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Easy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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A quick and easy turkey breast recipe with a sweet, smoky bourbon glaze that’s perfect for weeknights or small celebrations. Ready in about 45 minutes, this forgiving recipe delivers tender, juicy meat with a caramelized crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 2–3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, including underneath the skin if possible.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup bourbon, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Let it simmer gently for another minute until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil shimmers, carefully place the turkey breast skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes. Then sear the sides for about 1 minute each.
  6. Turn the heat off under the skillet. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the top and sides of the turkey with about half the glaze. Reserve the rest.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20 minutes, then remove and brush with another layer of glaze using about half of the remaining glaze. Return to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, loosely covered with foil. While it rests, warm the remaining glaze in the saucepan over low heat.
  9. After resting, slice the turkey against the grain into ½-inch thick pieces. Drizzle the reserved warm glaze over the top. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it creates deep flavor and crispy skin. Watch the glaze carefully as brown sugar burns quickly. Use a meat thermometer for best results; pull the turkey at 155°F as it will carryover cook to 165°F while resting. Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Double the glaze if you like extra for drizzling over sides.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, quick turkey breast, bourbon turkey, easy turkey recipe, weeknight turkey

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-turkey-breast-recipe/