Honey Chipotle Glazed Turkey makes Thanksgiving meals unforgettable. I love how its flavors balance sweet and smoky. The honey adds richness, while chipotle brings a bold kick.
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Honey chipotle glazed turkey recipe
Honey Chipotle Glazed Turkey is a tasty variation of the classic turkey dish. It combines sweetness from honey with the spicy kick of chipotle peppers. This glaze offers a bold and complex flavor profile.
The glaze caramelizes beautifully during roasting. It creates a crispy, flavorful skin. It keeps the meat tender and juicy. This harmony makes the dish a standout choice for gatherings like Thanksgiving.
Here is how to make the honey chipotle glazed turkey:
Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey
The dish combines sweet honey with smoky, spicy chipotle peppers for a modern twist on the classic roasted turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey about 10-12 lbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth for basting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the giblets from the turkey and pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, minced chipotle, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes), remove from heat and set aside.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the turkey on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan.
- Roast the turkey in the preheated oven, basting with chicken broth every 45 minutes. After 2 hours, start brushing the honey-chipotle glaze over the turkey every 20 minutes, ensuring the bird is coated evenly.
- The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
- Let the turkey rest for 20-30 minutes before carving to retain its juices.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice and serve the turkey, garnished with extra glaze if desired.
How to pair
Food pairings
Here are some complementary dishes that pair well with this flavorful turkey:
- Side Dishes
- Stuffing enhances turkey flavors with herbs, vegetables, and dried fruit.
- Mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the spicy glaze.
- Roasted vegetables, like carrots and sprouts, add color and nutrition.
- Green bean casserole adds a creamy texture and is a holiday favorite.
- Cornbread complements the glaze’s sweetness.
- Sauces and Gravies
- Gravy from turkey drippings balances the glaze’s sweetness.
- Cranberry sauce contrasts the turkey’s sweet heat with tartness.
- Desserts
- Pumpkin pie provides a sweet finish to the meal.
- Pecan pie complements honey chipotle turkey flavors.
- Salads
- Mixed green salad lightens the meal with a fresh, crisp texture.
- Coleslaw balances turkey richness with crunch and acidity.
- Bread
- Dinner rolls soak up gravy and turkey juices.
- Garlic bread adds flavor to the meal.
Drinks
These drinks complement or contrast the bold taste of this honey chipotle glazed turkey.
- Cocktails
- Margarita offers a refreshing contrast to rich turkey.
- Spicy Paloma complements chipotle with spice and grapefruit soda.
- Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc balances the honey’s sweetness with acidity and citrus notes.
- Lightly oaked Chardonnay adds a richness that complements turkey flavors.
- Pinot Noir enhances the dish with a light body and fruity notes.
- Zinfandel matches well with the spiciness of the chipotle.
- Beer
- Pale Ale contrasts nicely with the glaze’s sweetness.
- Amber Ale offers a malty sweetness that aligns with honey.
- Non-Alcoholic Drinks
- Warm or cold apple cider enhances autumnal flavors.
- Virgin Mojito with mint and lime provides a refreshing accompaniment.
- Sparkling water with lemon or lime refreshes the palate between bites.
- Peach or lemon iced tea harmonizes with the honey glaze.
- Cranberry spritzer provides a tart contrast to sweet glaze.
Variations
You can explore various delicious variations of honey chipotle glazed turkey.
- Honey Chipotle Spatchcocked Turkey: The turkey is brined with fruit juices and chipotle peppers.
- Ingredients: Butter, chipotle peppers in adobo, honey, orange juice, garlic powder, chili powder, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation:
- Melt butter and mix with chipotle, honey, orange juice, and spices.
- Brush the glaze on the turkey and baste during roasting for a sweet and spicy flavor
- Honey-Chipotle Glazed Turkey with Gravy
- Ingredients: Turkey, butter, minced chipotles, honey, garlic, cumin, onion, chicken broth, orange juice.
- Preparation:
- A glaze of chipotles, honey, and orange juice infuses the turkey.
- Roast the turkey while brushing with a glaze
- Blackened Honey Chipotle Roast Turkey
- Ingredients: Unsalted butter, honey, lime zest, orange zest, thyme, chipotle chilies, and cumin.
- Preparation:
- The turkey is coated with a paste of honey and spices.
- Roast at 500°F for crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Garlic and lemon enhance the overall flavor.
- Brined Roast Turkey with Chipotle-Honey Glaze
- Ingredients: Whole turkey, vegetable stock for brining, honey, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, cilantro.
- Preparation:
- Brine the turkey overnight to enhance moisture.
- Prepare a glaze with honey and chipotles to brush on before roasting
- Roast the turkey at 325°F and brush with butter.
