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Perfect Roasted Turkey Breast Recipe with Easy Cranberry Orange Glaze

roasted turkey breast - featured image

A quick and easy roasted turkey breast with a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze that delivers juicy, flavorful meat and crispy skin. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 pounds bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, generous seasoning
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (120 g)
  • ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • ¼ cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  3. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil all over the skin. Generously season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle chopped rosemary, thyme leaves, and minced garlic evenly on top. Massage gently so the herbs stick to the skin.
  4. Place the turkey breast on the roasting rack in your pan, skin side up.
  5. Roast uncovered for about 50 minutes until the skin looks golden and starts crisping.
  6. While the turkey roasts, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, cinnamon, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  7. After 50 minutes of roasting, brush half of the glaze evenly over the turkey skin. Return the turkey to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, brushing the remaining glaze halfway through this period.
  8. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast; it should read 165°F (74°C). Tent loosely with foil if skin browns too quickly.
  9. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
  10. Carve against the grain and drizzle any leftover glaze over the slices before serving.

Notes

Patting the skin dry is essential for crispy skin. Let the turkey rest after roasting to keep it juicy. Apply glaze in layers to avoid burning due to sugar content. Use a meat thermometer for best results. The glaze can be made ahead and warmed before use. For a sugar-free glaze, substitute honey with maple syrup or erythritol. Slow roasting at 300°F for 2 hours is an option for ultra-tender meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, holiday turkey, easy turkey recipe, juicy turkey breast, Thanksgiving turkey, weeknight dinner