Smoke a Turkey Breast or Drumsticks

If you'd rather not smoke a whole turkey, smoke a few turkey thighs or drumsticks, or a whole bone-in turkey breast. The pieces of turkey are much easier to work with than dealing with a whole turkey. They take less time to brine and to smoke, and can be cooked in the smallest of grills and smokers.

Most of the turkey you'll find at the grocers has been injected with a "basting" solution containing salt, flavorings and preservatives. When brining pre-basted turkey, cut the brining time in half so it doesn't become too salty. If you can find turkey labeled "Natural" or "Minimally Processed", it contains no artificial flavorings or chemical preservatives. With this type of turkey, brine for the full amount of time. Using natural turkey also offers the added benefit of giving you full control over the final taste of the meat. Who knows what type of "flavorings" have been added to that processed turkey?