Orange Maple Turkey Glaze
Want to change up your Thanksgiving turkey this year? Give it a sweet, tangy finish that’ll have people asking what you did differently.
This orange maple glaze combines fresh orange juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, chicken stock, and thyme. It simmers down into a glossy glaze that’s especially good over turkey seasoned with Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub. The sweet maple and bright citrus pair with the bold seasoning for a little extra holiday showmanship.
You already rubbed your meat. Might as well make it shine.
A Little Sweet, a Little Tangy
Maple syrup gives this glaze its sweetness, while fresh orange juice adds citrus flavor. Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar bring enough tang to keep everything balanced. Chicken stock adds savory depth, and fresh thyme brings that familiar holiday flavor.
It’s a great match for Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub on your turkey. The glaze adds a sweet, citrusy layer over the seasoning, giving you a simple way to change up the flavor without overhauling your Thanksgiving routine.
When to Apply the Glaze
Apply this glaze after your turkey is completely done cooking while it's resting.
The glaze thickens in the skillet, so it’s ready to brush on as a finishing touch. There’s no need to put the turkey back in the smoker or oven afterward.
You can make the glaze while everything else finishes cooking, then gently warm it if needed before brushing it on.
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ½ cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Recommended pairing: Turkey seasoned with Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub.
How to Make Orange Maple Glaze
1. Combine the Ingredients
Add the orange juice, maple syrup, chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme to a 10-inch skillet. Whisk until combined.
2. Bring to a Simmer
Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat as needed to keep it bubbling gently, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce Until It Coats a Spoon
Continue simmering until the glaze reduces and becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should still pour easily and spread with a brush. Use the consistency as your guide.
4. Brush On After Cooking
Once your turkey is fully cooked, spoon or pour the warm glaze over the top. Use a basting brush to spread it into an even coating, then carve and serve.
That final layer of orange maple glaze pairs beautifully with Rub Yer Meat BBQ Rub, bringing sweet, tangy flavor to every seasoned bite.
Thanksgiving already has enough moving parts. Six ingredients and one skillet? That’s a little extra effort we can get behind.
