| | |

Turkey Tips

Pin This Recipe!

Turkey Tips are tender and juicy bite-sized pieces of fresh turkey breast marinated in a mouthwatering blend of homemade honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Get ready to elevate your turkey game with this delicious Honey BBQ Turkey Tips recipe!

Turkey-Tips

This recipe is perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or outdoor barbecues. Whether you grill, bake, or sauté, you’ll love how easy it is to create a savory meal to impress family and friends.

If you like quick weeknight Turkey Meals, you will love turkey roll-ups, Thanksgiving Casserole, or Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner.

Turkey Tips Ingredients

  • For the Honey BBQ Sauce/Marinade
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • For the turkey
  • 2 pounds fresh turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
honey-bbq-sauce-on-turkey-tip

Be sure to check out the full printable recipe and ingredient list below

Turkey Tips Recipe

  • Combine ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a medium saucepan. Add 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
  • Add the turkey chunks to a large resealable bag or a shallow container. Pour 3/4 of the cooled BBQ sauce over the turkey, reserving the remaining 1/4 for grilling and finishing. Seal the bag or cover the dish and ensure the turkey is fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
  • Preheat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent the turkey from sticking.
  • Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  • Place the turkey pieces on the hot grill pan, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • During the last minute of grilling, brush some of the reserved BBQ sauce over the turkey to create a sticky glaze.
  • Transfer the turkey to a large bowl and toss with the remaining reserved BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
  • Serve hot with additional sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with rice roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or a biscuit. Enjoy!
  • Grilling Outdoors (Charcoal or Propane):
    • Preheat a charcoal or propane grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashy and evenly hot. For propane, ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
    • Place the marinated turkey pieces directly on the preheated, oiled grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the turkey has nice grill marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can baste with the reserved sauce at the last minute for added flavor.
    • Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Turkey-Tip-Piece-on-a-fork

Tips & Tricks

  • Marination Time: While a minimum of 4 hours is recommended for marinating, overnight is ideal for allowing the flavors to fully penetrate the turkey. Plan ahead to achieve the best taste.
  • Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the spice levels in the BBQ sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or brown sugar. For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or even add a dash of hot sauce.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh turkey breast for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen turkey, ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating.
  • Grill Prep: For grilling, preheat your grill or pan to ensure a good sear. If using a cast iron grill pan, lightly oil it to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the turkey on the grill, avoid overcrowding the pieces. Give each piece enough space to cook evenly and develop nice grill marks.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked turkey, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. This will help you avoid overcooking and drying out the turkey.
  • Basting for Flavor: Baste the turkey with a little of the reserved BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling. This adds a deliciously sticky glaze that enhances flavor.
  • Serve with Sides: Pair your Honey BBQ Turkey with complementary sides like rice, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or biscuits for a complete meal.
  • Make Extra Sauce: If you love the BBQ sauce, consider making a double batch. This way, you’ll have plenty on hand for dipping or drizzling over your finished dish.
turkey-tips-with-honey-bbq-ssauce-on-them

FAQs

Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to retain moisture.

Yes, turkey thighs can be used instead of turkey breast if you prefer dark meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a bit longer to reach the required internal temperature.

It’s recommended to marinate the turkey for at least 4 hours, but for the best flavor, marinate it overnight.

Absolutely! You can make the Honey BBQ sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Yes, you can bake the marinated turkey pieces in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Yes, you can freeze the marinated turkey before cooking. Seal it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes, although the flavor will vary slightly.

best-turkey-tip
Turkey-Tips

Turkey Tips

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Turkey Tips are tender and juicy bite-sized pieces of fresh turkey breast marinated in a mouthwatering blend of homemade honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.

Ingredients

For the Honey BBQ Sauce/Marinade

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Turkey

  • 2 pounds fresh turkey breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Add 1/4 cup water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, then remove from heat and cool completely.
  2. Add the turkey chunks to a large resealable bag or a shallow container. Pour 3/4 of the cooled BBQ sauce over the turkey, reserving the remaining 1/4 for grilling and finishing. Seal the bag or cover the dish and ensure the turkey is fully coated. Marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
  3. Preheat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent the turkey from sticking.
  4. Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Discard the used marinade.
  5. Place the turkey pieces on the hot grill pan, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until you see grill marks and the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. During the last minute of grilling, brush some of the reserved BBQ sauce over the turkey to create a sticky glaze.
  7. Transfer the turkey to a large bowl and toss with the remaining reserved BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
  8. Serve hot with additional sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with rice-roasted vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread, or a biscuit. Enjoy!

  • Grilling Outdoors (Charcoal or Propane):
    • Preheat a charcoal or propane grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). For charcoal, wait until the coals are ashy and evenly hot. For propane, ensure the grates are clean and oiled.
    • Place the marinated turkey pieces directly on the preheated, oiled grates. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the turkey has nice grill marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can baste with the reserved sauce at the last minute for added flavor.
    • Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 596Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 839mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 1gSugar: 64gProtein: 69g

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Pin This Recipe!

    Similar Posts

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *