Looking for a show-stopping turkey dinner that’s quick and easy? This Bourbon Maple Glazed Boneless Turkey Breast recipe is your answer. Juicy, tender, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors, it’s a perfect centerpiece for both weeknight meals and holiday feasts. The bourbon adds a subtle warmth while the maple syrup gives a beautiful caramelized glaze, creating a flavor profile that’s irresistible.
This recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing taste. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking method, even beginner cooks can achieve a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey breast. Whether you’re serving it for a small family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish delivers on flavor, presentation, and convenience.
By the end of this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a flavorful glaze, roast the turkey to perfection, and even store leftovers safely. Plus, with tips for substitutions and variations, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy | Yield: 4-6 servings
What Makes This Bourbon Maple Glazed Boneless Turkey Breast Special?
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Juicy and Tender: The boneless turkey breast stays moist thanks to careful cooking and basting techniques.
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Perfectly Caramelized Glaze: The bourbon maple glaze creates a shiny, flavorful coating that’s sweet, savory, and slightly boozy.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in about an hour, making it a fantastic option for weeknights or last-minute holiday meals.
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Versatile Flavors: Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Beginner-Friendly: Minimal prep, easy-to-follow steps, and foolproof cooking instructions ensure a stress-free cooking experience.
Ingredient Notes
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Boneless Turkey Breast (2-3 lbs): Tender and easy to carve, perfect for even cooking. You can substitute with turkey tenderloin or chicken breast for smaller portions.
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Maple Syrup (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze. Can substitute with honey or agave syrup.
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Bourbon (2 tbsp): Gives depth and warmth. Non-alcoholic option: apple juice or chicken stock.
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Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Substitute with yellow mustard if needed.
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Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (1 tsp): Essential aromatics that enhance flavor. Fresh minced garlic works too.
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Salt & Pepper: Basic seasonings to taste; ensure turkey is well-seasoned.
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Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Helps sear the turkey and adhere the glaze. Can use avocado oil.
Equipment Needed: Baking dish or roasting pan, basting brush, meat thermometer, small mixing bowl.
How To Make Bourbon Maple Glazed Boneless Turkey Breast

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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Tip: Place the rack in the center for even cooking.
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Prepare the glaze.
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In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Tip: Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness to your preference.
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Prep the turkey.
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Pat the boneless turkey breast dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
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Tip: Drying the meat helps the glaze stick and promotes browning.
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Roast the turkey.
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Place turkey in a baking dish and brush generously with half of the glaze. Roast for 25 minutes, then brush with remaining glaze. Continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Tip: Baste every 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor and moisture.
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Rest the turkey.
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Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Tip: Resting keeps juices locked in, making each slice juicy and tender.
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Slice and serve.
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Slice turkey against the grain and serve with remaining glaze drizzled on top.
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Storage Options
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Room Temperature: Serve immediately. Avoid leaving out more than 2 hours.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Wrap turkey tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheating Tips: Reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, brushing with a bit of leftover glaze to prevent drying.
Variations and Substitutions
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Smoky Bourbon Maple Turkey: Add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the glaze.
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Herbed Twist: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage into the glaze.
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Spicy Maple Turkey: Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
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Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free maple syrup.
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Chicken Version: Substitute boneless turkey breast with chicken breast or thighs for smaller servings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?
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Yes, but increase roasting time by 15-20 minutes and check internal temperature carefully.
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What if I don’t have bourbon?
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Substitute apple juice, chicken stock, or non-alcoholic vanilla extract.
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Can this be made ahead?
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Yes, you can prep the glaze and season the turkey a day ahead. Roast fresh before serving.
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How do I know when the turkey is done?
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Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
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Can I freeze the cooked turkey?
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Absolutely. Wrap tightly in foil or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven.
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What sides pair best with this recipe?
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Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, or a fresh salad complement the flavors perfectly.
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Conclusion
This Bourbon Maple Glazed Boneless Turkey Breast is a perfect combination of ease and elegance. Juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare, it’s ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions. Try it this weekend, experiment with the glaze variations, and watch as your family and friends reach for seconds. Don’t forget to share your results—it’s a recipe worth celebrating!
PrintBourbon Maple Glazed Boneless Turkey Breast
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 45min
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2–3 lbs boneless turkey breast
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1/3 cup maple syrup
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2 tbsp bourbon
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Whisk maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, and seasonings.
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Pat turkey dry, brush with oil, season with salt and pepper.
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Roast 25 minutes, baste with half glaze, roast 15-20 minutes more, baste again.
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Ensure internal temp is 165°F, rest 10 minutes, slice, serve.
Notes
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Baste frequently for best glaze.
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Use chicken breast for smaller portions.
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Add fresh herbs or smoked paprika for variation.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 38g