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Perfect Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

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This tender, juicy slow cooker turkey breast features a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s a forgiving, impressive dish perfect for entertaining or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in, skin-on turkey breast (5–6 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 orange, quartered
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cook for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in rosemary sprig if using. Let cool.
  2. Prep the turkey: Pat turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin, then season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and garlic powder.
  3. Layer the aromatics: Place quartered onion, smashed garlic, quartered orange, and fresh thyme sprigs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Add the turkey: Place seasoned turkey breast on top of aromatics, skin side up.
  5. Apply first glaze layer: Remove rosemary sprig from glaze. Brush a generous layer of glaze all over the turkey breast, especially on the skin. Reserve remaining glaze.
  6. Cook on low: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part.
  7. Glaze every 30 minutes during the last hour: During the final hour of cooking, brush another layer of glaze onto the turkey every 30 minutes.
  8. Rest and slice: Once turkey reaches 160°F, transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Finish the glaze: While turkey rests, pour remaining glaze into a small bowl. If too thick, stir in a tablespoon of cooking liquid from the slow cooker.
  10. Slice and serve: Carve turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch thick slices. Drizzle with reserved glaze and serve immediately.

Notes

For deeper color, sear turkey breast in a hot skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to slow cooker. If skin isn’t brown enough after cooking, broil for 2-3 minutes. Don’t lift the lid too often during cooking. If glaze becomes too thick, add a splash of orange juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker turkey breast, cranberry orange glaze, turkey breast recipe, holiday turkey, easy turkey dinner

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