Smoked Cajun Turkey
holiday turkey
Heath Riles 8 min read

Smoked Cajun Turkey

Do you want to learn how to make a smoked turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and full of Cajun character — the kind of bird that looks and tastes like it came straight off a championship pit? This Smoked Cajun Turkey layers flavor from start to finish, creating a holiday centerpiece that’s smoky, buttery, and absolutely packed with Louisiana flair.

We’re talking about crispy skin, deep mahogany color, and tender, seasoned meat that stays juicy all the way through. It’s the kind of turkey that makes your guests go silent after the first bite — the ultimate sign you nailed it.

Smoked Cajun Turkey | Heath Riles BBQ

For this cook, I fired up my recteq Flagship 1600 Pellet Grill — one of my go-to pits for steady heat and that perfect wood-fired flavor. It delivers the consistency of a digital-controlled smoker with the depth and punch of charcoal smoke. Let’s fire it up and walk through how to create this Cajun-style smoked turkey from start to finish.

The Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Cajun-inspired smoked turkey — and why each ingredient earns its place in the lineup:

  • Fresh Turkey (15–16 pounds). Choose a bird in this size range for even cooking and perfect moisture balance. Fresh is best, but if frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed before brining.
  • Heath Riles Cajun Creole Turkey Brine (Coming Soon). This brine combines bold Creole spices, herbs, and just the right amount of salt to lock in moisture and layer in deep Louisiana-style flavor from the inside out.
  • Water (1 gallon). The base for your brine. Cold water helps dissolve the seasoning mix evenly and keeps the bird chilled while it soaks.
  • Heath Riles Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub. Once brined, this rub adds buttery richness, Cajun spice, and a perfect golden crust that crisps beautifully in the smoker.
  • Avocado Oil Spray. Helps the rub stick and promotes even browning during the cook.
  • Royal Oak Hickory Blend Charcoal Pellets. A balanced mix of hickory smoke and natural charcoal flavor — ideal for poultry and Cajun-style cooks.

That’s it. No complicated injections or stuffing required — just smart flavor layering that works from start to finish.

The Smoker Setup

Here’s how I set up my recteq Flagship 1600 Pellet Grill for this cook:

Once the smoker hit 325°F, it was time to get that bird seasoned and ready for smoke.

The Process for Making Smoked Cajun Turkey

Step 1: Mix the Brine

Start by pouring half a gallon of water into a large mixing bowl. Add one full bag of Heath Riles Cajun Creole Turkey Brine and whisk until fully dissolved using your whisk. Slowly add the remaining half gallon of water while stirring until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

You’ll see flecks of spice and herbs floating in the liquid — that’s where the flavor lives.

Step 2: Bag and Brine

Place your turkey into a large brining bag set inside a YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler or a deep roasting pan. Pour the brine mixture over the turkey until it’s completely submerged.

Seal the bag, surround it with ice or YETI Ice packs, and let the turkey brine for 24 hours.

That overnight soak infuses flavor deep into the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and seasoned through and through.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After 24 hours, remove the turkey from the brine and discard the liquid. Rinse the bird lightly under cool water to remove any excess salt and pat it completely dry with paper towels.

Dry skin equals crispy skin — and that’s exactly what we’re after.

Step 4: Season Generously

Spray the turkey lightly with avocado oil spray, then coat it evenly with Heath Riles Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub.

Make sure to hit every inch — inside the cavity, under the wings, and around the legs. The rub creates that buttery, Cajun crust that seals in moisture while building rich color.

Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes so the rub can “sweat in” and form a tacky surface before it goes on the smoker.

Step 5: Smoke the Turkey

With your recteq Flagship 1600 running steady at 325°F, remove the top rack if necessary and place the turkey directly on the grill grates, breast-side up.

Tuck the wing tips under the bird to prevent over-browning and give the surface one more light mist of avocado oil spray.

Smoke the turkey for about 14–15 minutes per pound, which comes out to roughly 3 to 3½ hours for a 16-pound bird.

Heath’s Tip: Cooking directly on the grates instead of in a pan cuts your cook time by nearly an hour and gives the skin better texture and color.

At the two-hour mark, give the turkey a quick spritz of oil or butter to keep the skin supple. Then close the lid and let the Flagship do the heavy lifting.

Step 6: Check for Doneness and Rest

When the turkey’s breast reaches 162°F and the thighs read around 170°F, remove it from the smoker.

Transfer the bird to a tray and tent loosely with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least an hour, or up to 90 minutes if you have time.

This rest period allows the juices to redistribute evenly — ensuring your slices stay moist and flavorful.

The Results

When you pull that foil back, get ready for a show. The skin glows with a deep, mahogany sheen, the aroma of hickory and Cajun spice fills the air, and the texture is pure perfection.

Slice into the breast, and you’ll see juicy, glistening meat from edge to edge. The brine and rub work together to create balanced flavor — smoky, buttery, and bold without being overpowering.

Every bite hits the mark:

  • Buttery garlic richness from the rub.
  • Savory, spicy undertones from the Cajun Creole Brine.
  • A kiss of hickory smoke from those Royal Oak pellets.

It’s competition-quality turkey made simple — no gimmicks, no stress, just pure flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Smoked Cajun Turkey pairs perfectly with a mix of sweet, smoky, and Southern-style sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

  • Smoked Crawfish Cornbread – This savory Southern classic is loaded with crawfish, jalapeño, and cheddar, giving it the perfect Cajun kick. The sweetness of the cornbread and the spice of the seafood pair beautifully with the smoky, buttery flavors of the turkey.
  • Maple Butter Carrots – Tender carrots coated in sweet maple butter and roasted to perfection. Their caramelized sweetness balances the savory notes of the turkey.
  • Smoked Mac & Cheese – Creamy, cheesy, and kissed with hickory smoke. This rich side dish complements the bold Cajun seasoning and adds a layer of comfort to every plate.
  • Sweet Potato Pie – End your feast on a high note with this Southern staple. Buttery crust, velvety filling, and just the right amount of sweetness — the perfect dessert pairing for your holiday table.

Together, these sides create a spread that’s worthy of any celebration — traditional, balanced, and full of flavor from start to finish.

Together, these dishes make a feast that feels both traditional and bold — exactly what holiday cooking should be.

Storing and Reheating

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

  • Refrigerate: Store sliced turkey in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or vacuum-seal and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil and a splash of broth or butter. Avoid the microwave — it’ll dry out your hard work.

Heath’s Tips

  • Keep It Simple. Brine, season, and smoke — that’s all it takes.
  • Rest Is Key. Don’t rush the rest. An hour of patience equals perfect moisture.
  • Direct Heat Wins. Skip the roasting pan for better airflow and color.
  • Start Checking Early. Poultry can cook fast at 325°F — start checking temps around the 2½-hour mark.
  • Try Other Woods. Hickory is classic, but oak or pecan pellets pair beautifully with Cajun seasoning too.

Final Thoughts

This Smoked Cajun Turkey proves that bold, competition-level flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. With a good brine, the right rub, and a reliable pit like the recteq Flagship 1600, you can turn an everyday bird into a show-stopping centerpiece.

It’s smoky, buttery, and packed with Cajun flair — easy to make, impressive to serve, and unforgettable to eat. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just cooking for family, this bird will have everyone asking for seconds.

So fire up that grill, grab your Heath Riles Cajun Creole Garlic Butter Rub, and bring a little Louisiana heat to your holiday table.

Equipment and Tools

recteq Flagship 1600 Pellet Grill, Royal Oak Hickory Blend Charcoal Pellets, Large Brining Bag, YETI Tundra 45 Hard Cooler, Mixing Bowl, Whisk, ChefAlarm Thermometer, Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil

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