Smoked Cajun Turkey Breast

5 from 1 vote

Smoked Cajun Turkey Breast is bold, juicy, and full of flavor with a buttery herb finish. Perfect for your smoker, oven, or pellet grill!

Prep Time15

Cook Time1 45

Additional Time15

Total Time2 15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Jamie Sherman

Equipment

Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
grill-safe thermometer
smoker (pellet, offset, or electric)
oven-safe dish or small cast iron pan

Ingredients

1 turkey breast boneless, 20-ounce
½ cup 1 stick butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
3 fresh dill sprigs minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon coarse black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Preheat your smoker to 250°F.
Season the turkey breast with salt, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, granulated garlic, and onion powder. Make sure to coat it evenly on all sides.
Place the seasoned turkey breast in the smoker and cook for about 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 150°F.
Meanwhile, place the butter, parsley, and dill into a small oven-safe dish. Set the dish in the smoker alongside the turkey. Let it melt and infuse as the turkey cooks.
Once the turkey hits 150°F, move it to a sheet of foil and shape the foil into a “boat” around the meat. Pour the herb butter mixture over the turkey, then wrap the foil tightly around it.
Continue smoking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
Remove the turkey from the smoker and let it rest (still wrapped) for 15 to 30 minutes.
Slice and serve warm.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

♨️ REHEATING

Reheat turkey slices using one of these methods:

Oven: Place slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth or butter. Bake at 300°F until heated through.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals on a microwave-safe plate, covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Air fryer: Preheat to 300°F. Wrap slices in foil or place in a small dish. Heat for 5 to 7 minutes.
Skillet: Add a bit of butter or broth to a skillet over medium heat. Cover and warm slices for 4 to 6 minutes, flipping once.

❄️ FREEZING

Let the turkey cool completely. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
Hickory or fruit woods, such as apple or cherry, add a great smoky flavor.
Save leftover herb butter to use over mashed potatoes, vegetables, or dinner rolls.
Use your favorite Cajun or Creole seasoning blend.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

This recipe works in the oven or an offset smoker, too. For oven preparation, roast the seasoned turkey breast at 300°F until it reaches 160°F internally. Baste with herb butter just like the smoker version.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

Leftover turkey is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, salads, or stirred into soups and pasta dishes.

Nutrition