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Best Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast – Easy Holiday Recipe

brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast - featured image

This brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast is a recreation of a beloved supper club dish, featuring a caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it comes together in under 2 hours with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 45 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for pan sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for pan sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon cold butter (for pan sauce)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture all over the turkey breast, getting under the skin if possible.
  3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, 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.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, skin side up.
  5. Roast the turkey breast for 30 minutes undisturbed. After 30 minutes, brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the turkey breast. Return to the oven and set a timer for 20 minutes.
  6. Every 20 minutes, pull the turkey out and baste it with more glaze. Repeat this 3-4 times total.
  7. After about 1 hour 15 minutes of total roasting time, start checking the temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. The target temperature is 155°F (68°C). If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the turkey with aluminum foil.
  8. Once the turkey reaches 155°F, remove it from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  9. While it rests, make the pan sauce: Place the roasting pan over two burners on medium heat. Add the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and swirl in the cold butter for a glossy finish. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  10. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Drizzle with the pan sauce and any remaining glaze.

Notes

Pat the turkey skin dry for crispy skin. Baste every 20 minutes for best results. Use a thermometer to ensure doneness. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Double the glaze if you love extra sauce.

Nutrition

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