If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aromas and delights your taste buds, this Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe is absolutely a must-try. Tender turkey breast slowly cooked to perfection mingles with fresh oranges and tart cranberries, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and savory that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings an effortless elegance and heartwarming comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet impactful ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. With just a handful of fresh and pantry staples, you’ll create a vibrant dish that tastes as good as it looks.
- 3-4 pounds Turkey Breast: The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 large sweet Oranges: Fresh slices add bright citrus notes and a burst of natural sweetness.
- 1 package Cranberries: Their tartness perfectly contrasts with the turkey and orange, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Ground Garlic Salt: Adds savory depth and a touch of pungency to the seasoning mix.
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt: Enhances the overall flavor with balanced herbs and spices.
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Pepper: Brings subtle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Ground Garlic Powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor for that irresistible aroma.
- 1/2 stick Butter (4 Tablespoons): Adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar: Provides a hint of caramelized sweetness that helps harmonize the ingredients.
- 1 package fresh Rosemary to garnish: Fresh herb garnish adds a fragrant, pine-like aroma and a pop of green color.
How to Make Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Initial Cooking
Start by warming up your Crock Pot on the highest setting with the lid on for at least 30 minutes. Meanwhile, carefully remove the outer wrapping of your turkey breast and give it a good rinse under cool water. Pat it dry thoroughly to get a nice sear and better texture during cooking. Place the turkey into the preheated Crock Pot and season generously with garlic salt, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, and garlic powder. Cover with the lid and cook on high for about 2 to 3 hours to lock in those incredible flavors.
Step 2: Add Fruit and Finish Cooking
After the initial cooking phase, turn your Crock Pot to low and use a ladle to baste the turkey breast with its own flavorful juices—this step keeps the meat moist and tender. Next, add the sliced oranges and rinsed cranberries right on top, arranging thin slices of butter around the fruit. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over everything for a delicate sweetness that will marry perfectly with the tart berries. Cook on low for another 2 to 3 hours until the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 170 degrees and the fruits have softened into a gorgeous sauce.
Step 3: Rest and Serve
Once your turkey’s cooked through, switch the Crock Pot to “keep warm” and get ready to serve. Transfer the turkey breast to a platter and slice it into one-inch thick pieces to show off the juicy interior. Surround the slices with the orange and cranberry mixture and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for a beautiful presentation that tastes as wonderful as it looks.
How to Serve Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh rosemary not only adds a burst of color but also infuses an aromatic freshness that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the turkey and fruit. You might also add a sprinkle of chopped orange zest or a few whole cranberries for added visual appeal and zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe calls for side dishes that complement its vibrant character—consider creamy mashed potatoes, a warm wild rice pilaf, or roasted root vegetables. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the turkey and cranberry sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your turkey breast on a rustic wooden board surrounded by sprigs of rosemary and orange slices for a festive centerpiece. Individual servings plated with a drizzle of the cranberry-orange juices on the side elevate this homey meal to something truly special. For holiday gatherings, you can even carve the breast tableside for an interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover turkey breast and cranberry-orange sauce should be stored in airtight containers and kept in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making for convenient next-day meals or tasty sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe longer, freezing is a great option. Place cooled turkey slices and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat your turkey, gently warm it in a covered pan over low heat to prevent drying out, adding a splash of the reserved sauce or broth as needed. Using a microwave is fine for time-saving, but keep it covered and heat in short intervals to keep the turkey juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use turkey thighs instead of breast in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey thighs are more forgiving and tend to stay moister due to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking times slightly to ensure they are fully cooked through and tender.
Is it necessary to rinse the turkey before cooking?
Rinsing poultry is optional depending on personal preference, but if you do rinse, make sure to clean your sink and surfaces thoroughly afterward to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a Crock Pot?
This recipe is designed for slow cooking, so while you can adapt it for an Instant Pot, cooking times and liquid amounts will need adjusting to suit pressure cooking.
What kind of cranberry package should I use?
Fresh cranberries are best for the bright flavor and texture they add; however, frozen cranberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Avoid canned cranberries, as they tend to be too sweet and mushy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or coconut oil, and you’ll still get that luscious richness without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe is a true game-changer when it comes to easy, flavorful meals that everyone will love. The harmonious blend of sweet citrus, tart cranberries, and savory turkey cooked low and slow makes for a dish that feels special and comforting all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it and to hear about how it becomes a happy tradition in your home!
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Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crock Pot Cranberry Orange Turkey Breast recipe offers a tender, flavorful poultry dish infused with bright citrus and sweet cranberries. Slow-cooked to perfection, this turkey breast is seasoned with aromatic spices and enhanced by butter and brown sugar, creating a delightful balance of savory and sweet. Garnished with fresh rosemary, it makes an impressive and easy meal perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Turkey
- 3–4 pounds Turkey Breast
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Ground Garlic Salt
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Coarse Ground Garlic Powder
Fruits and Garnish
- 2 large sweet Oranges
- 1 package Cranberries (fresh)
- 1 package fresh Rosemary (for garnish)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 stick Butter (4 Tablespoons)
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Crock Pot and Prepare Turkey: Turn your Crock Pot to the highest setting and place the lid on to warm for at least 30 minutes. Remove the outer wrapping from the turkey breast, rinse it under cool water, and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Place the dried turkey breast into the warmed Crock Pot and season evenly with coarse ground garlic salt, seasoned salt, seasoned pepper, and garlic powder. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours.
- Adjust Cooking and Add Fruits: After the initial high heat cooking, turn the Crock Pot to low. Using a ladle, baste the turkey breast with the cooking juices inside the pot. Continue to cook on low for an additional 2 hours, allowing the turkey to absorb the flavors and stay moist.
- Add Oranges, Cranberries, Butter, and Brown Sugar: Slice the oranges into 1/3-inch slices and add them to the Crock Pot along with rinsed cranberries. Thinly slice the butter and distribute the slices around the edges of the pot on top of the fruit. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the fruit and butter. Cover again and cook on low for another 2 to 3 hours. When done, insert a poultry thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 170°F (done). Switch the Crock Pot to ‘Keep Warm’ until ready to serve.
- Serve the Turkey Breast: Remove the turkey breast carefully and place it on a serving platter. Slice into 1-inch slices. Arrange the cooked oranges and cranberries around the turkey. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs. Serve alongside gravy and your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure to wash hands, utensils, and surfaces thoroughly after handling raw turkey to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the turkey breast and Crock Pot model; always check the internal temperature to confirm doneness.
- Fresh cranberries add a tart contrast, but frozen can be used if fresh are unavailable, just rinse before use.
- Make sure the crock pot lid stays on during cooking to retain moisture and heat.
- For added flavor, you can baste the turkey occasionally with the cooking juices or add a splash of chicken broth before starting.
