Honey Baked Turkey Breast Recipe: Sweet, Juicy, and Easy to Make

Honey Baked Turkey Breast—it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like the holidays, even if it’s just a random Sunday in November. There’s something magical about that golden, sticky glaze caramelizing in the oven, wrapping your turkey in the sweet hug of honey and butter. Whether you’re hosting a big Thanksgiving feast or just craving a cozy dinner that feels a little extra special, this recipe hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, juicy, and ridiculously easy to pull off.

With a bit of prep the night before and a few simple steps the next day, you’ll have a tender, flavorful turkey that’s begging to be the centerpiece of your table. Honey Baked Turkey Breast is one of those recipes that make you wonder why you ever stressed over cooking turkey in the first place—it’s that simple and satisfying.

Table of Contents

What is Honey Baked Turkey Breast?

Honey Baked Turkey Breast is a tender, oven-roasted turkey recipe brushed with a honey butter glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it cooks. Unlike a full turkey, this recipe focuses just on the breast—meaning it cooks faster, stays juicy, and gives you those perfect slices every time. The magic starts with an overnight dry rub made with spices like paprika, nutmeg, and ginger that soak into the meat, giving it that warm, holiday flavor. Then comes the honey butter glaze—rich, glossy, and just sweet enough to make every bite feel special.

It’s roasted over chicken broth for extra moisture, which helps the turkey stay tender and succulent. By the time it comes out of the oven, the skin is golden and crisp, and the inside is juicy and flavorful. It’s a recipe that feels festive but doesn’t take hours of fussing in the kitchen.

Reasons to Try Honey Baked Turkey Breast

Let’s be honest—turkey can be intimidating. But Honey Baked Turkey Breast takes out all the stress and keeps the flavor. First off, it’s way quicker than roasting a full bird. You can have this on the table in just a couple of hours (not counting the overnight marinating time). Second, it’s perfect for smaller gatherings—maybe just the family or a few close friends.

The honey glaze brings that perfect balance of sweet and savory, which even picky eaters tend to love. And if you’re a leftovers fan (who isn’t?), you’re in for a treat because this turkey makes killer sandwiches the next day—just add honey mustard and you’ve got magic between two slices of bread. Plus, this dish looks stunning when served, like something you’d see in a food magazine, but without all the stress behind the scenes.

Ingredients Needed to Make Honey Baked Turkey Breast

• 3 lb turkey breast (skin-on preferred)
  For the Dry Rub:
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of allspice
  To Roast:
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
  For the Sugar Topping:
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions to Make Honey Baked Turkey Breast

Let’s walk through this Honey Baked Turkey Breast recipe step by step so you can create that perfect golden, juicy masterpiece without breaking a sweat. These directions are designed to make the process foolproof, fun, and flavorful — because cooking a show-stopping turkey shouldn’t feel like a holiday marathon.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Turkey (Step by Step Flavor Foundation)

Start your Honey Baked Turkey Breast step by step by patting the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and gives the skin that irresistible crispiness later. If your turkey came in a mesh bag, you can keep it in there while cooking. If not, tie it up gently with kitchen string to help it roast evenly.

Now, in a small bowl, mix your dry rub ingredients: salt, poultry seasoning, rosemary, paprika, onion powder, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of allspice. The combination smells heavenly — a mix of sweet, smoky, and warm holiday spice. Rub this mixture generously all over the turkey breast, making sure you get into every nook and cranny. Wrap the seasoned turkey tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This overnight rest lets the flavors really sink into the meat, creating that deep, aromatic taste that makes this dish special.

Helpful tip: If you’re short on time, let it sit for at least four hours — but overnight is best for that full flavor infusion. If you want to learn more about seasoning and marinating techniques, check out Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing for insights on balancing herbs and spices perfectly.

Step 2: Roast with Honey Butter (Step by Step for Juicy Perfection)

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place a wire rack in your roasting pan — this allows the heat to circulate evenly and prevents the bottom from sitting in liquid, which can cause sogginess. Pour about 3 cups of chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the turkey moist during roasting.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and honey until smooth and glossy. Using a brush or spoon, slather the honey butter all over the turkey breast. It’ll smell amazing before it even hits the oven! Tent the pan loosely with foil to trap in the steam and keep the turkey tender.

Roast for one hour. During this time, your kitchen will start to fill with that sweet, buttery aroma that signals something delicious is happening. If you love buttery main dishes like this, you’ll definitely enjoy our Creamy Easy Marry Me Chicken, which uses a similar technique to lock in flavor and moisture.

Step 3: Create and Apply the Sweet Glaze (Step by Step for That Signature Shine)

While your turkey is roasting, make the glaze that gives Honey Baked Turkey Breast its signature golden crust. Combine melted butter, honey, sugar, salt, poultry seasoning, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Let it sit at room temperature until it thickens into a grainy paste — that’s when it’s ready to work its magic.

After your turkey has roasted for an hour, remove it from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Pour an extra cup of water into the pan — this prevents the sugary glaze from burning on the bottom. Now, gently pat the glaze mixture all over the top and sides of the turkey breast. Be generous! This is where the flavor (and that Instagram-worthy shine) comes from.

Turn the oven up to 350°F (180°C) and return the turkey to the oven, uncovered, for about 15–20 minutes. Watch as it transforms into a beautifully caramelized, honey-gold centerpiece. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature hits 150°F. If it starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it again with foil.

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a bit of orange zest or a splash of bourbon to your glaze — it brings a warm, festive twist similar to our Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.

Step 4: Rest, Slice, and Serve (Step by Step to the Perfect Finish)

Once the turkey looks gloriously golden and crisp, remove it from the oven and re-cover it with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This might be the hardest part of the process — your kitchen smells incredible, and you’ll want to dive in — but trust me, it’s worth the wait. Resting allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, giving you tender, moist slices instead of dry turkey.

Slice against the grain for the most tender results. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and spoon some of those buttery, honey-sweet pan juices right over the top. That’s liquid gold right there.

Pair your finished Honey Baked Turkey Breast with sides like Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese for a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Step 5: Enjoy and Reuse (Step by Step for the Next Day)

One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is the next day. Leftover Honey Baked Turkey Breast makes incredible sandwiches — layer slices on thick bread with honey mustard or cranberry sauce. You can also toss leftovers into our cozy Leftover Turkey Tortilla Soup or a hearty Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole.

Store any remaining slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days, or freeze them for up to two months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or melted butter to keep that juicy texture.

What to Serve with Honey Baked Turkey Breast

You can’t go wrong pairing this turkey with some comforting sides. Try it with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Easy Glazed Carrots for a cozy, colorful plate. If you’re going for a full-on Thanksgiving vibe, add Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese or a classic Thanksgiving Turkey Stuffing. For something on the lighter side, roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette help balance out the sweetness of the glaze. And if you’re a wine lover, a buttery Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir is a perfect match.

Key Tips for Making Honey Baked Turkey Breast

• Always start with a dry turkey. Moisture on the surface will keep your glaze from sticking properly.
• Don’t skip the overnight rub—it’s what makes the flavor really shine.
• Use a meat thermometer. Turkey breast dries out fast if overcooked, so aim for 150°F and let it rest to reach perfection.
• If your turkey comes in a mesh bag, it’s safe to roast in it. Otherwise, tie it with kitchen string to keep its shape.
• Save those pan juices! They’re sweet, buttery, and make a great drizzle or even a base for quick gravy.
• For a little twist, add orange zest or a splash of bourbon to the honey glaze. It’s next-level delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Honey Baked Turkey Breast

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store your sliced Honey Baked Turkey Breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a few tablespoons of broth or water, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through. This keeps the turkey from drying out. You can also microwave individual portions—just drizzle a little honey or butter over the top before heating. If you’re freezing, wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

FAQs

Can I make this with a bone-in turkey breast? Yes! Just add about 20 extra minutes to the roasting time.
Can I use a sugar substitute? You can, but the caramelization won’t be quite the same. Brown sugar or coconut sugar are great natural alternatives.
Is it okay to use skinless turkey? Sure—just baste it more often to keep it from drying out.
Can I make this ahead? Definitely. Roast it a day before, then slice and reheat with a little broth before serving.

Final Thoughts

Honey Baked Turkey Breast is that perfect blend of cozy, comforting, and just fancy enough for a special dinner. It’s proof that you don’t need an entire turkey to make a meal feel festive. From its warm spices to its sticky-sweet glaze, this dish delivers big flavor with little effort. And the best part? It’s so good the next day you’ll actually look forward to leftovers. For more comforting recipes like this one, check out our Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Casserole or Healthy Turkey Rice Soup.

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