How to Grill a Juicy, Perfectly Cooked Turkey Breast on Your Gas Grill

Grilled Turkey Breast: A Summertime Favorite

There’s nothing quite like the smell of grilled turkey breast on a summer day. The juicy, flavorful meat is perfect for a cookout or potluck, and it’s easy to make on your gas grill.

In this article, we’ll show you how to grill a turkey breast to perfection. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right turkey breast to grilling it to perfection. So whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, read on for all the tips and tricks you need to know.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

The first step to grilling a delicious turkey breast is choosing the right one. Look for a turkey breast that is plump and evenly shaped. The skin should be smooth and free of tears or blemishes.

The weight of the turkey breast will also affect how long it takes to cook. A smaller turkey breast will cook more quickly than a larger one.

Preparing the Turkey Breast

Before you start grilling, you’ll need to prepare the turkey breast. First, rinse the turkey breast under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, you’ll need to remove the giblets from the turkey breast. The giblets are a bag of organs that are typically found inside the turkey cavity. You can discard the giblets or save them for another use, such as making gravy.

Once you’ve removed the giblets, you can season the turkey breast. You can use any seasonings you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Grilling the Turkey Breast

Now it’s time to grill the turkey breast! Preheat your gas grill to medium heat.

If you’re using a gas grill, you’ll need to light the grill and let it heat up for about 15 minutes. Once the grill is hot, you can place the turkey breast on the grill.

If you’re using a charcoal grill, you’ll need to build a fire and let it burn for about 30 minutes. Once the coals are covered in ash, you can place the turkey breast on the grill.

The turkey breast will take about 1 hour to cook per pound. So, if you’re grilling a 5-pound turkey breast, it will take about 5 hours to cook.

To check if the turkey breast is done, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is done cooking, you’ll need to let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to be more tender.

Serving the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast has rested, you can slice it and serve it. You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Grilled turkey breast is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. So fire up your grill and give it a try!

Ingredients	Instructions	Tips
1 (5-pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper	Preheat your gas grill to medium heat. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil. Sprinkle the turkey breast with the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the turkey breast on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.	To make sure the turkey breast is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check if the turkey breast is cooked through by cutting into it and making sure the juices run clear. Grilling the turkey breast over indirect heat will help to prevent it from burning. If you want to add a little more flavor to the turkey breast, you can marinate it in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before grilling it.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

The first step to grilling a perfect turkey breast is choosing the right one. There are a few things to consider when making your selection, including the size, type, and whether or not to marinate or brine the breast.

Size

The size of the turkey breast will determine how long it takes to cook. A smaller breast will cook faster than a larger one, so keep this in mind when planning your meal. If you’re not sure how big of a breast you need, a good rule of thumb is to figure 1 pound of turkey per person.

Type

There are two main types of turkey breasts: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in breasts are more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless breasts are easier to cook, but they can be a bit dry. Ultimately, the best type of turkey breast for you will depend on your personal preference.

Marinating or Brining

Marinating or brining a turkey breast can help to add flavor and moisture. Marinating involves soaking the breast in a flavorful liquid, such as a vinegar-based marinade or a yogurt-based marinade. Brining involves soaking the breast in a salt-water solution. Both methods can help to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful.

Tips for Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

* Look for a turkey breast that is plump and evenly shaped.
* Avoid breasts that have any discoloration or bruising.
* The skin should be smooth and free of tears.
* The meat should be firm and white.
* If you’re buying a bone-in breast, make sure the bones are attached securely.

Preparing the Gas Grill

Once you’ve chosen the right turkey breast, it’s time to prepare the gas grill. Here are a few tips:

Preheating the Grill

It’s important to preheat the grill to the correct temperature before cooking the turkey breast. The ideal temperature for grilling a turkey breast is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To preheat the grill, turn all of the burners to high and let them heat for 10-15 minutes. Once the grill is hot, turn off all of the burners except for the one you’ll be using to cook the turkey breast.

Oiling the Grill Grates

Before you place the turkey breast on the grill, it’s important to oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the meat from sticking. You can use any type of cooking oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil. Simply pour a small amount of oil onto a paper towel and rub it over the grill grates.

Setting the Temperature of the Grill

Once the grill is preheated and the grill grates are oiled, it’s time to set the temperature of the grill. As mentioned above, the ideal temperature for grilling a turkey breast is 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If your grill has a built-in thermometer, you can use that to check the temperature. If not, you can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the grill grates. The grates should be hot enough to sear the meat, but not so hot that the meat burns.

Grilling the Turkey Breast

Now that you’ve prepared the gas grill, it’s time to grill the turkey breast. Here are a few tips:

Cooking Time

The cooking time for a turkey breast will vary depending on the size of the breast. A smaller breast will cook faster than a larger breast. As a general rule of thumb, plan on cooking a turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound. So, a 5-pound turkey breast will take about 75 minutes to cook.

Turning the Turkey Breast

It’s important to turn the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly. To turn the turkey breast, use a pair of tongs to carefully lift it up and flip it over. Be careful not to puncture the meat, as this will release juices and cause the meat to dry out.

Resting the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked through, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more moist and flavorful. To rest the turkey breast, place it on a cutting board and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing it.

Grilling a turkey breast is a great

3. Grilling the Turkey Breast

Once you have prepared your turkey breast, it’s time to grill it. Here are a few tips for grilling a turkey breast on a gas grill:

* Cooking time: The cooking time for a turkey breast will vary depending on its size and thickness. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your grill and the specific turkey breast you are using.
* Turning the turkey breast: You will need to turn the turkey breast halfway through the cooking time. This will help to ensure that it cooks evenly.
* Checking for doneness: You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey breast. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Carving and Serving the Turkey Breast

Once the turkey breast is cooked, it’s time to carve it and serve it. Here are a few tips for carving a turkey breast:

* Carving the turkey breast: To carve the turkey breast, first place it on a cutting board. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the turkey breast in half lengthwise. Next, cut each half into thin slices.
* Serving the turkey breast: You can serve the turkey breast on its own or with your favorite sides. Some popular sides for turkey breast include mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Grilling a turkey breast is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful meal. By following these tips, you can easily grill a turkey breast that is moist, juicy, and perfectly cooked.

Q: What is the best way to cook a turkey breast on a gas grill?

A: There are a few different ways to cook a turkey breast on a gas grill, but the most common method is to indirect grill it. This means that you will cook the turkey breast over indirect heat, which will help to prevent it from drying out. To do this, you will need to set up your grill so that one side is hot and the other side is cool. You will then place the turkey breast on the cool side of the grill and cook it until it is cooked through.

Here are the steps on how to indirect grill a turkey breast on a gas grill:

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Place a drip pan on the cool side of the grill.
3. Brush the turkey breast with oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place the turkey breast on the cool side of the grill, breast-side up.
5. Cover the grill and cook the turkey breast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. Baste the turkey breast with melted butter every 10 minutes.
7. Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey breast on a gas grill?

A: The cooking time for a turkey breast on a gas grill will vary depending on the size of the breast. A 3-pound turkey breast will take approximately 2 hours to cook, while a 5-pound turkey breast will take approximately 3 hours to cook.

Q: What temperature should I cook a turkey breast on a gas grill?

A: The internal temperature of a turkey breast should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is considered safe to eat. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.

Q: What are some tips for cooking a turkey breast on a gas grill?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking a turkey breast on a gas grill:

* Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
* Baste the turkey breast with melted butter every 10 minutes to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
* Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast on a gas grill?

A: Here are a few common mistakes people make when cooking a turkey breast on a gas grill:

* Not using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast.
* Cooking the turkey breast over direct heat, which can cause it to dry out.
* Not basting the turkey breast with melted butter, which can help to keep it moist.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest before carving, which can cause the juices to run out.

Q: What are some alternative cooking methods for turkey breast?

A: In addition to grilling, there are a few other cooking methods you can use to cook a turkey breast. Here are a few options:

* Oven-roasting: This is the traditional method for cooking a turkey breast. To oven-roast a turkey breast, you will need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, you will need to place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and cook it for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baking: Baking a turkey breast is similar to oven-roasting, but it is done in a covered baking dish. To bake a turkey breast, you will need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, you will need to place the turkey breast in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake it for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Smoking: Smoking a turkey breast is a great way to add flavor and moisture to the meat. To smoke a turkey breast, you will need to use a smoker or a grill that can be used for smoking. You will also need to use wood chips or pellets to create smoke. To smoke a turkey breast, you will need to preheat your

grilling a turkey breast on the gas grill is a simple and delicious way to cook this holiday staple. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your turkey breast comes out juicy and flavorful every time. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious and impressive meal!

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

* Marinating your turkey breast in a flavorful brine or rub will help to keep it moist and flavorful.
* Indirect heat is the best way to cook a turkey breast on the grill, as it will help to prevent the meat from drying out.
* Be sure to cook your turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the safe temperature for consuming poultry.
* Let your turkey breast rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving, as this will help to redistribute the juices and make the meat more tender.