Grilled Turkey Breast: A Delicious Recipe

Name: Grilled Turkey Breast
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 165 min
Ingredients: 9 lb Bone-In Turkey Breast Skin On; 4 Tbsp Butter (softened); ½ tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tsp Dried Thyme Leaves; 1 tsp Salt; 1/2 tsp Pepper; Deep Sided Foil Pan

This Grilled Turkey Breast is perfect for the holidays or anytime of the year! It cooks so juicy, tender, and full of smoky flavor. Change up the way you cook your turkey breast with this grilled recipe!

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Grilled Turkey Breast has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy turkey for the holidays. It’s juicy, tender, and has just the right hint of smoky char from the grill. I love that it feels special enough for Thanksgiving but simple enough for a summer barbecue.

No fancy marinades needed or complicated prep just simple spices for amazing flavor. You will love that it is faster than roasting a whole turkey and how juicy it is. Pair it with grilled vegetables or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both light and satisfying. You may even love this Grilled Whole Turkey and Grilled Turkey Tenderloin.

Ingredients

Turkey breast, butter, garlic, paprika, thyme leaves, salt and pepper

Bone In Turkey Breast – For a golden brown texture we like the turkey with the skin on
Softened Butter – We used unsalted butter
Garlic Powder – You can also substitute with Minced Garlic Cloves
Paprika – Substitute with smoked paprika for even more flavor
Dried Thyme Leaves – Feel free to also use fresh herbs such as sage or parsley

Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.

How to Make Grilled Turkey Breast

Step 1 – Preheat a gas grill over medium heat to approximately 350 degrees F. Place the turkey breast skin side up in a deep sided foil pan. You can also cook on a charcoal grill.

Step 2 – Combine the butter, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper together in a small pan.

Turkey breast in a foil pan with a small bowl of butter and spice mixture

Step 3 – Rub the butter mixture on the outside of the turkey breast using a basting brush.

Step 4 – Place the pan directly on the grill grates. Close the lid on the grill.

Turkey breast in a foil pla covered with the spice blend

Step 5 – Cook for 13-15 minutes per pound (so I baked the 9 lb turkey breasts for 2 hours) until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the current temperature.

Step 6 – Remove the oven, loosely cover with foil and allow the turkey breast to rest for at least at least 30 minutes.

Step 7 – Then the turkey is ready to slice and then serve. Enjoy!

Review Pin Print

Juicy roasted chicken breast slices with crispy skin and herbs.

Grilled Turkey Breast

5 from 9 votes

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2

Allow Turkey Breast to Rest 30

Total Time 2 45

Servings 12

Cuisine American

Course Main Course

Calories 454

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Supplies:

▢ Deep Sided Foil Pan

Instructions

Preheat a grill over medium heat to approximately 350 degrees F. Place the turkey breast skin side up in a deep sided foil pan.
Combine the butter, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper together in a small pan.
Rub the butter mixture on the outside of the turkey breast using a basting brush.
Place the pan directly on the grill. Close the lid on the grill.
Cook for 13-15 minutes per pound (so I baked the 9 lb turkey breasts for 2 hours) until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the current temperature.
Remove the oven, loosely cover with foil and allow the turkey breast to rest for at least at least 30 minutes.
Then the turkey is ready to slice and then serve. Enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Recipe Tips

Baking Turkey Breast – Place the turkey in a roasting pan or baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees F for 13-15 minutes per pound until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
Let Turkey Rest – Always rest before slicing for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
Pan – Make sure to use a deep aluminum pan to grill the fresh turkey breast to collect all the drippings.

Variations Ideas

Garlic Herb – Add rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic to your rub for amazing flavor.
Spicy Turkey – Swap seasonings for Cajun spice blend for a delicious variation.
Citrus Glazed – Brush with orange or lemon glaze in the last 10 minutes for a hint of sweetness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 454kcal, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 67g, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 192mg, Sodium 839mg, Potassium 5mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 130IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 2mg, Iron 1mg

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Serving Recommendations

We love making this Grilled Turkey Breast for the holidays or anytime of the year. We love to serve with Grilled Red Potatoes, Grilled Broccolini and Grilled Carrots for a complete meal idea.

Other side dishes that pair perfectly with this Grilled Turkey is Grilled Green Beans, Grilled Corn on the Cob in Husk and Grilled Asparagus.

Grilled Turkey Breast FAQ’s

How Long does it Take to Grill a Turkey Breast?

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of turkey breast that you are grilling. For every pound, cook turkey for about 15 minutes. For our 9 lb turkey it took about 2 hours. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked with an internal temp of 160 degrees. Insert into the thickest part of the turkey.

Do you Grill Turkey on direct or indirect heat?

We grilled the turkey over direct heat. If at any time the outside of the turkey starts to burn, then I would move it over to indirect heat.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or the microwave until heated through.