Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

Siri, Can I Make Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving? Yes, indeed, you can absolutely make a turkey breast for Thanksgiving! Simple Oven Roasted Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey during Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey…

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Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Siri, Can I Make Turkey Breast for Thanksgiving?

Yes, indeed, you can absolutely make a turkey breast for Thanksgiving! Simple Oven Roasted Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey during Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 

Though I love making this recipe for Thanksgiving, it works for other occasions, including Sunday dinners. If you want a Turkey recipe for smaller party sizes, this is for you!

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

How to Make Easy, No-Fuss Thanksgiving Turkey

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it, and if you’re not planning now, you’re going to have to scramble. By far, one of my favorite things to make is this zesty orange glazed turkey breast. When we only have a few guests coming, it’s the easiest thing to do. If you’re not hosting many people or none of your guests are into dark meat, they will sing your praises for this juicy, tender, and flavorful turkey breast!

I love a whole Thanksgiving turkey, but I have to be honest here and tell you that sometimes, making that whole bird is exhausting. It takes a long time to cook, it’s heavy to lift, and half the time, I have very few people going for that dark meat. Instead, I choose to make the turkey breast and with this recipe, it comes out so juicy and perfect. Everyone is happy and the fabulous glaze really brings out the best of this meat. 

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

How to Get Flavor Into Turkey Breast?

Getting flavor into turkey breast requires a little planning. You’re going to need to come up with the flavors first. In other words, know what you will need to season the turkey breast. Such as Cajun, orange glaze, lemon pepper, etc. Know the spices and herbs you need and secure them before cooking.
Season/Marinate every part of the turkey breast. Letting it marinate for at least 30 minutes is essential though if you can marinate it overnight. You’ll have the best flavors from this recipe!

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Why You Will Love This Festive/Holiday Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe:

  • You can make this ahead!
  • This recipe won’t keep you in the kitchen forever!
  • Orange-glazed turkey breast is the perfect turkey recipe for beginner cooks.
  • You won’t have anyone complaining that they don’t like dark meat.
  • It’s full of flavor and juicy.
  • You won’t need to try to lift a humongous whole turkey in and out of the oven.
  • The orange glaze gives it a unique taste everyone will clamor for.
  • It’s just the most perfect recipe for a tender turkey breast with sensational flavor!
  • Ideal for small families.
Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!
healthy easy turkey recipes to try

Easy Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Every year my kids look forward to Thanksgiving and are most fascinated by the menus. Sometimes, I painstakingly go through with making a whole turkey bird. However, the majority of the time, I like making turkey breast. Check out my easy Thanksgiving menu featuring my favorite orange-glazed turkey breast!

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Tools You Will Need:

Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Recipe Ingredients

  • Turkey breast (from an entire turkey; making two breasts)
Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Ingredients for Turkey Breast Marinade:

Turkey breast (from an entire turkey), Butter, Rosemary, Orange zest, Garlic, Knorr chicken bouillon, Salt, and Black pepper

Ingredients for the Orange Glaze:

Orange marmalade, Orange juice, Maple syrup or honey, Mustard, Cinnamon and Allspice
You may add salt and pepper if need be. Maple syrup is not pictured.

How to Make Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast (Step-by-Step)

Here’s how to you can make the most perfect orange glazed turkey breast in your oven!

  1. Preheat oven and prep

    You’ll start by preheating your oven to 325F. Meanwhile, place clean room temperature turkey breasts into a clean bowl. I used turkey breast from an entire turkey which makes 2 turkey breasts though you can always buy turkey breast already cut out of the turkey if you’d prefer.Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

  2. Marinate Turkey Breasts

    Next, you’ll take all the turkey marinade ingredients and combine. Then pour it all onto your turkey breast, using your hands to massage it onto the turkey breasts. Make sure every part of the turkey breast is coated. You can let the turkey breast marinate for 30 minutes or prep this step in advance to let it marinate overnight.Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

  3. Bake

    When you’re ready to cook the turkey breast, place the rack in the baking pan and place seasoned turkey breasts on the rack. Put this all into the preheated oven.Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

  4. Make the Glaze

    As your turkey breast bakes, make the orange glaze by combining all the glaze ingredients into a small pot onto your stove, stirring until combined. Boil it on low until it simmers and thickens, then set aside.Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

  5. Glaze the Turkey Breasts

    Pull the turkey out of the oven and glaze the turkey breasts with the orange glaze. Do this every 25 to 30 minutes as it cooks, using the silicone brush to apply it.Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

  6. Finish the turkey

    You will cook the turkey breast until it is done, which will depend on the size and weight of the turkey breast. When the internal temperature reaches 165F on your meat thermometer, it is ready. Let it cool before carving and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Tips and Recipe Notes

  • I did not get this turkey breast from the store. I had carved them out last time when I got a whole turkey, and I needed just the wings and legs. This is why the shapes don’t exactly look like store-bought turkey breasts.
  • Ensure to taste the marinade when you mix them up. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
  • Please note that I used salted butter.
  • Always use a meat thermometer when making turkey breast in the oven. You’ll want to make sure it’s fully cooked at 165F internally.
  • Let the turkey breast rest after pulling it out of the oven. It should cool down enough, about 20 minutes, before you carve it up and serve.
  • Feel free to make use of those pan drippings for gravy! Yum!
Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

What to Serve with Orange Glazed Thanksgiving Turkey Breast

Pomegranate Arugula Salad

Healthy pomegranate arugula salad with apples and pecans is easy to make, pretty, and perfect for any occasion! My pomegranate salad bursts with delicious flavors from the slightly spiced arugula, sweet and crisp apples, and crunchy pecans. This easy salad is bejeweled with fresh pomegranate seeds or arils and finished with pomegranate salad dressing. This would make an enviable summertime salad recipe as well! #Pomegranatesalad #arugulasalad #pomegranate #salad

Vegan Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary

A simple vegan mashed sweet potatoes recipe with rosemary, coconut milk, and coconut cream is tasty, creamy, fragrant, and sweet, making a perfect side dish for any main. Vegan mashed potatoes is ideal for family dinners or special occasions. Made without any dairy, they still come out dreamy, creamy, and full of that sweet and savory flavor! The secret to making dairy-free mashed sweet potatoes without milk and butter is to use coconut milk and coconut cream. Mashed sweet potatoes recipe is perfect during Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc.

Oven Bake Brussels Sprouts

The best honey baked brussels sprouts recipe, perfectly baked in the oven without the help of bacon and cheese. A incredible plant-based side dish you will love with all your heart!

Roasted Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is a winter squash variety that is loaded with nutrition. It's low in calories but full of fiber and deliciously hearty. This buttery roasted air fryer acorn squash recipe is flavorful, easy, and perfect for your holiday dinners. Need a quick and delicious side dish everyone will want to pile onto their plates? Air fryer roasted acorn squash is the answer you need! You can also bake fresh acorn squash in the oven if you do not have an air fryer! Baked acorn squash is the best fall side dish for the holidays!

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This creamy and insanely tasty cauliflower mac and cheese can compete with the real mac and cheese any time any day! Whether you are celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family reunion, this meal is a winner healthy side dish you want to present!

Thanksgiving Turkey FAQs

What Is The Best Way To Season A Turkey For Thanksgiving?

The best way to season a turkey for Thanksgiving is to first marinate the meat and then bake it. Adding my orange glaze is a surefire way to give it rich and delicious flavors while keeping it nice and juicy.

How To Add Flavor To Thanksgiving Turkey? 

I highly recommend following this recipe to marinate it and adding the glaze for that irresistible flavor. It creates the most colorful, juicy, and out-of-this-world taste for turkey.

How Do You Garnish Turkey Breast? 

Since this recipe uses an orange glaze, I recommend taking slices of oranges and cranberries and setting them on the perimeter of your serving platter.

What Is The Secret To A Moist Turkey? 

A moist turkey is baked at a low temperature and marinated first to really boost those flavors. The glaze will additionally help seal things in there so you’ve got the most perfect no-fail turkey breast. 

Should You Cover A Turkey Breast In The Oven? 

You can initially before the glaze goes on it, but I find that baking it uncovered gives it a gorgeous color. Also, as the glaze is basted onto the top, it helps it really bring out the color so I recommend leaving it uncovered. 

Is 325 Or 350 Better For Turkey Breast?

You should keep your oven at 325F for turkey breast. This ensures it fully cooks without drying out the meat. 

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Orange Glazed Turkey Breast Variations/Substitutions

  • You can use this method on chicken breasts, chicken wings, turkey legs, or turkey wings. I think it would also be lovely on duck or whole chicken!
  • Try swapping the mustard in the glaze for cranberry sauce.
  • Pumpkin pie spice can work for the cinnamon and allspice if you don’t have those spices separately. 
Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

HOW TO MAKE ORANGE GLAZED TURKEY BREAST

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Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Nkechi Ajaeroh, MPH
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 90 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: Americans
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 


Ingredients

Ingredients for Turkey Breast Marinade:

  • Turkey breast (from an entire turkey; 2 breasts)
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup Butter
  • 3-4 Rosemary Sprigs 
  • Orange zest from one orange
  • 1 TBS Knorr Chicken Bouillon (or less)
  • 1 Teaspoon Salt 
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Black pepper 
  • 3-4 Garlic cloves (grated)

Ingredients for the Orange Glaze:


Instructions

  1. Preheat and prep. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 325F. Meanwhile, place clean room temperature turkey breasts into a clean bowl. I used turkey breast from an entire turkey which makes 2 turkey breasts though you can always buy turkey breast already cut out of the turkey if you’d prefer. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 
  2. Marinate. Next, you’ll take all the turkey marinade ingredients and combine. Then pour it all onto your turkey breast, using your hands to massage it onto the turkey breasts. Make sure every part of the turkey breast is coated. You can let the turkey breast marinate for 30 minutes or prep this step in advance to let it marinate overnight. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 
  3. Bake. When you’re ready to cook the turkey breast, place the rack in the baking pan and place seasoned turkey breasts on the rack. Put this all into the preheated oven. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 
  4. Make the glaze. As your turkey breast bakes, make the orange glaze by combining all the glaze ingredients into a small pot onto your stove, stirring until combined. Boil it on low until it simmers and thickens, then set aside. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 
  5. Glaze the Turkey Breasts. Pull the turkey out of the oven and glaze the turkey breasts with the orange glaze. Do this every 25 to 30 minutes as it cooks, using the silicone brush to apply it. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 
  6. Finish Baking Turkey. You will cook the turkey breast until it is done, which will depend on the size and weight of the turkey breast. When the internal temperature reaches 165F on your meat thermometer, it is ready. Let it cool before carving, and serve with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again! 

Notes

I did not get this turkey breast from the store. I had carved them out last time when I got a whole turkey, and I needed just the wings and legs. This is why the shapes don’t exactly look like store-bought turkey breasts. 

Ensure to taste the marinade when you mix them up. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. 

Always use a meat thermometer when making turkey breast in the oven. You’ll want to make sure it’s fully cooked at 165F internally.

Let the turkey breast rest after pulling it out of the oven. It should cool down enough, about 20 minutes, before you carve it up and serve. 

Feel free to make use of those pan drippings for gravy! Yum!

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Simple Oven Roasted Orange glazed Turkey Breast is tender, juicy, citrusy, and incredibly flavorful! Oven-baked turkey breast makes a  perfect alternative to a full-size turkey for Thanksgiving, especially for small families. The orange glaze gives this turkey a perfectly crispy exterior yet super tasty, tender, and juicy meat. Your whole family and guest will love this recipe, and honestly, you may never have to bother with the whole turkey again!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY! Stay well, safe and keep living your life to the fullest!

Nkechi Ajaeroh's blog nkechiajaeroh.com for healthy food recipes, and healthy living. tips.

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8 Comments

  1. That glaze sounds wonderful! A lovely way to both add flavor and help keep the turkey moist.






  2. Such a beautiful glaze on this turkey! The flavors sound absolutely amazing and I love the minimal prep.






  3. The Oven-Baked Orange Glazed Turkey Breast is a triumph in the realm of home-cooked meals. You’ve managed to balance the zesty orange and robust turkey flavors in such a delightful way, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, making this a must-try for any home cook looking for a new spin on a classic dish.






    1. Thanks so much for your kind feedback, Tavo! Am glad this recipe resonates with you and that the instructions are clear. Thanks for stopping by!

  4. I am loving the flavors on this juicy, tender turkey breast. It’s a perfect dish for all year long.