How to Smoke a 3-Pound Turkey Breast for a Juicy, Delicious Meal

ByMike Thompson Turkey Recipe

Smoky, juicy, and delicious, smoked turkey breast is a holiday staple for many families. But what if you don’t have a smoker? Or what if you just don’t have the time to smoke a turkey for hours? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious smoked turkey breast in your oven.

We’ll walk you through the process step-by-step, from brining the turkey to smoking it to carving it. And we’ll share some tips and tricks to help you make the best smoked turkey breast ever. So whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to know.

Here’s what you’ll need:

* A 3-pound turkey breast
* A roasting pan
* A wire rack
* A meat thermometer
* Brining liquid (such as apple juice, water, salt, and sugar)
* Smoked paprika
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Cayenne pepper
* Dried thyme
* Dried oregano
* Kosher salt
* Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the turkey breast. Rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry. Remove any excess fat or skin.
2. Brined the turkey breast. In a large bowl, combine the brine ingredients. Add the turkey breast and submerge it completely in the brine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours.
3. Smoke the turkey breast. Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey breast on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Rub the turkey breast with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the turkey breast with the drippings every hour or so.
5. Carve the turkey breast and serve. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving it. Serve with your favorite sides.

Ingredients Instructions Notes
3 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf 		1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (107 degrees C).
2. In a large roasting pan, combine the turkey breast, apple cider vinegar, water, salt, peppercorns, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
3. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast in the oven for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
4. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. 		Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.

Ingredients

For a smoked 3lb turkey breast, you will need the following ingredients:

* 3 lb turkey breast
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

To smoke a 3lb turkey breast, you will need the following equipment:

* A large stockpot or Dutch oven
* A roasting pan
* A wire rack
* A meat thermometer
* A smoker

Instructions

To smoke a 3lb turkey breast, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Place the turkey breast in the brine and let it soak for 2-4 hours.
4. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.
5. Place the turkey breast on a wire rack in a roasting pan.
6. Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
7. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

Here are a few tips for smoking a 3lb turkey breast:

* Use a good quality wood for smoking, such as applewood, hickory, or cherry.
* Be sure to maintain a consistent temperature in your smoker.
* Smoke the turkey breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

A smoked 3lb turkey breast is a delicious and impressive way to cook a turkey. It is perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion. By following these instructions, you can easily smoke a delicious and flavorful turkey breast.

Ingredients

* 3 lb turkey breast, boneless and skinless
* 1 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 cup water
* 1 tablespoon kosher salt
* 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 10 whole cloves
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Steps

1. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry.
2. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, peppercorns, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, and cloves.
3. Add the turkey breast to the brine and let it soak for at least 8 hours, or up to overnight.
4. Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry.
6. Rub the turkey breast with the brown sugar, honey, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and vegetable oil.
7. Place the turkey breast on the smoker and cook for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Smoked turkey breast is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey. It is perfect for a holiday meal or a special occasion. Be sure to let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving so that the juices can redistribute.

Q: What is the best way to cook a smoked 3lb turkey breast?

A: The best way to cook a smoked 3lb turkey breast is to smoke it at a low temperature (225-250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Be sure to allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Q: What are some tips for smoking a turkey breast?

A: Here are a few tips for smoking a turkey breast:

* Use a high-quality wood for smoking, such as applewood, hickory, or cherry.
* Marinate the turkey breast in a flavorful liquid, such as a brine, before smoking it.
* Smoke the turkey breast at a low temperature for a long period of time to ensure that it is cooked through and juicy.
* Allow the turkey breast to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey breast?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when smoking a turkey breast:

* Smoking the turkey breast at too high of a temperature. This can dry out the meat and make it tough.
* Not marinating the turkey breast before smoking it. This can result in a bland and flavorless turkey.
* Not allowing the turkey breast to rest before slicing and serving. This can cause the meat to be tough and dry.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with smoked turkey breast?

A: Here are a few side dishes that go well with smoked turkey breast:

* Mashed potatoes
* Roasted vegetables
* Cornbread
* Cranberry sauce
* Stuffing

Q: How long can I store smoked turkey breast in the refrigerator?

A: Smoked turkey breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, wrap the turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator.

Q: How can I reheat smoked turkey breast?

A: There are a few ways to reheat smoked turkey breast:

* In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Wrap the turkey breast in foil and place it in a baking dish. Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* In the microwave: Place the turkey breast on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
* In a slow cooker: Place the turkey breast in a slow cooker. Cover with liquid (such as broth or water) and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through.

smoking a 3lb turkey breast is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can produce a delicious and flavorful smoked turkey breast that will be the centerpiece of your next holiday meal.

Here are a few key takeaways from this guide:

* Choose a high-quality turkey breast and brine it for at least 24 hours before smoking.
* Use a smoker that has been preheated to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Smoke the turkey breast for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey breast rest for at least 30 minutes before carving and serving.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily smoke a 3lb turkey breast that will impress your guests. So next time you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful main course for your holiday meal, consider smoking a turkey breast. You won’t be disappointed.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!