How to Grill a Turkey on a Gas Grill: Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Cooking Guide

How to Grill a Turkey on a Gas Grill – The Ultimate Thanksgiving Solution

Learning how to grill a turkey on a gas grill might be the best holiday cooking decision you’ll ever make. Not only does it free up valuable oven space for all those delicious sides, but it also produces a beautifully juicy bird with a subtle smoky flavor that traditional oven roasting simply can’t match.

Why Grilling Your Thanksgiving Turkey is a Game-Changer

As someone who’s hosted many holiday gatherings, I’ve experienced the kitchen dance of trying to cook everything at once. When I discovered gas grill turkey cooking, it revolutionized my Thanksgiving prep. Here’s why:

• Frees up your oven for casseroles, pies, and other side dishes
• Creates amazing flavor with that characteristic grilled taste
• Produces wonderfully crisp skin while maintaining juicy meat inside
• Makes for a more enjoyable cooking experience – no hot kitchen!

The Perfect Gas Grilled Turkey: What You’ll Need

Before firing up your gas grill for turkey, gather these essentials:

• A reliable gas grill with at least two burners
• Meat thermometer (digital preferred)
• Aluminum drip pan
• Cooking oil spray
• Optional: wood chips for extra smoky flavor

Ingredients for Gas Grilled Turkey

• 1 (12-pound) whole turkey, rinsed and patted dry
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grill a Turkey on a Gas Grill

1. Remove turkey from refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 1 hour before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika to create a seasoning paste.
3. Gently separate the skin from the meat without tearing it, and rub about half of the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the outside of the turkey.
4. Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon quarters, onion, and rosemary sprigs.
5. Preheat your gas grill for indirect heat cooking. Turn one side of the burners on medium-high heat (around 350-400°F) and leave the other side off. This creates an “oven” effect.
6. Place a drip pan on the unlit side of the grill, filling it halfway with water to catch drippings and create moisture.
7. Lightly oil the grill grates on the unlit side.
8. Position the turkey breast-side up over the drip pan on the unlit side of the grill.
9. Close the grill lid and maintain a consistent temperature between 325-350°F throughout cooking.
10. Grill for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound (about 3 hours for a 12-pound turkey), or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F.
11. Check the turkey every 45 minutes, adding more water to the drip pan if needed to prevent it from drying out.
12. If the turkey skin browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
13. Once the turkey reaches 165°F in the thigh and 160°F in the breast, remove it from the grill.
14. Tent with foil and let rest for at least 20-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips for Gas Grill Turkey Success

After grilling many turkeys over the years, I’ve discovered some secrets to ensure the perfect outcome:

• Maintain consistent temperature: This is key to properly cooked turkey. Aim for 325-350°F throughout.
• Use a leave-in digital thermometer: This allows you to monitor the internal temperature without repeatedly opening the grill.
• Consider spatchcocking: For faster, more even cooking, try butterflying your turkey by removing the backbone and flattening it.
• Add wood chips: For a smokier flavor, soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes, then place them in a smoker box or aluminum foil pouch with holes poked in it on the lit side of the grill.
• Baste sparingly: If you choose to baste, do it quickly to minimize heat loss when opening the grill.

Common Challenges When Grilling Turkey (And How to Solve Them)

Even experienced grillers can encounter issues when tackling a whole turkey. Here’s how to handle them:

• Temperature fluctuations: Keep a close eye on your grill’s temperature gauge, adjusting burners as needed to maintain consistent heat.
• Uneven cooking: Rotate the turkey 180 degrees halfway through cooking time for more even results.
• Running out of propane: Always start with a full tank or have a backup ready.
• Flare-ups: If you experience flare-ups, temporarily move the turkey to the coolest part of the grill until flames subside.

Why This Gas Grilled Turkey Recipe Works

The indirect grilling method creates an outdoor convection oven that cooks your turkey evenly while imparting a subtle smokiness. The initial high heat helps create that beautiful golden skin, while maintaining a consistent lower temperature ensures the meat stays tender and juicy throughout.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 1298 kcal
• Protein: 195g
• Fat: 51g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Sugar: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 1242mg
• Cholesterol: 742mg

Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Turkey

Your perfectly grilled turkey deserves equally impressive sides. Consider serving with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Cranberry sauce
• Grilled vegetables (since you’ve already got the grill going!)
• Traditional stuffing (cooked separately in the now-free oven)
• Green bean casserole

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Turkey on a Gas Grill

How long does it take to grill a turkey on a gas grill?

Plan for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound when grilling at 325-350°F. For a 12-pound turkey, that’s about 3 hours of grilling time. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness (165°F in the thigh, 160°F in the breast).

Should I stuff a turkey that’s being grilled?

It’s not recommended to stuff a grilled turkey with traditional bread stuffing as it may not reach safe temperatures. Instead, add aromatics like onions, herbs, and citrus to flavor the meat from within, and cook your stuffing separately.

Can I use a rub or marinade?

Absolutely! Rubs and marinades work wonderfully with grilled turkey. For best results with marinades, inject them directly into the meat or marinate overnight before grilling.

What if I don’t have a large enough gas grill?

Consider spatchcocking your turkey (removing the backbone and flattening it) to reduce height, or opt for a smaller turkey or turkey breast if your grill size is limited.

Master the Art of How to Grill a Turkey on a Gas Grill This Holiday Season

Once you learn how to grill a turkey on a gas grill, you might never go back to oven roasting. The flavor is incomparable, and the convenience of having your oven free for sides makes holiday meal preparation so much more manageable. Give this method a try this Thanksgiving – your guests will be impressed, and you’ll enjoy both the process and the delicious results!

Recipe adapted from: Allrecipes.com