This Honey Glazed Turkey Breast is a masterpiece of sweet and savory perfection. A buttery honey glaze locks in the juiciness of the turkey, while the final caramelized crust gives every bite an irresistible crisp. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The best part? You don’t need a whole turkey to enjoy the classic holiday flavors. With just a few pantry staples, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish right at home without the hefty price tag. Serve it warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even as the star of an epic sandwich the next day!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 lb. boneless turkey breast roast (Butterball recommended)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp honey
Crunchy Sugar Glaze:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp seasoned salt
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves
- Pinch of allspice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and place an oven rack in the center position.
- Prepare baking dish by placing a wire rack in a 2-quart baking dish or roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the pan (about ¼ inch deep).
- Prep the turkey: Keep the twine netting on the turkey breast, pat dry with paper towels, and place it on the rack.
- Honey butter glaze: Mix melted butter and honey, then brush liberally over the turkey breast.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Make the dry glaze: Combine sugar, seasoned salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice in a bowl.
- Broil first layer: Pat half the dry glaze mixture onto the turkey breast. Broil for a few minutes until bubbly and caramelized.
- Prepare the wet glaze: Add remaining sugar mixture to a small saucepan with 3 tbsp of water or turkey juices. Boil for 1 minute.
- Final broil: Brush or pour the wet glaze over the turkey, then broil for another minute or two (watch closely to prevent burning).
- Rest & serve: Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice into ⅛ – ¼ inch slices. Serve warm or cold.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes Calories: 350 kcal Servings: 4
Why Choose Turkey Breast?
Turkey is a lean and healthy protein that offers plenty of nutritional benefits. Compared to darker cuts of turkey, turkey breast is lower in fat and calories, making it a great choice for those looking to eat healthier while still enjoying a flavorful meal. Here are some of the key reasons why turkey breast is an excellent option:
- High in Protein – Turkey breast is packed with lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and overall health.
- Low in Fat – Since it’s a lean cut, turkey breast contains less saturated fat compared to other meats like beef or pork.
- Rich in Nutrients – Turkey provides essential nutrients such as B vitamins (B6 and B12), selenium, zinc, and phosphorus, all of which support immune function and energy production.
- Versatile for Different Cuisines – Turkey breast can be prepared in countless ways, from roasting to grilling, slow-cooking, or even air-frying.
- Easy to Pair with Side Dishes – The mild flavor of turkey breast pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes, from classic mashed potatoes to fresh salads or roasted vegetables.
By choosing to cook turkey breast instead of a whole turkey, you also save time and effort while still getting all the deliciousness of a home-cooked meal.
The Magic of a Honey Glaze
A honey glaze does more than just add flavor it creates texture, enhances moisture retention, and caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The key ingredients in a honey glaze typically include honey, butter, sugar, and spices, all of which work together to create a balanced taste.
- Sweetness from Honey – Honey not only adds natural sweetness but also helps to tenderize the meat and create a gorgeous, sticky finish.
- Butter for Richness – The butter in the glaze contributes to a deep, savory flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Spices for Depth – Ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and cloves add warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Granulated Sugar for Caramelization – The sugar in the glaze ensures that the turkey breast develops a crunchy, slightly crisp crust, similar to the famous honey-baked hams.
When properly applied, a honey glaze forms a layer of deliciousness on top of the turkey breast. During cooking, the sugars in the glaze caramelize under high heat, leading to a crispy, almost candied crust. This contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, juicy meat inside is what makes Honey Glazed Turkey Breast such a crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Get the Perfect Caramelized Crust
One of the highlights of this dish is the crunchy sugar glaze, which gives it a signature texture and mouthwatering appearance. Here are a few tips to achieve the best results:
- Use a Dry Glaze First – Applying a dry spice-sugar mixture to the turkey before broiling helps create an initial layer of caramelization.
- Broil in Stages – Instead of applying all the glaze at once, broil the turkey breast twice once with a dry glaze and again with a wet glaze to maximize caramelization.
- Use the Right Sugar – Granulated sugar works well because it caramelizes evenly under high heat, but brown sugar can be used for a richer, molasses-like flavor.
- Watch Closely While Broiling – Sugar can burn quickly, so keep an eye on the turkey breast while it’s under the broiler to avoid scorching.
These steps ensure that the turkey breast develops a rich, golden-brown crust that’s both visually stunning and deliciously crisp.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Honey Glazed Turkey Breast
Since this turkey breast has a sweet and smoky profile, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside it:
- Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the glaze with a creamy, savory element.
- Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully in the oven and complement the turkey’s flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberries contrasts nicely with the honey glaze, adding a refreshing brightness.
- Cornbread Stuffing – A slightly sweet and hearty side dish that enhances the festive feel of the meal.
- Garlic Green Beans – A simple but flavorful vegetable dish that adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich turkey breast.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits – Great for soaking up any extra juices and glaze from the turkey.
These side dishes help to round out the meal, making it satisfying and well-balanced.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic honey-glazed version is already fantastic, you can also experiment with different flavors and techniques to suit your preferences. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Bourbon Honey Glaze – Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an extra layer of depth and richness.
- Maple Glazed Turkey – Swap out honey for pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness profile.
- Spicy Glaze – Add a bit of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
- Herb-Infused Glaze – Mix in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the savory notes.
- Slow Cooker Method – If you don’t want to use the oven, you can slow-cook the turkey breast and finish it under the broiler.
These variations allow you to customize the dish to your taste while keeping the fundamental elements of the honey-glazed turkey breast intact.
Conclusion:
Honey Glazed Turkey Breast is a perfectly balanced dish that brings together the best of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. The juicy, tender turkey combined with a crispy caramelized crust makes it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, a Sunday dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is simple, delicious, and sure to impress. The best part is that it doesn’t require a whole turkey, making it a convenient option that delivers all the festive flavors with less effort.
By pairing it with complementary side dishes, experimenting with different glaze variations, and following the broiling tips for a golden-brown finish, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen
