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Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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This Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a quick and easy recipe perfect for small gatherings. With a sweet-tart glaze and tender meat, it’s a stress-free centerpiece that feels special without the hassle of a whole turkey.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2.5 to 3 lb) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 15 minutes. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the softened butter all over the skin and underneath if possible. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cayenne if using. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil. Place the turkey breast skin-side down and sear without moving it for 5-6 minutes, until the skin is deep golden brown and crispy. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
  4. If using, scatter the onion, garlic, and rosemary around the turkey in the skillet. Pour the chicken broth into the pan (not over the turkey). Brush a generous layer of the cranberry glaze over the top and sides of the turkey. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 45-55 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 155°F (68°C). Start checking at 40 minutes.
  5. About 10 minutes before the turkey is done, brush on another layer of glaze. If you want extra sticky, caramelized skin, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it carefully.
  6. Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the turkey to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
  7. Slice the turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Drizzle with extra glaze and serve warm.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it builds flavor and ensures crispy skin. Use a thermometer for accurate doneness; pull at 155°F (68°C) and let carryover cooking bring it to 160°F (71°C). Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes to keep juices inside. If the glaze starts to burn on the pan, add a splash of broth to the skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, Thanksgiving, easy turkey recipe, small gathering, holiday dinner

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/juicy-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-best-easy-recipe/