Smoked Turkey Thighs

Craving something meaty and delicious, but that won’t break the bank? Smoking turkey thighs is the answer! Full of amazing flavor, one good size turkey thigh is enough for 2-3 people, and it’s so easy to create this flavorful dish!

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If you’ve ever been to a fair, you may have seen people walking around with giant smoked turkey legs. Sure, they’re fun to eat, but flavor-to-flavor, I challenge those legs to one of these smoked turkey thighs. Infused with flavor, the meat is so tender and juicy and delicious that they’re hands-down, my new favorite.

And, smoking turkey thighs isn’t difficult! I use my Traeger pellet smoker to make these delish thighs, and it’s practically set-it-and-forget it cooking.

What You Need To Make Smoked Turkey Thighs

• Traeger pellet smoker or your favorite smoker
• Hardwood pellets
• Turkey thighs – one thigh will feed about 2 people
• Chicken rub – I use Montreal Chicken Spice but you can use your own

This solution often contains sugar, and I’ve even seen some with trace starches in them. So, look at the ingredient label and make sure that your turkey thighs are 100% turkey.

How To Smoke Turkey Thighs

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Preheat your smoker to 180°F following the manufacturer’s instructions. A low, steady heat ensures the turkey cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Place the turkey thighs in a large bowl and season generously with Montreal Chicken Seasoning or your preferred rub. Rub all over, flip, and season the other side.

Arrange the thighs skin side up on the smoker and cook low and slow at 180°F. Depending on their size and starting temperature, this will take about 2 hours.

Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature near the thigh bone. The turkey is done when it reaches 165°F. Remove from the smoker and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use up the extra room on the smoker with recipes that cook at a similar temperature, like this Smoked Asparagus.
• Make extra! Smoked turkey meat makes excellent quesadillas, turkey salad, and more.
• Turkey thighs can have a lot of fat on them – trim some of the excess off but make sure you leave a good bit of skin over the top.
• Hardwood or a hardwood blend is my choice of pellet for this recipe. Turkey’s stronger flavor can take a more aggressive smoke flavor.
• Don’t be afraid to really season the thighs well. Some of it will drip off in the smoker.

What To Serve With This Traeger Smoked Turkey Thigh Recipe

This meaty turkey thigh recipe can hold up to some equally flavorful side dishes. I’d pair it with a colorful Mexican Street Corn Salad, refreshing Shirazi Salad, or this Creamy Orzo with Tomatoes and Spinach. And for dessert, this Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble is a perfect choice.

sTep By Step Process