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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast for an Easy Family Dinner

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This brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast is a sticky, sweet, and smoky centerpiece that’s perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and a foolproof technique, it delivers juicy meat and a caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (for basting, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Turkey (10 minutes): Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface, including under the skin if you can gently loosen it.
  2. Make the Glaze (5 minutes): In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne if using. Whisk constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat and Prep the Pan (5 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan. If you have broth, pour it into the bottom of the pan—not over the turkey.
  4. First Roast (30 minutes): Roast the turkey breast uncovered for 30 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  5. First Glaze (5 minutes): Remove the pan from the oven and brush a generous layer of the brown sugar bourbon glaze all over the turkey breast. Return to the oven.
  6. Continue Roasting and Glazing (45-60 minutes total): Roast for another 30 minutes, then glaze again. Repeat this process every 20-30 minutes until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the breast. This usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes total. If the skin starts getting too dark, tent loosely with aluminum foil.
  7. Rest (15-20 minutes): Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest uncovered for at least 15 minutes. The temperature will continue to rise to 165°F (74°C).
  8. Slice and Serve (5 minutes): Using a sharp knife, slice the turkey breast against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Spoon any remaining pan juices over the top. Drizzle with extra warm glaze if desired.

Notes

Make extra glaze and set aside a quarter before basting to warm and drizzle over sliced turkey before serving. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider and add ½ teaspoon liquid smoke. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes to ensure juicy meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, turkey breast recipe, easy turkey dinner, glazed turkey, family dinner, holiday turkey

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