Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A succulent turkey breast infused with sweet apple and aromatic thyme, finished with a glossy glaze that enhances the classic Thanksgiving centerpiece. This american-inspired thanksgiving ready in about 50 minutes pairs turkey breast, olive oil, apple for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels, then season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place turkey breast skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip turkey breast, then scatter 1 diced medium apple and 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves around the turkey in the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Pour 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2 tbsp apple cider, and 1 tbsp honey into the skillet, ensuring liquid surrounds but doesn't submerge the turkey.
  5. Step 5: Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest 10 minutes before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep turkey breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Turkey Breast with Apple and Thyme Glaze?

American thanksgiving like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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