How Long to Smoke a 6 lb Turkey Breast at 225°F
Smoke a 6 lb turkey breast for about 3h 30m at 225°F, then rest 20 minutes. Pull at 165°F internal.
Last updated 2026-05-21 · By SmokerCookTime editorial team
Quick answer
A 6 lb turkey breast smoked at 225°F takes about 3h 30m in the smoker, plus a 20-minute rest. Pull at 165°F internal temperature. Do not wrap.
At a glance
- Smoker temp: 225°F
- Cook time: 3h 30m (35 min per lb)
- Internal target: 165°F
- Wrap at: Do not wrap
- Rest: 20 minutes minimum
- Total time: 3h 50m
Cook time at a glance
| Smoker temp | Approx cook time | Total with rest |
|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 3h 30m | 3h 50m |
| 250°F | 3h 9m | 3h 29m |
| 275°F | 2h 52m | 3h 12m |
Internal temperature target
Pull the turkey breast when the thickest part hits 165°F on a probe thermometer. Do not wrap — this cut benefits from full bark exposure.
Technique note
Bone-in breast is more forgiving than boneless. Pull at 160°F and carryover will reach 165°F.
Recommended pitmaster books
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto (Spiral Bound)
The bible of central Texas brisket. Aaron Franklin's full method — fire management, salt-and-pepper rub, the wrap, slicing. Spiral-bound so it stays flat at the smoker.
Franklin Smoke: Wood, Fire, Food (Spiral Bound)
Franklin's wood-pairing reference plus 70+ recipes beyond brisket. The best book for understanding how different woods change the cook.
Smokin' with Myron Mixon (Spiral Bound)
Competition recipes from a four-time world BBQ champion. Brisket, ribs, pork shoulder, chicken — Mixon's exact rubs and injections. Spiral-bound and grease-resistant.
Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook (Spiral Bound)
Chuckwagon-style cooking inspired by the Yellowstone ranch — smoked meats, cast-iron classics, outdoor cooking. The crowd-pleaser of the four.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to smoke a 6 lb Turkey Breast at 225°F?
About 3h 30m of smoke time, plus a 20-minute rest. Total 3h 50m. Cooking time is an estimate — pull at 165°F internal.
What internal temperature should a Turkey Breast reach?
Pull at 165°F internal temperature. Use a probe thermometer; do not rely on time alone.
Should I wrap a Turkey Breast during the smoke?
No, this cut is best smoked unwrapped to retain bark and texture.
How long should a Turkey Breast rest after smoking?
Rest for at least 20 minutes — this is non-negotiable for redistributing juices and finishing carryover cooking.