Turkey Breast with Cranberry Orange Sauce is a simple, delicious way to enjoy some classic flavors with a fresh twist. The juicy turkey breast pairs beautifully with the tangy and slightly sweet cranberry orange sauce, which adds a bright splash of color and flavor to the plate. This recipe feels like a perfect balance between familiar tastes and something just a little special.
I love making this dish when I want something a bit lighter but still festive, especially around the holidays or any family dinner. The sauce is super easy to whip up with fresh cranberries and orange zest, and I like to simmer it until it gets bubbly and thick enough to spoon right over the turkey. It’s such a nice change from plain gravy, and the citrus really wakes up the whole meal.
My favorite way to serve this turkey is with some simple roasted veggies or a cozy mashed potato side. I always think it’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, making the meal feel warm and inviting. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to whenever I want a little bit of comfort with a tasty, colorful punch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: Using boneless, skinless turkey breast gives you lean, tender meat that cooks evenly. If you can’t find turkey breast, chicken breast works well as a substitute, just adjust cooking time slightly.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide that perfect tartness and burst of flavor. If you only have frozen cranberries, thaw them first and drain any excess water to avoid a watery sauce.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice brightens the sauce, while zest adds extra citrus aroma. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled juice can work, but fresh zest is best for flavor.
Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries. You can swap for honey or maple syrup, but start with a little less and adjust to taste since these are sweeter.
Thyme: Thyme gives an earthy, savory hint that complements the fruitiness. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage are good alternatives for a similar herbal note.
How Do You Get Tender, Juicy Turkey Breast Every Time?
Turkey breast can dry out easily, so searing and baking it right is key:
- Sear First: Brown the turkey breasts over medium-high heat to lock in juices and build flavor. Don’t skip this step.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This helps you go straight from stove to oven without losing heat or transferring meat.
- Check Internal Temp: Use a meat thermometer to cook until 165°F (75°C) internal temperature. This ensures it’s cooked through but not overdone.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the turkey rest 5-10 minutes after baking. This lets juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet – I recommend a cast-iron or stainless steel skillet that can go from stovetop to oven, making the process easier and less messy.
- Meat thermometer – helps you cook the turkey to the perfect temperature without overcooking or drying it out.
- Small saucepan or pot – for simmering the cranberry orange sauce until thick and flavorful.
- Cooking spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and turning the turkey during searing.
- Meat carving board and knife – for slicing the rested turkey breast neatly before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for turkey for a similar but slightly different taste; chicken is quick and still delicious.
- Add a splash of brandy or Grand Marnier to the sauce for a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Mix in sliced apples or pears into the cranberry sauce for extra sweetness and texture.
- Use rosemary or sage instead of thyme to change up the herbal note and match different flavor preferences.
Turkey Breast with Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
- 2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional for warmth)
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 10 minutes to prepare, about 20-25 minutes baking time, plus a 5-10 minute resting period. So in total, plan for about 35 to 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Turkey:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breasts dry with paper towels. Rub both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and thyme to add flavor.
2. Sear the Turkey:
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the turkey breasts. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This seals in juices and adds a lovely color.
3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
While the turkey is searing, mix the cranberries, orange juice, water, brown sugar, orange zest, balsamic vinegar (if using), and grated ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Stir gently to combine.
4. Bake the Turkey with Sauce:
Pour the cranberry orange sauce mixture around and partway over the seared turkey breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skillet from the oven and spoon some sauce over the turkey breasts. Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy. Slice the turkey and serve with plenty of the cranberry orange sauce. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pretty, fragrant finish.
This tasty dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, making a lovely meal for any occasion.
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. This helps the turkey cook evenly and stay juicy.
Can I Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Warm it gently on the stove before pouring it over the seared turkey breasts to bake.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or orange juice if the sauce thickens too much.
What Can I Serve with Turkey Breast and Cranberry Orange Sauce?
This dish goes great with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a light salad for a fresh balance. Choose sides that complement the tangy-sweet sauce without overpowering it.
