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Perfect Brown Sugar Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

brown sugar glazed turkey breast for two - featured image

A tender, juicy turkey breast with a sweet and sticky brown sugar glaze, perfectly portioned for two. Ready in just over an hour, this recipe is ideal for a small Thanksgiving, romantic dinner, or cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless, skin-on turkey breast (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or turkey broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. While it’s heating, take your turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Pat the turkey breast completely dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until it forms a smooth paste.
  4. Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast with your fingers, creating a pocket. Spread about half of the seasoned butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the turkey, including the underside.
  5. Place the turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan or baking dish.
  6. Roast the turkey breast for 30 minutes.
  7. While the turkey roasts, make the brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the packed brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, honey, cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and apple cider vinegar. Stir constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  8. After 30 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven. Using a basting brush, generously brush about half of the brown sugar glaze all over the turkey breast.
  9. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 15 minutes.
  10. After 15 minutes, brush on the remaining glaze evenly.
  11. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
  12. Remove the turkey from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  13. While the turkey rests, make a quick pan sauce. Place your roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the chicken or turkey broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  14. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into even slices, about ½-inch thick. Drizzle the pan sauce over the top, and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the butter under the skin—it keeps the meat moist. Watch the glaze carefully to prevent burning; if it darkens too much, tent with foil. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Let the turkey rest properly before slicing.

Nutrition

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