This Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast with Juicy Citrus Sauce brings together bright, sweet, and savory flavors in a dish that shines at any gathering. A plump turkey breast roasted to tender perfection gets a beautiful glaze made from tart cranberries and fresh orange juice that caramelizes into a glossy, citrus-kissed coating. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday feast, supper with friends, or a weekend family dinner, this recipe delivers juicy meat with vibrant flavor in every slice. The aroma of citrus and cranberries roasting together fills your kitchen and builds anticipation well before the first forkful. The balance of tangy orange, fruity cranberries, and savory turkey flavor makes this dish comforting yet refreshing — a combination that’s both impressive and approachable. Its lively taste and attractive presentation make it a standout centerpiece for hearty meals any time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender turkey with bright citrus notes
- Sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze
- Simple prep with spectacular results
- Great for holidays, dinner parties, or Sunday supper
- Balanced flavors — not overly sweet
Ingredients
- 3–4 lb (1.4–1.8 kg) boneless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for deeper sweetness)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast with Juicy Citrus Sauce
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan.
- Rub turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, coating evenly.
- Place turkey breast in the roasting pan breast-side up.
- Roast until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 60–75 minutes, depending on size.
- While turkey roasts, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the cranberry orange mixture, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken, about 10–12 minutes.
- If using brown sugar, stir it in to enhance sweetness and depth.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce becomes syrupy and glossy.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter until fully incorporated for a silky finish.
- Once turkey is done, remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Brush generous amounts of the cranberry orange glaze over each slice before serving.
- Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Cuisine: American / Holiday
Course: Main
Flavor Profile Breakdown
- Tangy citrus brightness from fresh orange
- Sweet-tart pop from cranberries
- Savory roasted turkey richness
- Subtle herb warmth
- Silky, glossy glazed finish
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Pat turkey breast dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Use fresh orange juice for the brightest flavor.
- Taste glaze before glazing — adjust sweetness to preference.
- Rest meat after roasting so juices redistribute.
- Baste turkey halfway through roasting for extra moisture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Use mandarin juice instead of orange for sweeter glaze.
- Add rosemary sprigs or sage for aromatic herbs.
- Swap honey for maple syrup for deeper flavor.
- Include a splash of citrus liqueur in the glaze for festive flair.
- Roast with orange halves and cranberries around turkey for extra presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking — leads to dry turkey breast.
- Skipping zest — it intensifies citrus aroma.
- Glazing too early — sauce can burn if applied before turkey is mostly cooked.
- Using low-quality juice — fresh juice elevates flavor.
- Not resting meat — loses juices while slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf.
- Serve alongside roasted root vegetables.
- Add steamed green beans with lemon zest.
- Offer warm dinner rolls or crusty bread.
- Garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Slice and reheat in oven at 325°F (160°C) with foil to retain moisture.
- Store extra glaze separately to preserve texture.
- Freeze sliced turkey and glaze up to 2 months.
- Thaw before reheating for best results.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 330 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a roasting pan.
- Rub turkey breast with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, coating evenly.
- Place turkey breast in the roasting pan breast-side up.
- Roast until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C), about 60–75 minutes, depending on size.
- While turkey roasts, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the cranberry orange mixture, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and the sauce begins to thicken, about 10–12 minutes.
- If using brown sugar, stir it in to enhance sweetness and depth.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce becomes syrupy and glossy.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter until fully incorporated for a silky finish.
- Once turkey is done, remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
- Brush generous amounts of the cranberry orange glaze over each slice before serving.
- Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 240 mg
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast with Juicy Citrus Sauce is a beautifully balanced dish that combines savory richness with bright, lively sweetness. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive holiday table or a cozy Sunday dinner, its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your family.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in turkey breast instead?
Yes — bone-in works well, just increase roasting time until the internal temperature hits safe doneness.
Is the glaze very sweet?
The sugar level is balanced — honey and orange add sweetness while cranberries add tangy contrast.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead?
Absolutely — make sauce earlier in the day and reheat gently before using.
How do I know when turkey is fully cooked?
Check with a meat thermometer — it should read at least 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes — frozen cranberries work perfectly; no need to thaw before cooking.
