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Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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