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Perfect Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast

slow cooker cranberry orange turkey breast - featured image
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This incredibly tender and juicy slow cooker turkey breast is glazed with a sweet-tart cranberry and orange sauce. It’s a hands-off, stress-free recipe that makes you look like a hero, perfect for holidays or any dinner party.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 large navel orange, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken or turkey broth
  • Optional, for the sauce: 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. Prep the turkey: Take the turkey breast out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Season generously all over with salt and pepper, getting under the skin if possible.
  2. Sear the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, place the turkey skin-side down and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
  3. Build the flavor base: While the turkey sears, add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), chopped rosemary, thyme, smashed garlic, and broth to the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Assemble and cook: Place the seared turkey breast on top of the cranberry mixture, skin-side up. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
  5. Rest the turkey: Carefully transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for at least 15 minutes.
  6. Make the sauce: While the turkey rests, pour the cooking liquid through a fine-mesh sieve into a small saucepan, pressing on solids. If desired, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Adjust seasoning.
  7. Carve and serve: After resting, slice the turkey breast against the grain into thick slices. Arrange on a platter, spoon some sauce over the top, and serve the rest on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip the sear—it adds deep flavor. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Thicken the sauce right before serving. The turkey can be cooked ahead and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, cranberry orange turkey, holiday turkey, easy turkey recipe, gluten-free turkey, dairy-free turkey

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/perfect-slow-cooker-cranberry-orange-turkey-breast/