I love making this Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey for the holiday feast. Juicy, bursting with flavor, and gorgeously golden, this bird combines the brightness of fresh citrus with aromatic herbs for a turkey that’s as impressive as it is delicious.
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Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey Recipe
Citrus herb smoked turkey is a spectacular, flavor-packed main dish that combines the zing of fresh oranges and lemons with the earthy depth of herbs. I love how this combination turns an ordinary turkey into something extraordinary.
Low and slow smoking gives the turkey a juicy citrus-herb flavor and a perfect smoky crust. To get the most out of this recipe, I always brine the turkey with plenty of citrus and herbs. This enhances moisture retention and imparts a vibrant, herbaceous flavor.
The dish can be enjoyed with creamy mashed potatoes, buttery cornbread, and vibrant roasted Brussels sprouts. For a touch of sweetness and tang, cranberry sauce or a honey-glazed carrot medley provides an excellent contrast to the savory smokiness of the turkey.
Lighter, fresh options pair beautifully with citrus herb smoked turkey as well. You can try crisp arugula or mixed greens salad, tangy coleslaw, or a Mediterranean-inspired couscous salad with dried apricots and pistachios.
For those craving richness, the dish pairs wonderfully with skillet-baked mac and cheese or an earthy wild rice pilaf. Warm artisan bread or fluffy Parker House rolls are ideal for sopping up any leftover herb-infused drippings.
In terms of drinks, a bright chardonnay, sparkling white wine, or even a spiced mulled cider complements the herbal citrus profile of the turkey. Nonalcoholic options include cucumber-lime sparkling water or a tart cranberry punch.
Here’s how to make the citrus herb smoked turkey:
Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey 12–14 lbs, thawed
- 1 large orange zest and juice
- 1 lemon zest and juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
Instructions
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Tuck wing tips under to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, mix orange zest, lemon zest, juice from both, garlic, herbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, olive oil (or butter), salt, and pepper.
- Gently loosen the skin over the breast and thighs with your fingers.
- Rub half of the citrus-herb mixture under the skin directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining mixture all over the exterior of the turkey.
- Heat smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use applewood, cherry, or pecan chips for a mild, aromatic smoke.
- Place turkey breast side up on smoker rack. Smoke 30–40 minutes per pound, until the breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and thighs 175°F (79°C).
- Remove turkey, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 20–30 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For crispier skin, raise smoker temp to 325°F (163°C) for the final 30 minutes.
- Make a quick citrus herb butter (instead of oil) for an even richer flavor.
- You can use fresh zest and common herbs.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
Besides this recipe, you can try other versions of the citrus herb smoked turkey. Here are some ideas:
- Honey-Glazed Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey features a sweet honey glaze brushed on during the final stages of smoking, accentuating the citrus and herb flavors with a glossy, caramelized finish.
- Spicy Citrus Herb Turkey incorporates chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the herbed butter or dry rub for those who enjoy a subtle spicy kick alongside the freshness of citrus.
- Roasted Citrus Smoked Turkey uses the oven method.
- Apple-Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey adds quartered apples to the cavity and brine, blending apple sweetness with citrus tang throughout the smoked turkey.
- Lime and Cilantro Herb Smoked Turkey substitutes limes and fresh cilantro for lemons and traditional herbs, creating a vibrant, south-of-the-border twist.
- Herb-Only Smoked Turkey skips the citrus and goes heavy on mixed fresh herbs like sage, parsley, rosemary, and thyme for those who prefer earthy, green flavors.
- Maple Citrus Herb Smoked Turkey introduces a maple syrup glaze or maple sugar to the brine, lending a deep caramel note that plays up the smoked wood and citrus combination.
- Roasted Citrus-Herb Spatchcocked Turkey butterflys the bird for faster cooking, extra crispy skin, and maximum absorption of the citrus-herb marinade.