Grilled Turkey

When you come from a large extended family like mine, one turkey just doesn’t cut it for Thanksgiving. We need two turkeys to feed everyone, but fitting two birds in the oven along with all the sides, stuffing, and desserts? Nearly impossible. That’s where grilling comes in! Grilling one turkey on the grill frees up precious oven space for everything else, and honestly, it results in the juiciest, most flavorful turkey with perfectly crispy skin.

know grilling a turkey might sound intimidating, but it’s actually easier than you think. The key is brining the turkey ahead of time, which keeps the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. All you need is a large container or heavy-duty ziplock bag, some salt and herbs, and a little advance planning. The grill does the rest of the work while you focus on everything else for your holiday meal!

Why Grill Your Turkey

• Frees up oven space – Perfect when you’re cooking for a crowd and need your oven for sides, stuffing, and pies. This is especially helpful when cooking multiple turkeys for large family gatherings.
• Keeps the heat outside – No more overheating your kitchen on an already busy cooking day!
• Better flavor – The grill adds a subtle smoky flavor you can’t achieve in the oven, plus you get that beautiful golden color.

Ingredients

TIP

Invest in a good instant-read thermometer! Temperature is everything when grilling a turkey. Check the thigh (aim for 170°F) and breast (aim for 165°F) in multiple spots to ensure even cooking. The turkey will continue cooking while it rests, reaching about 180°F in the thigh, which is perfect for juicy, safe-to-eat meat.

Ingredient Notes

• Turkey: Look for a 12-15 pound turkey for best results on the grill. If you need a gluten-free turkey, most fresh turkeys are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label. Brands like Butterball, Jennie-O, and Honeysuckle White offer gluten-free options. Avoid turkeys that are pre-basted or self-basting, as these often contain gluten in the basting solution.
• Vegetable Stock: Make sure to use gluten-free vegetable stock for the brine. Brands like Pacific Foods, Kitchen Basics, and Swanson all offer certified gluten-free options.
• Dried Herbs: Using dried herbs in the brine infuses incredible flavor into the turkey. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand—fresh herbs work great too!
• Sea Salt: The salt is crucial for the brining process. Don’t skip it! It’s what keeps the turkey moist and flavorful.

Recipe FAQs

Plan on 11-13 minutes per pound. A 15-pound turkey will take approximately 2.5-3 hours on the grill at 400°F. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

While brining isn’t absolutely required, I highly recommend it! Brining keeps the turkey incredibly moist and adds so much flavor. The 24-48 hour brine time is what makes this grilled turkey so juicy.

Start by preheating your grill to 500-550°F, then reduce to 400°F once you add the turkey. Maintain a steady temperature around 400°F throughout cooking. Use indirect heat by placing the turkey in a roasting pan.

I don’t recommend stuffing a grilled turkey (or any turkey really). The stuffing won’t reach a safe temperature at the same rate as the turkey, which can create food safety issues. Instead, make your gluten-free stuffing separately as a side dish.

The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 170°F in the thigh. Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) to check. The turkey will continue cooking after you remove it from the grill, reaching about 180°F in the thigh while resting.

Storage instructions

Storage: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: You can freeze cooked turkey meat for up to 2-3 months. Remove the meat from the bones, shred or slice it, and store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Label with the date.

Reheat: Reheat turkey slices in the oven at 325°F covered with foil, or reheat in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

Serving suggestions

We always serve this grilled turkey with classic Thanksgiving sides like:

• Gluten-Free Crescent Rolls – Buttery, flaky rolls perfect for soaking up gravy
• Gluten-Free Gravy – Rich, smooth, and flavorful—the essential turkey companion!
• Gluten-Free Cornbread Sausage Stuffing – Packed with Italian sausage, celery, dried cranberries, and pecans
• Twice Baked Mashed Potatoes – Loaded with bacon, cheddar, and chives
• Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Brown Butter and Sage – Creamy mashed potatoes with incredible flavor
• Red Wine Cranberry Sauce – A sophisticated twist on classic cranberry sauce

More gluten-free meals to try

• 

  Gluten-Free Cheddar Bay Chicken Pot Pie

• 

  Gluten-Free Fried Chicken

• 

  Gluten-Free Focaccia Pizza Muffins

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.