Orange and Honey Glazed Turkey Breast

This Orange and Honey Glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor. Roasted to golden perfection and basted with a citrusy honey glaze, it’s a show-stopping main dish that’s perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey breast recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the brightness of orange, balanced by warm spices and savory notes from Dijon mustard, garlic, and soy sauce.

• Perfect for smaller gatherings (no need for a whole turkey)

• Juicy, flavorful, and never dry

• Glaze creates a beautiful golden, caramelized finish

• Sweet and savory balance with citrus and spice

• Elegant enough for holidays but simple for weeknights

• Pairs well with both classic and modern sides

• Leftovers make delicious sandwiches or salads

• Naturally gluten-free

• Easy to prepare with basic ingredients

• Impressive presentation with minimal effort

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the turkey breast:

• 4–5 lb turkey breast (bone-in or boneless)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the orange and honey glaze:

• ⅓ cup honey

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Directions

1. Prepare the turkey: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper.

2. Roast: Place turkey breast skin-side up on a roasting rack in a pan. Add 1 cup water or broth to the pan. Roast uncovered for 1 hour.

3. Make the glaze: While roasting, combine honey, orange juice, zest, Dijon mustard, garlic, butter, soy sauce, cinnamon, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4. Glaze and finish roasting: After 1 hour, brush turkey with glaze. Continue roasting 30–45 minutes more, basting every 10–15 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Rest and serve: Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 15–20 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with extra glaze to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes

Variations

• Herb flavor: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze.

• Spicy kick: Stir in chili flakes or cayenne pepper.

• Citrus mix: Use a combination of orange and lemon juice for brightness.

• Maple substitute: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.

• Garlic lovers: Roast whole garlic cloves in the pan alongside turkey.

• Gluten-free: Ensure soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

• Bone-in breast: Keeps meat juicier but may require longer roasting time.

• Smoky twist: Add a touch of smoked paprika to the glaze.

• Holiday touch: Garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh herbs for serving.

• Vegetable base: Roast turkey over carrots, onions, and parsnips for natural pan drippings.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

• Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Add extra glaze or broth to keep moist.

FAQs

Can I use a whole turkey instead of just the breast?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking times based on weight.

Do I need to brine the turkey breast?

Not necessary, since the glaze and roasting keep it juicy, but brining can add extra flavor.

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate up to 2 days ahead. Reheat gently before using.

Should I cover the turkey while roasting?

Roast uncovered for golden skin, but you can tent with foil if it browns too quickly.

What internal temperature should turkey breast reach?

165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

Can I make this recipe with chicken?

Yes, the glaze works beautifully on chicken breasts or thighs.

How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?

Don’t overcook and let it rest before slicing. Keeping liquid in the pan also helps.

What sides pair best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or wild rice.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh juice gives the best flavor, but bottled works if unsweetened.

Can I baste with pan drippings instead of glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds a sweet, sticky finish that’s key to the recipe.

Conclusion

This Orange and Honey Glazed Turkey Breast is a flavorful, elegant centerpiece that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. With its citrusy glaze, golden skin, and juicy meat, it’s perfect for holidays or family dinners when you want something special without the fuss of roasting a whole turkey.

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