Grilled turkey breast with honey glaze served on a plate with herbs

Sweet & Juicy Honey-Glazed Grilled Turkey Breast

Name: Sweet & Juicy Honey-Glazed Grilled Turkey Breast
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g Turkey breast (skin-on) - choose fresh or fully thawed for even cooking, ideally about 500 grams; 3 tbsp Honey - prefer raw or organic for best flavor; 2 tbsp Olive oil - use extra virgin for richness; 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice - for brightness, juice from half a lemon; 2 cloves Garlic - minced, fresh cloves for aroma; 1 tsp Smoked paprika - for subtle smoky flavor; 1 tsp Salt - fine sea salt works best; 0.5 tsp Black pepper - freshly ground for seasoning

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easy

15 min

Nutritional value per serving

Calories300kcal

Carbs10gram

Fat6gram

Protein45gram

Ingredients

Quantity

Turkey breast (skin-on) - choose fresh or fully thawed for even cooking, ideally about 500 grams500 g
Honey - prefer raw or organic for best flavor3 tbsp
Olive oil - use extra virgin for richness2 tbsp
Fresh lemon juice - for brightness, juice from half a lemon1 tbsp
Garlic - minced, fresh cloves for aroma2 cloves
Smoked paprika - for subtle smoky flavor1 tsp
Salt - fine sea salt works best1 tsp
Black pepper - freshly ground for seasoning0.5 tsp

This honey-glazed grilled turkey breast is a delightful dish that combines the juicy tenderness of turkey with a sweet, caramelized honey glaze. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a healthy dinner, this recipe ensures your turkey cooks evenly and safely, locking in moisture and flavor. The total cost for ingredients is approximately $10 / €9 / £8 / ₹800. The dish contains about 300 kcal per serving, is gluten-free, and suitable for a balanced diet. Difficulty is easy, with a total cooking time of around 45 minutes including prep and resting. It's ideal for home cooks looking for a simple yet impressive grilled protein.

Preparation instructions

Prepare the Marinade

1In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This glaze will add a sweet and smoky flavor to the turkey.

Marinate the Turkey Breast

2Place the turkey breast in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the turkey, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. This step helps tenderize and flavor the meat.

Preheat the Grill

3About 15 minutes before grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 175°C (350°F). Oil the grill grates with a brush or oil-soaked paper towel to prevent sticking. Proper grill temperature ensures the turkey cooks evenly and develops nice grill marks.

Grill the Turkey Breast

4Remove the turkey from the marinade, letting excess drip off to avoid flare-ups. Place the turkey breast skin-side down on the grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, basting occasionally with remaining marinade to build up the glaze. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe 74°C (165°F) to eliminate the risk of foodborne illness.

Rest the Turkey

5Once cooked, transfer the turkey breast to a clean plate and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute, making the meat juicy and tender.

Slice and Serve

6After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain into even pieces. Serve warm with your favorite sides. Enjoy your flavorful, safe-to-eat honey-glazed grilled turkey breast!

Cooking Tips

1For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.

2If you don’t have a grill, this recipe works well baked in an oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 30-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

3Always use a clean meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to ensure safety.

4Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw poultry and other foods.

Equipment Needed

Grill
Small mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Basting brush (optional)
Meat thermometer
Sharp knife
Aluminum foil

Shopping List

[ ] Turkey breast, 500g (~$8) – Choose fresh or fully thawed, skin-on turkey for the best grilling experience.
[ ] Honey, 3 tbsp (~$0.50) – Select raw or organic honey for flavorful sweetness.
[ ] Olive oil, 2 tbsp (~$0.30) – Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor.
[ ] Fresh lemon, 1/2 for juice (~$0.25) – Choose firm and juicy lemons.
[ ] Garlic, 2 cloves (~$0.10) – Use fresh garlic cloves for best aroma.
[ ] Smoked paprika, 1 tsp (~$0.20) – Adds depth and smoky flavor.
[ ] Salt, 1 tsp (~$0.05) – Fine sea salt is preferred.
[ ] Black pepper, 1/2 tsp (~$0.05) – Freshly ground black pepper is best.

Total approximate cost: $9.45

FAQ

Can I use turkey breast without skin for this recipe?

Yes, you can use skinless turkey breast. It may cook a bit faster and be less juicy, so watch the internal temperature carefully to avoid drying out.

How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. The turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Always marinate the turkey in the fridge, never at room temperature.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can bake the turkey breast in an oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 30-35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Apply the glaze and broil in the last few minutes to caramelize.