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Easy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast - featured image

This Easy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast is a juicy, flavorful weeknight dinner that delivers all the satisfaction of a holiday meal in just over an hour. The sweet and smoky bourbon glaze caramelizes into a beautiful, crackly crust, locking in moisture for a tender, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3 to 4 pound) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the entire breast, including the underside.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Place over medium heat and whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for another 2 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Place a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the turkey breast skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Transfer the pan to the oven (or move the turkey to a roasting dish). Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the top and sides of the turkey. Reserve about half of the glaze for later. Roast for 30 minutes.
  6. After 30 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven and apply another layer of the reserved glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 155-160ยฐF (68-71ยฐC).
  7. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes.
  8. After resting, transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. If the glaze starts to burn, tent the turkey with foil for the last 15-20 minutes. Let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Make extra glaze for drizzling over sliced turkey or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, brown sugar bourbon glaze, easy turkey recipe, weeknight dinner, holiday turkey, gluten-free turkey