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Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast - featured image

A juicy, tender turkey breast with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze, perfect for a cozy holiday dinner or a comforting weeknight meal. This recipe recreates a beloved café memory with layers of flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (3-4 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 medium oranges)
  • ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup for a less sweet option)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, including under the skin if you can gently loosen it.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, butter, cinnamon stick (if using), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove the cinnamon stick. You can leave it chunky or blend it smooth.
  4. Place the quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, and rosemary sprigs in the center of your roasting pan. Pour in the chicken broth. Place the seasoned turkey breast directly on top of the aromatics, skin side up.
  5. Roast the turkey breast uncovered for 45 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and carefully brush about ¼ cup of the cranberry orange glaze all over the turkey breast.
  6. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 20 minutes. Remove the pan again and apply another ¼ cup of glaze.
  7. Roast for a final 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the breast (not touching the bone) reaches 155°F (68°C). The temperature will rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) as it rests.
  8. Remove the turkey from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. While it rests, warm the remaining glaze and serve it on the side.
  9. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with some of the reserved glaze. Serve the rest at the table.

Notes

Dry the skin thoroughly for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the turkey rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Make extra glaze for serving and leftovers. The glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey, easy turkey recipe, cranberry orange glaze, roasted turkey breast, gluten-free turkey