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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast | Easy & Juicy

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This brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast is incredibly juicy with a gorgeous caramelized crust. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–7 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth or turkey stock
  • 1 onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while you prepare the glaze.
  3. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Gently loosen the turkey skin using your fingers. Spread about half the garlic butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the skin.
  5. Make the brown sugar bourbon glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne if using. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. Set aside about 1/4 cup for serving later.
  6. Set up the roasting pan: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of your roasting pan. Add the quartered onion and fresh herbs if using. Place the turkey breast on the rack, skin side up.
  7. Roast the turkey breast for 45 minutes undisturbed.
  8. After 45 minutes, brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the turkey breast. Return to the oven. Repeat glazing every 15 minutes for the next 45-60 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) at the thickest part, avoiding the bone.
  9. Total cooking time will be about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for a 5-7 pound breast. If the skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes.
  10. Remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches 155°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will rise to 160-165°F.
  11. Carve against the grain into even slices. Drizzle with the reserved glaze before serving.

Notes

Pat the turkey completely dry for best caramelization. Don’t rush the glazing process—frequent thin layers create the best crust. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Make extra glaze for serving. If the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil. For a non-alcoholic version, use apple juice with a splash of liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey, Friendsgiving turkey, juicy turkey breast, caramelized turkey

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