Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy turkey breast grilled over pecan wood smoke with a fragrant spice rub inspired by Texas regional flavors. This chicken recipe, ready in about 140 minutes, pairs skin-on turkey breast, brown sugar, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves 6 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper to create the spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 3 pounds skin-on turkey breast and rub 2 tbsp olive oil all over the meat. Generously coat the turkey breast with the spice rub, pressing it into the surface.
  3. Step 3: Prepare a grill for indirect cooking at medium heat (around 325°F/160°C). Drain 1 cup soaked pecan wood chips and add them to the charcoal or smoker box.
  4. Step 4: Place the turkey breast skin side up on the cooler side of the grill away from direct flames. Cover and smoke/grill for 1.5 to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Remove the turkey breast from the grill and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing thinly and serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub take to make?

Total time is about 140 minutes (20 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep skin-on turkey breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Pecan-Smoked Turkey Breast with Spiced Rub?

BBQ & Smoked chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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