How to Grill a Whole Turkey {Charcoal or Gas Grill}

Free up some of the space in the oven this Thanksgiving and grill a whole turkey on a grill. It will have a delicious smoky flavor that your family and friends will love! And the leftovers are tasty in turkey a la king or this slider recipe.

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. Our dinner guests have been invited, grocery lists are written, and culinary preparations have begun for one of the most glutinous days of the year. And as always, grilling a turkey is a holiday tradition in our family.

For as long as I can remember, our family has charcoal grilled turkey. I have memories of my Dad trying to keep the grill at the right temperature during the occasional windy and snowy Chicago Thanksgiving. Thankfully the late November weather is more agreed in our Jersey shore beach town.

Why you'll love a grilling a whole turkey

• Free up oven space ~ Oven space takes a premium when preparing a holiday meal. Grilling a turkey frees up the often limited oven space needed to cook the many side dishes and desserts.
• Unbelievable flavor ~ A turkey cooked on the grill has a deep smoky flavor and extra crispy and beautifully golden brown skin.
• Use either a charcoal or gas grill ~ Either a charcoal or gas grill can be used to grill the turkey. My preference is a charcoal kettle grill.
• Easy clean up ~ With the loads of dishes to wash after a feast, grilling the Thanksgiving turkey results in one less pan to scrub.

How much turkey do I need per person?

When grilling a turkey for a crowd or just a small group, just how big a bird do you need? I good rule of thumb is about 1 pound per person if you do not want leftovers.

But we always want leftovers right?! So count on 1 ½ to 2 pounds per person so there will be plenty of turkey leftover for sandwiches, casseroles or just eating cold straight out of the refrigerator.

How to thaw a frozen turkey

Slow thaw method: Set your holiday turkey grilling plans in motion at least a few days in advance. If the turkey is frozen, allow 24 hours for each 5 pounds of turkey to completely thaw in the refrigerator.

Quick thaw method: Place the frozen turkey in a cold water bath and change the water every 30 minutes. The plan on about 30 minutes per pound to thaw the turkey.

How to cook a whole turkey on a charcoal grill

If using a charcoal grill, have at least a 20 pound bag of charcoal on hand. Using charcoal is my first preference. Nothing beats the smokey flavor it adds to grilled food. A charcoal Weber grill is the one I love. Nothing compares to a Weber grilled turkey.

• Remove the grates and open the vents. Place drip pan in the center the bottom grate. Line 2 opposite sides of the drip pan with 25 to 30 briquettes. Light and burn the briquettes for about 20 to 30 minutes or until they are covered with grey ash.
• While the charcoal briquettes are heating, prepare the turkey. Remove any giblets and the neck. Place the cut lemons, garlic, and herbs in the cavity of the turkey. Brush the outside of the turkey with melted butter and season generously with kosher salt and pepper. If using a wireless meat thermometer (it's Bluetooth), put it in the thickest part of the breast.
• Place the turkey on the top cooking grate over the drip pan. Cover with the lid making sure the vents are open.
• Add a 6 to 7 briquettes every hour to each side.
• Using an instant digital thermometer, grill the turkey until 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the turkey. It should take about 11 to 13 minutes per pound to fully cook a grilled turkey.
• Remove the turkey from the grill to a cutting board. Let rest for about 30 minutes before carving.

How to cook a whole turkey on a gas grill

For a gas grill, make sure you start with a full propane tank and the cooking grates of the grill are clean.

• Remove the cooking grate and place a drip pan directly on the ceramic grates or lava rocks. Replace the grate.
• As each gas grill is different, follow the manufacturer's directions for indirect grilling. Preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes.
• Prepare the turkey. Remove any giblets and the neck. Place the cut lemons, garlic, and herbs in the cavity of the turkey. Brush the outside of the turkey with melted butter and season generously with kosher salt and pepper. If using a wireless meat thermometer (it's Bluetooth), put it in the thickest part of the breast.
• Set the grill temperature to 350 degrees F.
• Put the turkey on the grate and close the lid. Make sure the vents are open.
• Based on the set up of the burners on your grill, you may need to turn over the turkey half way through grilling to make sure it cooks evenly.
• Using an instant digital thermometer, grill the turkey until 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the turkey. It should take about 11 to 13 minutes per pound to fully cook a grilled turkey.
• Remove the turkey from the grill to a cutting board. Let rest for about 30 minutes before carving.

Amy's grilling a turkey tips

• Put the grill in an area that is shielded from the wind. That way an even cooking temperature can be maintained while the turkey is grilling. Ideally, the grill should be between 325 degrees F to 350 degrees F.
• Have an instant read digital thermometer on hand. The thermometer allows you to quickly check the internal temperature of the turkey without having the lid of the grill off too long. The internal temperature of a fully cooked grilled turkey should be 165 degrees F.
• A sturdy, long barbecue fork is essential. It helps to remove the grilled turkey from the grill. Stick the fork into the cavity of the turkey to help lift and guide it to a carving board. I have included more detailed directions for grilling a turkey in the recipe below.

What to serve with grilled turkey

• Roasted Carrot and Parsnip Fries
• Roasted Fall Squash with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
• Apple, Fennel, and Radish Slaw with Pecans and Blue Cheese
• Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
• Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey and Mustard
• Apple and Bacon Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
• Make Ahead Thanksgiving Recipes