This Turkey Breast with Cranberry Orange Sauce is a wonderful dish that brings together tender, juicy turkey and a bright, flavorful sauce made from fresh cranberries and zesty orange. The sauce has just the right balance of sweet and tangy, making every bite feel special and full of color. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something festive but still simple to prepare.
I love making this recipe when I want to brighten up dinner without too much fuss. The cranberry orange sauce is so easy to whip up, and it adds a burst of freshness that really complements the turkey. Whenever I serve it, people always ask for seconds, which tells me I’m doing something right! My little tip is to let the sauce sit a bit before serving so all the flavors can mingle nicely.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish is with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also great for holidays or cozy dinners when you want something comforting but a little different than the usual. Every time I make it, it brings a warm, happy feeling around the table — the kind you want to come back to again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: Boneless turkey breast cooks quickly and stays juicy. Skin-on adds extra flavor and helps keep moisture. If you can’t find turkey breast, chicken breast is a fine substitute.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a tart, bright flavor essential for the sauce. If fresh aren’t available, frozen cranberries work well too—just thaw before cooking.
Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest brighten up the sauce and add a lovely citrus note. If fresh oranges aren’t handy, use bottled juice but avoid concentrates for the best taste.
Brown Sugar: This balances the tart cranberries and adds depth. You can use honey or maple syrup instead if you prefer a different sweetness type.
Herbs and Aromatics: Thyme adds an earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey and cranberries. Fresh thyme is best, but dried works fine. Garlic and shallots add gentle, savory complexity to the sauce.
How Do You Make the Perfect Cranberry Orange Sauce?
Making the sauce is simple but key for great flavor and texture:
- Combine cranberries with fresh orange juice, zest, brown sugar, chicken broth, garlic, and shallot in a pan.
- Simmer over medium heat—cranberries will burst and the sauce will thicken, about 10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to help break down the berries evenly.
- The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still have some whole cranberries for texture.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or juice to loosen it.
Making the sauce separately before adding it to the turkey lets you control the taste and consistency perfectly. I like to taste and adjust sweetness as it cooks—you can add a pinch more sugar or zest for balance.
What’s the Secret to Juicy Turkey Breast?
Turkey breast can dry out if not cooked carefully. Here’s how to keep it moist:
- Sear the turkey first in hot oil to lock in juices and create a golden crust.
- Roast it in the oven at a steady 375°F (190°C).
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature—remove it exactly at 165°F (74°C).
- Let the turkey rest 10 minutes before slicing so juices redistribute.
- Baste the turkey during roasting with the cranberry-orange sauce to add moisture and flavor.
These steps help you get tender, flavorful meat every time without dryness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Ovenproof skillet or roasting pan – I recommend this because it sears the turkey and goes straight into the oven, saving on dishes.
- Large saucepan – perfect for simmering the cranberry-orange sauce until thick and flavorful.
- Meat thermometer – helps you cook the turkey just right without drying it out.
- Spatula or cooking spoon – for stirring the sauce and basting the turkey.
- Cooking tongs – to sear the turkey evenly and handle it carefully when transferring to the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of cinnamon to the sauce for extra depth and warmth.
- Use fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme to give the dish a different herbal note.
- Stir in chopped apples or pears into the cranberry sauce for a fruity twist and extra sweetness.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or ginger for a little warmth and spice, especially if you like a bit of heat.
Turkey Breast with Cranberry Orange Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey:
- 2 lbs boneless turkey breast, skin-on or skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
For The Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Time Needed
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare and sear the turkey, plus 25–30 minutes for roasting. The cranberry orange sauce simmers for about 10 minutes while the turkey sears. Add another 10 minutes resting time before slicing. In total, plan for about 50 minutes from start to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Turkey
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the turkey breast dry and season it evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. This simple seasoning brings out the turkey’s natural flavor and pairs well with the sauce.
2. Sear the Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet or pan over medium-high heat. When hot, carefully place the turkey breast in the skillet. Sear each side until it’s golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. This step locks in the juices and gives a nice color to the meat.
3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
While the turkey sears, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, chicken broth, minced garlic, and chopped shallot in a separate saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
4. Roast the Turkey with Sauce
Pour half of the cranberry orange sauce over the seared turkey in the ovenproof skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 25–30 minutes. Baste the turkey with the sauce a couple of times during roasting for extra moisture and flavor.
5. Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to settle. Slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick pieces. Serve topped with the remaining cranberry orange sauce and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for color and fresh aroma.
Enjoy your delicious, festive Turkey Breast with vibrant Cranberry Orange Sauce – a perfect centerpiece for holiday meals or cozy family dinners!
Can I Use Frozen Turkey Breast for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry well to help it sear nicely and avoid excess moisture in the pan.
Can I Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before pouring over the turkey to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover turkey and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, covering to retain moisture.
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well with this sauce and similar cooking times. Just be sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
