Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast – 6 Steps to Wow

The Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast That’ll Steal the Show

If you’ve ever found yourself dreading the dry turkey dilemma (you know what I’m talking about), this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is your juicy, flavor-packed solution. It’s sweet, citrusy, herby, and just the right amount of festive—without the hassle of cooking a whole bird.

Whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving, a small holiday dinner, or just want to feel fancy on a random Tuesday (yes, you deserve it), this turkey breast brings the celebration to the table. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy. Like, pop-it-in-the-oven-and-let-it-do-its-thing easy.

Let’s dive into what makes this dish the holiday hero you didn’t know you needed.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

• Flavor Explosion: The fresh cranberries and orange juice create a tangy-sweet glaze that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Most of what you need is already in your pantry or fridge.
• Perfect for Small Gatherings: No need for a full bird—this 3-4 lb turkey breast is perfect for 4-6 people.
• Festive, Yet Fuss-Free: It looks like you worked really hard. (We’ll keep the secret.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make your kitchen smell like a holiday dream:

• 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ 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

How To Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

1. Get that oven preheated

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). No need for fanfare—just get it going.

2. Make the cranberry orange glaze

In a small saucepan, combine:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons orange zest

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze. Set it aside to cool (and try not to eat it with a spoon).

3. Prep your turkey like a pro

Pat your turkey breast dry with paper towels. This helps get that golden, crispy skin we all crave.

Mix together in a small bowl:

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

Now gently lift the skin of the turkey (don’t be shy—it’s just poultry), and rub half the herb mixture under the skin. Rub the rest over the top and inside the cavity.

4. Roast to perfection

Place the turkey breast, skin-side up, in a roasting pan. Roast for about 20 minutes per pound. So for a 3.5 lb breast, that’s about 70 minutes.

The magic number is 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part—use a meat thermometer to check.

5. Glaze, glaze, and glaze again

During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush on that cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. It’ll caramelize into a gorgeous, glossy finish that tastes like sweet-tart heaven.

6. Rest and slice

Once it’s done, take the turkey out and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This is key to juicy slices (and your future leftovers will thank you).

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the skin: Even if you don’t eat it, it helps lock in moisture and flavor.
• Make the glaze ahead: The cranberry orange glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge.
• Want a smoother glaze? Use an immersion blender to puree the cranberry sauce before brushing it on.

And here’s a little secret: the leftover glaze makes an amazing sandwich spread. Just saying.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast became a staple in my home after a Thanksgiving where I just couldn’t do the whole turkey thing. My kids were more interested in the sides anyway, and I wanted something beautiful, flavorful, and easy. Turns out, this smaller cut packed more punch—and way fewer leftovers I had to Tetris into the fridge. Now it’s our go-to, even beyond the holidays!

FAQs: Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

A Festive Favorite, Any Time of Year

This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast isn’t just a holiday recipe—it’s a celebration in every bite. Whether you’re serving it up on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because you feel like treating yourself on a weeknight, it’s guaranteed to wow. It’s simple, beautiful, and bursting with flavor—everything you want in a main dish (without all the drama of a whole turkey).

So grab your apron, pour yourself a little something sparkly, and let’s make turkey magic—one juicy bite at a time.

Craving more easy, flavor-packed chicken (and turkey) recipes? Come hang out with me at Chicken Magic Recipes. Let’s make mealtime magical—without the stress.

Keep the Flavor Fest Going!

If this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast made your tastebuds sing, you’ll love exploring more dishes that match its cozy, seasonal vibes. Here are a few other crave-worthy recipes that pair beautifully or follow a similar flavor story:

• Looking for a festive appetizer or side to serve alongside your turkey? Try these Turkey Stuffing Balls—they’re bite-sized, flavor-packed, and disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
• Keep the cranberry-orange theme going with this elegant and juicy Sweet and Savory Roasted Orange Chicken—a perfect weeknight alternative when you don’t feel like tackling a full turkey.
• For a cozy autumn dinner (or the ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers night), whip up a bowl of Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili—it’s hearty, healthy, and brimming with fall flavor.
• And if you’re dreaming of a comforting, creamy dish after all the holiday hustle, don’t miss this Pumpkin Chicken Meatballs in Sage Cream Sauce—it’s everything sweater weather should taste like.

✨ Bookmark these for your next meal plan and keep spreading the Chicken Magic all season long!

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