Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter

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

Juicy smoked turkey breast brined for tenderness and basted with garlic-herb butter for rich flavor and a crisp skin. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 960 minutes pairs pounds boneless turkey breast, gallon water, kosher salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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: 780 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 American cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 gallon water with 3/4 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 6 minced garlic cloves. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Submerge 4 pounds boneless turkey breast in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 12 hours.
  2. Step 2: Remove turkey breast from brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. Step 3: Preheat smoker to 275°F and add 2 cups soaked apple wood chips to the smoker box.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, and 1 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Rub the garlic herb butter all over the turkey breast, coating evenly.
  6. Step 6: Place turkey breast on the smoker grate and smoke for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting with remaining butter mixture every 45 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 960 minutes (780 min prep + 180 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 Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter?

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 pounds boneless turkey breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter?

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 Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter 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 Smoked Brined Turkey Breast with Garlic and Herb Butter?

American bbq & smoked 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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