Print

Perfect Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast for Two

cranberry orange glazed turkey breast for two - featured image
Print Recipe

A tender, juicy turkey breast for two with a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze that caramelizes into a glossy, jammy coating. Perfect for a small gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe proves that cooking for two can be just as satisfying as a big feast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2 to 2.5 lb) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast half
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh rosemary or sage sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, honey, orange zest, melted butter, dried thyme, cinnamon, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prep the turkey: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Place it in your roasting pan or baking dish. Season generously on all sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan around the turkey, not over the top.
  5. First roast: Place the turkey in the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 25 minutes.
  6. First glaze: After 25 minutes, remove the turkey from the oven. Using a basting brush, apply a generous layer of the cranberry orange glaze all over the turkey breast. Return it to the oven.
  7. Continue roasting: Roast for another 15 minutes. Remove and apply another layer of glaze. Repeat this process every 15 minutes until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) when measured at the thickest part of the breast. Total roasting time is typically 60-75 minutes.
  8. Check for doneness: The turkey is done when the internal temperature hits 160°F (71°C). It will continue to rise to 165°F (74°C) as it rests. If the skin is browning too quickly, tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
  9. Rest the turkey: Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
  10. Make the pan jus (optional): While the turkey rests, pour the pan juices into a small saucepan. Skim off any excess fat. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  11. Carve and serve: Transfer the rested turkey to a cutting board. Slice against the grain into thick slices. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with a little of the pan jus, and garnish with fresh rosemary or sage sprigs if desired.

Notes

Pat the turkey breast dry for crispy skin. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Apply glaze in thin layers every 15 minutes to build a caramelized crust. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. If the skin browns too quickly, tent with foil.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey breast for two, cranberry orange glaze, small turkey roast, holiday dinner for two, easy turkey recipe

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/perfect-cranberry-orange-glazed-turkey-breast-for-two/