Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a perfect centerpiece for a festive meal or a special family dinner. The tangy cranberry and sweet orange glaze adds vibrant flavor and a beautiful glossy finish to tender, herb-rubbed turkey breast.

Ingredients

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
3. Step 3: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the remaining mixture over the skin and inside the cavity.
5. Step 5: Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, skin side up.
6. Step 6: Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
7. Step 7: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs can be substituted—use about one-third of the fresh amount.
• For extra tang, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze simmering step.
• Make the glaze a day ahead for deeper flavor and simply reheat before brushing on the turkey.
• If boneless turkey breast is preferred, adjust roasting time accordingly to avoid drying out.

Storage

Store leftover turkey tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the cranberry orange glaze in a separate airtight container for up to one week. Reheat turkey gently in the oven covered with foil to retain moisture or microwave in short intervals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the glaze?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, or add them directly to the saucepan; they will cook down as they simmer.

How can I tell when the turkey breast is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety and juiciness.

Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 115 reviews

This Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a flavorful and aromatic roasted turkey dish featuring a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze infused with fresh herbs. Perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions, the turkey remains moist inside with a beautifully caramelized skin glazed in a vibrant cranberry and orange sauce.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Turkey

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on

Glaze

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Herb Mixture

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast evenly.
2. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup honey, and 2 tablespoons orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Apply Herb Mixture: Gently loosen the skin of the turkey breast without tearing it, and rub half of the herb mixture under the skin to infuse flavor. Rub the remaining herb mixture over the turkey skin and inside the cavity for full seasoning.
5. Roast the Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast in a roasting pan with the skin side facing up. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
6. Glaze During Roasting: In the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This layering of glaze will create a glossy, flavorful coating on the skin.
7. Rest and Serve: Once the turkey reaches the proper temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Carve and serve with any remaining glaze as desired.

Notes

• The turkey skin will become perfectly crispy and flavorful with the herb rub applied under and over the skin.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature for food safety and to prevent overcooking.
• The cranberry orange glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated; rewarm gently before brushing on the turkey.
• Leftover glaze makes a delicious sauce for serving alongside the carved turkey.
• No need to baste with water or broth during cooking as the glaze keeps the turkey moist.

Keywords: turkey breast recipe, cranberry glaze turkey, orange glazed turkey, roasted turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe