How to Smoke a Fully Cooked Turkey for Delicious Results

Have you ever wondered if you can smoke a fully cooked turkey and still get that delicious smoky flavor? Maybe you have some leftover turkey from a holiday meal, or you picked up a precooked bird from the store and want to give it a tasty twist. Good news—you absolutely can smoke a fully cooked turkey! In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to safely and successfully smoke a precooked turkey, plus share some tips and tricks to make it taste amazing.

Why Smoke a Fully Cooked Turkey?

Smoking is usually associated with raw meats, but there are plenty of reasons to smoke a turkey that’s already been cooked:

• Add Flavor: Smoking infuses your turkey with rich, smoky notes that can elevate even store-bought or leftover turkey.
• Revitalize Leftovers: Give new life to leftover turkey by adding bold flavors and a juicy texture.
• Convenience: Smoking a precooked turkey takes less time than smoking a raw one, making it perfect for quick meals or gatherings.

Is It Safe to Smoke a Fully Cooked Turkey?

Yes, it’s safe! Since the turkey is already cooked, you’re essentially reheating and flavoring it. The key is to keep the turkey at a safe temperature throughout the process. You want to avoid letting it sit in the “danger zone” (40°F–140°F) for too long, as bacteria can multiply quickly in this range. Always use a food thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

What You’ll Need

• Fully cooked turkey (whole, breast, or leftovers)
• Smoker or grill (charcoal, electric, pellet, or gas)
• Wood chips or chunks (apple, cherry, hickory, or your favorite variety)
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• Your favorite seasonings or rubs (optional)
• Butter or oil (optional, for extra moisture and flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Smoke a Fully Cooked Turkey

1. Prep Your Turkey

If your turkey is refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before smoking. This helps it reheat more evenly. If you want extra flavor, rub the skin with butter or oil and sprinkle on your favorite seasonings or herbs. For even more flavor, carefully loosen the skin and rub seasoning underneath.

2. Prepare Your Smoker

Preheat your smoker (or grill set up for indirect heat) to 225°F–250°F. Add your chosen wood chips or chunks—apple and cherry give a subtle sweetness, while hickory offers a stronger smoky punch. Make sure your smoker is producing clean, steady smoke before adding the turkey.

3. Place the Turkey in the Smoker

Put the turkey directly on the smoker rack or in an aluminum pan for easier cleanup. If you’re smoking turkey pieces or leftovers, wrap them loosely in foil to prevent them from drying out but still allow some smoke in. Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (usually the breast) to monitor the temperature.

4. Smoking Time and Temperature

The goal is to gently reheat the turkey while infusing it with smoky flavor. Smoke until the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. This usually takes:

• Whole precooked turkey: About 1.5–2 hours
• Turkey breast: About 1–1.5 hours
• Sliced or smaller pieces: 30–60 minutes

Avoid overcooking, as fully cooked turkey can dry out quickly if left in the smoker too long.

5. Rest and Serve

Once your turkey reaches 165°F, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices and makes carving easier. Serve your smoked turkey as you would any roast—on its own, in sandwiches, salads, or wraps!

Tips for Best Results

• Baste for Moisture: Brush the turkey with melted butter or broth every 30 minutes to keep it juicy.
• Tent with Foil: If the skin is getting too dark before the inside heats through, tent loosely with foil.
• Add Aromatics: Place sliced onions, garlic, lemons, or herbs in the pan or inside the cavity for extra flavor.
• Don’t Oversmoke: Since you’re just reheating, too much smoke can overpower the meat. Stick to mild woods and shorter smoke times.

Troubleshooting: Common Questions About Smoking Precooked Turkey

Can I smoke frozen precooked turkey?

No—always thaw your turkey completely before smoking. Smoking frozen meat leads to uneven heating and may keep the meat in unsafe temperature zones too long.

Will my smoked precooked turkey be dry?

If you follow low temperatures and don’t overcook it, your turkey should stay moist. Basting with butter or broth helps lock in moisture.

What wood should I use?

Mild fruit woods like apple or cherry are best for precooked turkey. Hickory is stronger but can be used sparingly if you like bold flavors.

Can I add BBQ sauce or glaze?

Absolutely! Brush on your favorite sauce during the last 15–20 minutes of smoking so it doesn’t burn.

Serving Ideas for Smoked Precooked Turkey

• Main dish: Serve slices with classic sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
• Sandwiches: Pile onto buns with coleslaw and pickles for a smoky turkey sandwich.
• Salads: Toss chopped smoked turkey into leafy greens with cranberries and pecans.
• Tacos or wraps: Use smoked turkey for quick tacos or wraps with your favorite toppings.

Final Thoughts

Smoking a fully cooked turkey is an easy way to transform leftovers or store-bought birds into something special. With just a few simple steps and some smoky wood chips, you can enjoy deliciously flavored turkey any time of year—without spending hours tending a raw bird. Remember to monitor temperatures carefully for safety and don’t overdo the smoke. Happy smoking!

FAQs About Smoking Fully Cooked Turkey

Can I smoke deli-sliced turkey?

You can! Wrap slices in foil with a splash of broth and smoke briefly (20–30 minutes) for flavor without drying out.

What’s the best way to store smoked precooked turkey?

Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Freeze for longer storage.

I don’t have a smoker—can I use my grill?

Yes! Set your grill for indirect heat and add wood chips in a smoker box or foil pouch.

If you’re ready to try something new with your fully cooked turkey, fire up that smoker and enjoy!