Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe

If you’re ready to up your dinner game without fuss, you’ve got to try this Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe. I absolutely love how tender and flavorful this turkey turns out, all without the hassle of brining. Whether you’re smoking for a special occasion or just craving that smoky, juicy bite, this recipe has your back with simple steps and incredible results. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to nail it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe work together to build layers of flavor without any complicated sauces or marinades. I always recommend fresh, good-quality turkey breast to get the best results.

• Boneless turkey breast: I prefer boneless for even cooking and easier slicing later on.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness.
• Butter: Brushed on during smoking to keep the turkey moist and add buttery flavor.
• Dry rub spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and poultry seasoning – a simple mix that packs a punch.

Variations

I love that this Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe is super adaptable, so feel free to make it your own. Experimenting with the spices or using different wood pellets brought me some fun new flavors to share with friends and family.

• Herb-Infused Variation: Once, I added fresh rosemary and sage on top before smoking – it turned out beautifully aromatic and made for a lovely holiday twist.
• Spicy Kick: For those who like heat, adding cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the dry rub can bring a nice smoky spice that wakes up the palate.
• Bone-In Version: Although I usually recommend boneless for this no-brine method, if you want bone-in, consider marinating or brining to keep it juicy, since I’ve found it tends to dry out otherwise.

How to Make Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe

Step 1: Bring to Room Temperature & Preheat the Smoker

Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before smoking so it can come closer to room temperature — this helps it cook evenly. While you’re waiting, fire up your Traeger smoker. I start it on the smoke setting and wait for that good, blue smoke to appear, then set the temperature to 225°F. Low and slow is key here for juicy, tender turkey.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Rub and Coat the Turkey

Mix together all the dry rub spices in a small bowl — this makes it easier to get an even coat. Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then rub a tablespoon of olive oil all over, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, sprinkle and rub the seasoning mixture over every inch of the breast, sliding your fingers a bit under any flaps to get that flavor deep in. If your turkey has netting, you can choose to leave it on or carefully pull it back to season underneath.

Step 3: Smoke at Low Temperature

Place the turkey breast skin side up on the preheated smoker grill grate. Smoke it gently for about 1.5 hours at 225°F. At this stage, the smoke imparts that signature Traeger flavor and begins tenderizing the meat slowly. Resist the urge to peek too often — keeping the temperature steady is essential.

Step 4: Baste with Butter and Raise the Heat

Once your first smoke phase is done, melt some butter and brush it all over the turkey using a grill brush. I found doing this quickly helps avoid too much temperature drop in the smoker. Then, crank the heat up to 350°F to help crisp the skin and finish cooking the turkey through. Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part — this usually takes 1 to 2 more hours. Use a good meat thermometer here; I trust mine every time.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Slicing

Once your turkey hits 165°F, remove it from the smoker and let it rest skin side up for 15-20 minutes. This resting time is crucial — it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful. I usually use this moment to get gravy ready or heat some sides.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice the turkey against the grain for the most tender texture, then serve with your favorite sides and sauces. My family loves it with a dollop of cranberry sauce and rich gravy on the side — classic and comforting.

How to Serve Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this smoked turkey breast, I love sprinkling a few fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme over the slices—it adds a fresh pop of color and aroma that brightens the plate. A drizzle of pan juices or some homemade gravy can take it to the next level, too.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this juicy turkey include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic, and a tangy cranberry sauce. It’s a classic combo that always gets rave reviews at the dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve arranged slices of turkey breast on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of various mustards, cranberry chutney, and herb sauces. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and makes the meal feel extra special without overcomplicating things.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your smoked turkey, I recommend storing any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I slice mine and separate layers with parchment paper to keep it from sticking together. Freshness holds up nicely for about 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. I’ve frozen turkey this way for up to 3 months, and it reheats beautifully without losing moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the slices in a baking dish covered with foil, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist. Then, I warm them at 300°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method keeps the turkey juicy and tender, just like freshly smoked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Juicy Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast (Easy, No Brine) Recipe is a game changer, especially for anyone who’s struggled with dry turkey or time-consuming prep. I still remember the first time I tried it and was amazed how tender and flavorful it was without brining for hours. Give it a whirl next time you want smoky comfort food that doesn’t require a lot of babysitting — I promise, you’ll love how effortlessly impressive it turns out.

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