Grilled turkey breast is a lean, flavorful option for outdoor cooking and family dinners.
Adding a smoky chipotle glaze brings a perfect balance of heat and sweetness to the turkey.
This recipe is simple but delivers big on taste, making it ideal for summer BBQs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The turkey breast stays juicy thanks to brining and careful grilling over medium heat.
- The chipotle glaze adds smoky heat balanced by brown sugar and a touch of honey for sweetness.
- Grilling gives the turkey a slightly charred flavor that complements the spice of the glaze.
Smoky Grilled Turkey Breast with Chipotle Glaze
This smoky grilled turkey breast recipe is coated with a sweet and spicy chipotle glaze, making it a perfect centerpiece for summer barbecues or hearty family dinners. Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
- Prep time
- 15 minutes
- Cook time
- 30 minutes
- Servings
- 6
- Yield
- Serves 6
Ingredients
- 1 (3 to 4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the brine and turkey In a large bowl, dissolve kosher salt and brown sugar in cold water. Submerge the turkey breast in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Remove the turkey from the brine, rinse under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the chipotle glaze In a small bowl, combine finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey, minced garlic, olive oil, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat the grill Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 350°F (175°C). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the turkey breast Place the turkey breast on the grill. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the chipotle glaze during the last 10 minutes of grilling. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices. Serve slices with additional chipotle glaze if desired.
Helpful Tips
- If you don't have time to brine, you can marinate the turkey breast in the chipotle glaze for at least 1 hour instead.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; turkey breast can dry out quickly if over-grilled.
- For added flavor, smoke the turkey briefly with a hickory or applewood chip before grilling if your grill allows.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover grilled turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
The chipotle glaze can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in turkey breast for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly. Bone-in turkey breasts take longer to cook, so use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Can I make the chipotle glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. The glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator to let flavors meld.
What can I serve with grilled turkey breast?
Grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes complement this dish well.
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Food Safety and Allergen Notes
Cook turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), measured in the thickest part with a food thermometer. Check chipotle sauce and packaged ingredients for allergens or cross-contact that matter to your household.
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