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1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on Recipe

1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on Recipe

5.2 from 27 reviews

A festive and flavorful Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast recipe that combines the sweet and tangy zest of fresh cranberries and oranges with aromatic herbs. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners, this juicy bone-in turkey breast is roasted to perfection and glazed with a vibrant cranberry-orange sauce, creating a beautiful centerpiece that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Turkey

  • 1 (3-4 lb) turkey breast, bone-in and skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Glaze

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the turkey breast.
  2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. Season Turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to help crisp the skin. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, salt, and pepper.
  4. Apply Herb Mixture: Carefully loosen the skin of the turkey breast and rub half of the herb mixture underneath the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat. Spread the remaining herb mixture evenly over the skin and inside the cavity of the turkey breast.
  5. Roast Turkey: Place the prepared turkey breast skin side up in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound. For a 3-4 lb turkey, this will be about 1 to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
  6. Glaze the Turkey: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, brush the turkey breast with the cranberry orange glaze every 10 minutes. This frequent basting will create a glossy, caramelized finish and keep the meat moist.
  7. Rest the Turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy result.
  8. Carve and Serve: After resting, carve the turkey breast and serve it with your favorite sides, garnished with fresh orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and whole cranberries for a festive presentation.

Notes

  • Pat the turkey dry before roasting to achieve crispy, golden skin.
  • Apply the herb mixture under and over the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Brush the glaze frequently during the last 30 minutes of roasting to prevent it from burning and to build a beautiful glossy coat.
  • Allow the turkey to rest after cooking to retain moisture and make carving easier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth and covered with foil to keep meat moist.
  • For a low-carb version, substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed turkey breast, holiday turkey recipe, festive turkey, roasted turkey breast, cranberry sauce turkey, thanksgiving turkey breast, healthy turkey recipe