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Maple Bourbon Turkey Breast – Easy 30-Min Glazed Recipe

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A quick and easy maple bourbon glazed turkey breast that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknights, this recipe delivers a sticky, caramelized crust and juicy meat without the fuss of brining or trussing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 to 3 pounds turkey breast (boneless or bone-in, boneless cooks faster)
  • 1/3 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (or whiskey, or substitute with extra maple syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low-sodium if desired; tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Diamond Crystal recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Rub mixture all over turkey breast, including under skin if possible. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Set aside 2 tablespoons of glaze for basting later.
  4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place turkey breast skin-side down and sear for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear other side for 2 minutes.
  5. Turn off heat. Brush about half of the remaining glaze over the top and sides of the turkey breast. Reserve the rest.
  6. Transfer skillet to preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, brush on another layer of glaze. Continue roasting for 5 to 10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C) in the thickest part.
  7. Remove skillet from oven. Immediately brush on reserved glaze. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 10 minutes (temperature will rise to 165°F/74°C).
  8. Transfer turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Drizzle pan juices over top before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it builds flavor and creates crispy skin. Apply glaze in stages to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; pull at 155°F and let rest to 165°F. For bone-in turkey breast, add 10 to 15 minutes to roasting time. Let turkey sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon turkey breast, glazed turkey breast, quick turkey recipe, 30-minute turkey, weeknight turkey, easy turkey dinner