Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon Glaze
Juicy turkey breast slow-smoked over hardwood with a sweet and smoky maple bourbon glaze that enhances the tender meat’s natural flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 260 minutes pairs boneless turkey breast, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs boneless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 2 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder in a bowl. Rub this spice blend evenly over the entire surface of 4 lbs boneless turkey breast and let it rest uncovered in the refrigerator for 3 hours.
- Step 2: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of fruitwood chips like apple or cherry for a mild smoke flavor. Place the turkey breast on the smoker rack and smoke for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Step 3: While the turkey smokes, whisk together 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 2 tbsp olive oil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly and becomes fragrant.
- Step 4: During the last 30 minutes of smoking, brush the turkey breast generously with half of the maple bourbon glaze every 10 minutes to build layers of flavor and a sticky crust.
- Step 5: Remove the turkey breast from the smoker and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining glaze on the side for extra sweetness and depth.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 260 minutes (20 min prep + 240 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 Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon 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 boneless turkey breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon 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 Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Slow-Smoked Turkey Breast with Maple Bourbon Glaze?
American bbq & smoked 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.
