This Smoked Turkey Tenderloin cooks juicy, tender and is bursting with flavor. The perfect holiday meat or to meal prep with. Learn how easy it is to smoke a turkey tenderloin.

Sliced Smoked turkey tenderloin on a plate
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Turkey breast tenderloin is lean, tender and full of flavor. We rubbed an easy seasoning on the tenderloin, but you can also top with favorite BBQ rub marinade. The savory combination of flavor from the seasoning makes this recipe so delicious.

Check out our other Smoker Recipes to try out this summer. You may also love this Smoked Turkey Recipe, Smoked Turkey Injection Recipe, Blackstone Turkey Breast, Grilled Turkey Tenderloin or this Smoked Cornish Hens Recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

This smoked turkey breast recipe is delicious and full of flavor. If you are looking for a healthier meat to cook in your smoker, make Turkey Tenderloin. It is lean, tender and soaks in all the simple spices as it cook.

Whether you are using a electric smoker, pellet grill or charcoal setup each bite will be mouthwatering and the perfect addition for you next holiday meal or game day party.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed for Smoked Turkey Tenderloin - Turkey Tenderloin, butter, thyme leaves, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, oregano, onion powder
  • Turkey Breast Tenderloins – This will cook much faster smaller and perfect for smoking
  • Butter – We used unsalted butter
  • Dried Thyme Leaves – If you prefer you can also use fresh thyme
  • Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness
  • Paprika – Feel free to us smoked paprika for even more smoky flavor

Scroll to the bottom to see the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Smoked Turkey Breast Tenderloins 

  • Step 1 – Prepare Smoker – Preheat a smoker with a cold water pan to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. 
  • Step 2 – Combine Seasoning – Mix the rub ingredients together in a small glass bowl.
  • Step 3 – Prepare Turkey – Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with a paper towel. This removes any excess moisture from the turkey and place it on a baking sheet.
  • Step 4 – Add butter to turkey – Rub the melted butter on all sides of the tenderloins.  
  • Step 5 – Season Turkey Tenderloins – Season the turkey tenderloins with the rub mixture. Season by rubbing the mixture into the sides of the turkey tenderloins with your hands.
Seasoning the turkey tenderloin
  • Step 6 – Place turkey in smoker – Then place the turkey (on the baking sheet) in the smoker on grill grates. I like to cook on a wire rack so the baking sheet will act as a drip pan.
Placing the turkey tenderloin in the smoker
  • Step 7 – Cook Turkey – Cook the turkey for 1 ½ to 2 hours. Cook until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.  
Turkey Tenderloin in the smoker
  • Step 8 – Rest Turkey – Remove the turkey from the smoker.  Let the tenderloins sit for 20-30 minutes (so that the juices can settle). Then the turkey is ready to serve and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

  • Brining Process – Some recipes require you to place the turkey in a brine mixture consisting of kosher salt and water. This recipe works fine without it. If you do add a brining step, make sure remove any residual salt from the turkey.
  • Prepare Smoker – Make sure to preheat the smoker prior to placing the turkey in the smoker.
  • Seasoning the Smoker – We recommend thoroughly seasoning the turkey tenderloin prior to putting in the smoker.
  • Slicing the Turkey – Allow the turkey to rest for 30 minutes before slicing with a very sharp knife. This allows the turkey to lock in the moisture.

Variation Ideas

  • Wrap in Slices of Bacon – For a delicious option, wrap the turkey tenderloin in bacon. This gives the tenderloin so much flavor. To prevent the bacon from burning, you may need to lay a loose piece of foil on the turkey.
  • Change the Seasoning – You can easily change the seasoning or add in fresh herbs. We recommend adding in rosemary or red pepper flakes.
  • Sauces – You can also add a sauce to the turkey before serving. It would be delicious served with a BBQ sauce or ketchup.
Sliced Turkey Tenderloin

How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloins in Smoker

Cooking turkey tenderloins in the smoker doesn’t take much preparation. Once you have buttered the tenderloin and seasoned it, then place on a baking sheet. Make sure the smoke setting is at 225 degrees, and place the tenderloin in the smoker.

Smoke the turkey for about 2 hours or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Check this by using a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.

How do you know when Smoke Turkey Tenderloins is Cooked

Use an instant read thermometer to make sure that the turkey is cooked to a safe temperature. You want to check the temperature before removing it from the smoker.  

The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees when the turkey is finished cooking. Cooking time will vary based on the size of your tenderloin.

Plate of Turkey Tenderloin with a side of mashed potatoes and broccoli

What to Serve with Smoked Turkey Breast

This smoked turkey breast recipe can easily be served as part of your holiday dinner or an weekend meal. Here are some of our traditional side dishes that we like to serve with it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Store Leftover Turkey

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. We like to slice and place in individual containers before placing in the fridge. Add your favorite sides for a delicious lunch the next day. See Smoked Turkey Leftover Recipes for even more ideas.

What is the Best Wood Chips to Use?

When smoking a turkey tenderloin it is best to use a oak or fruitwood pellets. You can choose from a cherry wood or a pecan wood. We have also used applewood smoke wood chips and the tenderloin came out with amazing flavor.
Make sure to add chips to the smoker every 15 minutes if your smoker does not have an automatic feature.  

How to Bake Turkey Tenderloin

If you do not have a smoker, you can still make this delicious recipe. This turkey tenderloin can be made in the oven, by placing it in a baking dish.
Prepare the turkey as indicated with the seasoning and then bake at 375 degrees for about 25 minutes.

More Easy Turkey Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Smoked Turkey Breast Recipe, please leave us a comment.

Smoked Turkey Tenderloin

5 from 12 votes
If you have recently purchased a Smoker Pellet Grill, make this Smoked Turkey Breast Tenderloins Recipe. Delicious and easy to make smoked turkey tenderloins.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Let Sit 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 291

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Turkey Breast Tenderloins
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter melted

For the Rub:

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Instructions

  • Preheat a smoker with a water pan to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Mix the rub ingredients together in a small bowl.
  • Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture from the turkey and place it on a baking sheet.
  • Rub the melted butter on all sides of the tenderloins.
  • Season the turkey tenderloins with the rub mixture by rubbing the mixture into the sides of the turkey tenderloins with your hands.
  • Then place the turkey (on the baking sheet) in the smoker.
  • Cook the turkey for 1 ½ to 2 hours until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Remove the turkey from the smoker.  Let the tenderloins sit for 20-30 minutes (so that the juices can settle) and then the turkey is ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the turkey is cooked to a safe temperature before removing it from the smoker.  
Make sure to add chips to the smoker every 15 minutes if your smoker does not have an automatic feature.  
Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories 291kcal, Carbohydrates 4g, Protein 53g, Fat 7g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 111mg, Sodium 571mg, Potassium 33mg, Fiber 0.5g, Sugar 2g, Vitamin A 177IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 17mg, Iron 0.4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Grill on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. From the Best Blackstone recipes, to grilling, and easy smoker recipes, together we are going to cook real food, with easy ingredients… for real families!

5 from 12 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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