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Best Easy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast - featured image

This quick cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your act together, even on a chaotic weeknight. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday but special enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (about 3 to 4 pounds / 1.4 to 1.8 kg)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (6 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (1 g)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (100 g)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (120 ml)
  • 1/4 cup honey (85 g)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (25 g)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (14 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the center.
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Let it sit on a plate for 10 minutes after patting to air-dry a bit more.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey breast, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface, including the underside.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes total, until the mixture has thickened slightly and the cranberries have broken down. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Set aside about 1/4 cup of the glaze for serving.
  5. Place the seasoned turkey breast skin-side up in your roasting pan or skillet. Roast for 30 minutes uncovered.
  6. After 30 minutes, remove the pan from the oven. Brush or spoon about half of the remaining glaze over the turkey breast, getting it into the crevices. Return to the oven.
  7. Roast for another 20 minutes, then apply the rest of the glaze. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the remaining time.
  8. The total roasting time will be about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for a 3 to 4 pound breast. The internal temperature should read 155°F (68°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. It will continue cooking as it rests, reaching the safe 165°F (74°C).
  9. Transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Tent loosely with foil to keep it warm.
  10. Slice the breast against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Drizzle with the reserved glaze.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Make the glaze ahead up to 3 days. Watch the sugar to prevent burning. Let the turkey rest before carving.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, easy turkey recipe, weeknight dinner, holiday turkey, gluten-free, nut-free