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Lighter Maple Glazed Turkey Breast for Two: Easy Recipe

lighter maple glazed turkey breast for two - featured image

A simple, no-brine turkey breast recipe with a sweet-savory maple glaze, perfect for a cozy dinner for two. Ready in under 90 minutes with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless turkey breast (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the middle. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, including under the skin if possible.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne if using. Whisk until the butter melts and everything comes together, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. If using, scatter the quartered onion and rosemary sprigs in the bottom of a small roasting pan or baking dish. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the turkey breast on top (or on a rack if you have one).
  6. Roast the turkey for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, brush the turkey with about half of the maple glaze. Continue roasting for another 15 minutes.
  7. Brush with the remaining glaze and continue roasting. Start checking the internal temperature at the 45-minute mark. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
  8. Once the turkey hits 160°F, remove it from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F (74°C) during this time. Slice against the grain and serve with the pan juices.

Notes

Don’t skip the Dijon mustard in the glaze; it balances the sweetness. If the turkey browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let the turkey rest before slicing to keep it juicy. For extra sauce, double the glaze recipe and simmer half with pan drippings.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, maple glazed turkey, easy turkey recipe, turkey for two, lighter turkey, Thanksgiving for two