This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast brings festive flavor without the fuss of a whole turkey. Juicy, tender, and brushed with a sweet-tart glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange juice, it’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner. The bright citrus and berry aroma fills your kitchen with holiday cheer while keeping things easy, elegant, and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
It’s simple, stunning, and full of flavor. The cranberry-orange glaze gives a beautiful glossy finish and a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The recipe uses wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients and cooks quickly—ideal for smaller gatherings or weeknight feasts. Elegant enough for guests, effortless enough for everyday cooking—this turkey breast is pure holiday perfection.
What You’ll Need
You’ll only need a few simple, holiday-ready ingredients to make this juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast:
- 1 (3–4 lb) turkey breast, boneless or bone-in
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for extra warmth)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Zest of one orange for extra brightness
Each ingredient plays a role—the cranberries add tang, the orange juice gives sweetness, and the thyme ties everything together with a cozy herbal note.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and lightly oil the rack.
- Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened, then stir in butter and thyme.
- Season the turkey: Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place it skin-side up on the pan.
- Roast the turkey: Bake for about 1 hour 15 minutes, basting with the glaze every 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Brush with extra glaze and garnish with orange slices or herbs.
The result: beautifully golden, flavorful turkey breast with a citrus-cranberry glaze that tastes like pure holiday magic.
You Must Know
The secret to this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is balance. The sweetness of honey and orange pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, while the herbs keep everything savory and aromatic. Always taste your glaze before brushing—it should be bright, slightly tangy, and not too sweet.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. Turkey breast is lean and can dry out quickly; remove it from the oven right at 165°F (74°C) and let it rest. The juices will redistribute, keeping every slice tender and juicy.
If using a frozen turkey breast, thaw it completely in the refrigerator (about 24 hours) before cooking. And don’t skip the glaze basting—those layers build flavor and give the turkey its signature shine.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve that picture-perfect, golden finish, start roasting the turkey uncovered for the first half, then loosely tent it with foil to prevent over-browning. This keeps the skin crisp but the inside moist.
For an even richer flavor, let the turkey rest with the glaze brushed on top before roasting—about 30 minutes at room temperature. This allows the citrus and herbs to soak in.
Halfway through, baste generously with the glaze. Each layer deepens the color and creates that glossy, caramelized finish everyone loves.
Finally, always let the cooked turkey rest before slicing. It locks in moisture and makes the meat tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Add Your Touch Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is easy to personalize. For a cozy herbal twist, mix in a bit of rosemary or sage with the glaze. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, swap honey for maple syrup or add a spoonful of brown sugar. Love a little zest? Stir in extra orange peel for a brighter flavor.
You can also add a festive touch by garnishing with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and sprigs of thyme or rosemary before serving. For a bolder look, brush on one final layer of glaze right before slicing—the glossy finish makes it feel extra special.
For a heartier meal, pair it with roasted sweet potatoes, green beans, or garlic mashed potatoes. The combination of sweet, savory, and citrusy notes creates that perfect holiday harmony on every plate.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers keep beautifully! Store sliced turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Always keep extra glaze on the side—it’s perfect for drizzling over the reheated meat.
To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F (160°C) for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of orange juice or broth to keep the turkey moist.
Avoid microwaving for too long—it can dry out the meat. For best results, reheat gently and brush with leftover glaze before serving. The flavor stays bright, the texture juicy, and it tastes just as festive as day one.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and orange juice make a huge difference in flavor—skip the canned sauce for that vibrant, tangy glaze.
- Don’t skip the thermometer: The perfect turkey breast hits 165°F (74°C). Remove it right at that point for juicy, tender meat every time.
- Let it rest: A 10-minute rest keeps the juices locked in and makes slicing easier.
- Glaze in layers: Brush several times during roasting for that deep, glossy color. The sugar in the honey caramelizes beautifully.
- Add herbs last: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary at the end of cooking to preserve their aroma and color.
- Serve with style: Arrange slices on a platter with orange rounds and fresh cranberries—simple yet stunning for the holiday table.
These little details elevate the recipe from simple to spectacular, making your dish both delicious and beautiful.
FAQ for Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Substitute with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, and reduce cooking time to about 35–40 minutes.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance, store in the fridge, and warm gently before using.
Q: How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Don’t overbake and be sure to rest the meat before slicing. Basting with glaze every 20 minutes also helps seal in moisture.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes—no need to thaw them. Just cook a few minutes longer to let them break down properly.
Q: What side dishes go best?
Try roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or wild rice pilaf—the glaze pairs perfectly with earthy and creamy flavors.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is proof that you don’t need a full-sized bird to create a show-stopping holiday meal. With its juicy texture, glossy glaze, and burst of citrus-cranberry flavor, it brings warmth and joy to any festive table. It’s elegant, easy, and guaranteed to impress—whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter dinner with loved ones.
The best part? It’s stress-free and versatile. Serve it with your favorite sides, save leftovers for sandwiches, or enjoy it as a comforting weeknight treat. Every slice delivers that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that capture the essence of the holidays.
Make this recipe your new seasonal tradition—simple, flavorful, and beautifully festive. One bite, and it’ll feel like the holidays have truly arrived.
How to Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for the Holidays
Description
This cranberry-orange glazed turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table—juicy, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized with a tangy-sweet glaze. The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and savory herbs creates a festive dish that’s both elegant and easy to make.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat turkey breast dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Make glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, mustard, and zest. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Roast turkey: Place turkey in a baking dish, brush with half the glaze, and roast for 45–55 minutes, basting occasionally.
Finish: Brush with remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes for a glossy, caramelized finish. Rest before slicing.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
For extra flavor, marinate overnight with a bit of the glaze.
Perfectly pairs with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or cranberry rice pilaf.