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Cozy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – Easy & Juicy

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast - featured image

This cozy cranberry orange glazed turkey breast is a forgiving, aromatic dish that fills the kitchen with a sweet-tart smell. It delivers all the comfort of a holiday feast without the commitment of roasting a full turkey, with a jammy glaze that forms right in the pan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in turkey breast (4–5 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 12 ounces fresh cranberries (or frozen, no need to thaw)
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Fresh orange slices (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, combine 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 skin and underside.
  4. In your roasting pan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and orange zest. Stir until the honey and sugar start to dissolve. Lay the rosemary sprigs on top.
  5. Place the turkey breast skin-side up on top of the cranberry mixture, right in the center.
  6. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast, away from the bone.
  7. About 40 minutes in, baste the turkey with some of the cranberry-orange juices. If the skin is browning too fast, tent loosely with foil.
  8. Once done, transfer the turkey breast to a cutting board and let it rest for 15-20 minutes, covered loosely with foil.
  9. While the turkey rests, strain the cranberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan. Press on the solids to extract all the liquid. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  10. Carve the turkey breast against the grain into ½-inch thick slices. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with the cranberry-orange glaze, and garnish with fresh orange slices and rosemary if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time – it makes the difference between juicy meat and dry turkey. Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking. If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of orange juice or water. Let the turkey come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.

Nutrition

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