Print

Lighter Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast

lighter brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast - featured image
Print Recipe

A lighter, healthier twist on a classic bourbon glazed turkey breast. This easy recipe features a perfectly caramelized glaze with smoky warmth, keeping the meat juicy and tender for a crowd-pleasing meal that feels indulgent without the guilt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (e.g., Bulleit or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ cup chicken or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the 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 dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the dry rub evenly over the entire surface.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, bourbon, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of a roasting pan. Place the turkey breast on a wire rack (if using) or directly in the pan.
  6. Roast the turkey for 45 minutes.
  7. After 45 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Brush about half of the glaze over the top and sides of the turkey breast. Return to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
  8. After 15 minutes, remove the pan again and brush on the remaining glaze. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should be about 155°F (68°C) if resting, or 165°F (74°C) if serving immediately.
  9. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The glaze should be bubbling and caramelized.
  10. Remove the pan from the oven and tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  11. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and slice against the grain into ½-inch thick pieces. Drizzle any pan juices over the top before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting step—it allows juices to redistribute. If the glaze browns too quickly, tent with foil. For extra glaze, double the recipe and save half for serving. Bourbon can be substituted with apple cider or vanilla extract for an alcohol-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, brown sugar bourbon glaze, healthy turkey, easy turkey recipe, holiday turkey, gluten-free turkey, lighter turkey

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/lighter-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-and-healthy/