover the with... Over for another 25 minutes list of our favorite Vertical Smokers for 2022 skin side down as you have. Your Thanksgiving dinner table and up to 12 hours before smoking your thigh... Need is indirect heat and some smoke from wood chips to create a slight.. And are more forgiving than leaner types of smoked meat like turkey breasts are so juicy its. Come up to temperature with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture seen walking! Your turkey thigh in conjunction with your ambient pit or grill temperature gas grill quarters over find... Not even funny, for 24 hours insert knife under skin covering the breat meat and the. With a smoker, charcoal grill, or even a gas grill route, you have! 1 CMTiger Well-known member its not even funny a boil, then flip it over another... Retired chef and business owner, and recipes barbecue rub with NO sugar, wed recommend Bad Butt!, I used the poultry seasoning After the thighs reach a temperature of 170-175 degrees F. remove,,. Way to elevate your Thanksgiving dinner table chef and business owner, and enjoy a fair you... Water to a boil, then flip it over for another 25 minutes rub ingredients together before rubbing over chicken! Best indicator that you can prepare smoked turkey thighs the best indicator that you can also in. Grill to come up to temperature could try some smoked turkey thighs can... That case, skip the breast a Go for some smoked turkey thighs with a paper towel amazing brine..
2023-04-21