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Budget-Friendly Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast

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This Budget-Friendly Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast is a smaller, smarter, more affordable way to get that holiday-worthy turkey without feeding an army or emptying your wallet. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a Tuesday night feel special and a holiday dinner feel manageable.

Ingredients

  • Bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (3-4 pounds)
  • Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
  • Bourbon (1/4 cup)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted)
  • Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
  • Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  • Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Chicken or turkey broth (1 cup)
  • Fresh thyme (4-5 sprigs, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes while you make the glaze.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, melted butter, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
  3. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt and pepper, including the underside.
  4. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan or baking dish. If using a wire rack, place the turkey on the rack. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan—not over the turkey.
  5. Using a basting brush, paint a generous layer of the glaze all over the turkey breast. Reserve about half the glaze for later.
  6. Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
  7. After 30 minutes, pull the pan out and brush on another layer of glaze. If the pan looks dry, add a splash more broth or water. Rotate the pan for even cooking.
  8. Continue roasting for 30-45 more minutes. Start checking the internal temperature after another 30 minutes. You’re looking for 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
  9. When the turkey hits 155°F (68°C), brush on the remaining glaze. Once it reaches 160°F, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
  10. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick or thin pieces. Spoon any pan juices over the slices before serving.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting period—it keeps the turkey juicy. Watch the glaze carefully as brown sugar burns easily; tent with foil if browning too fast. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Make extra glaze for serving on the side.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, brown sugar bourbon glaze, budget-friendly, holiday, Thanksgiving, easy turkey recipe

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/budget-friendly-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-turkey-breast/