🦃 Cranberry Turkey Breast – Sweet, Savory & Stress-Free
Looking for an easy, flavor-packed turkey recipe that tastes like the holidays but takes almost no effort? Meet your new favorite: Cranberry Turkey Breast. It’s juicy, tangy, and sweet — cooked low and slow in the crockpot until tender perfection. 🍂✨
This recipe captures all the cozy flavors of Thanksgiving dinner — the cranberry sauce, the savory onion notes, the tender turkey — but without the fuss of roasting a whole bird. Just a few pantry staples, a slow cooker, and a few hours of patience are all you need for pure comfort food bliss. ❤️
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Set it and forget it: Your crockpot does all the work!
- ✅ Perfectly tender and juicy: Slow cooking ensures moist, flavorful turkey every time.
- ✅ Holiday flavor, everyday simplicity: Enjoy Thanksgiving vibes any day of the year.
- ✅ Minimal cleanup: Just one slow cooker and one mixing bowl.
Chef Ree Drummond says, “When you can throw dinner in the slow cooker and walk away — that’s a win.” And this recipe proves it! 🥰
🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs)
- 1 (14 oz) can whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6–7 hours | Total Time: 7 hours | Servings: 6–8
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Place Turkey in the Crockpot
Place your boneless turkey breast in the bottom of your slow cooker. If it has a netting, you can leave it on during cooking — it helps the meat hold its shape.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, chicken broth, brown sugar, thyme, salt, and pepper. This creates a sweet and savory glaze that infuses the turkey with flavor as it cooks. 🍒
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the cranberry mixture over the turkey breast, making sure it’s evenly coated. Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Slice and serve with that rich, glossy cranberry sauce spooned on top. Perfect for serving with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or roasted vegetables. 🥔🍗
👨🍳 Pro Chef Tips
Chef Ina Garten:
“Always let your turkey rest before slicing. It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite tender and moist.”
Chef Gordon Ramsay:
“A splash of orange juice or zest in the cranberry sauce adds brightness that balances the sweetness beautifully.”
Chef Ree Drummond:
“Double the sauce — you’ll want extra for spooning over mashed potatoes and veggies!”
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.
- Add a side of buttery dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
- For a lighter meal, pair with a simple harvest salad with apples and pecans.
🍯 Flavor Variations
- Orange-Cranberry Turkey: Add 2 tablespoons of orange marmalade or a splash of orange juice for citrus brightness.
- Herb Lovers: Add fresh rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy-Sweet Version: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or a spoonful of Dijon mustard for depth.
- Thanksgiving Upgrade: Add sliced carrots, onions, and celery to the crockpot for a built-in side dish.
🥗 Nutrition & Health Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious — it’s also a wholesome, high-protein meal that’s surprisingly light. Turkey is lean and packed with nutrients, while cranberries add antioxidants and natural sweetness.
| Ingredient | Amount (per serving) | Health Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey Breast | 150g | High in lean protein and vitamin B6 |
| Cranberries | 30g | Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C |
| Thyme | 1 tsp | Anti-inflammatory and aromatic |
| Chicken Broth | 60ml | Adds electrolytes and depth of flavor |
Approximate Calories per serving: 280 kcal
💡 Healthier Options:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness.
- Use fresh cranberries and simmer your own sauce for a homemade touch.
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze sliced turkey with sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
⚠️ Food Safety:
Always cook turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, especially when using a slow cooker.
🍷 Perfect Pairings
- Drink: A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir complements the cranberry and turkey flavors beautifully.
- Side Dish: Serve with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Maple Glazed Carrots.
- Dessert: Finish with Texas Buttermilk Coconut Pie for a sweet ending.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Turkey Breast
1. Can I use frozen turkey breast?
Yes — thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.
2. Can I make this in the oven?
Yes! Bake covered at 325°F for 90 minutes, then uncovered for 15 more to brown slightly.
3. Can I use jellied cranberry sauce?
Whole berry works best for texture, but jellied will still deliver the sweet-tart flavor.
4. What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
Use 2 tablespoons of minced onion, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
5. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes — cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, but low and slow gives the most tender results.
6. What’s the best turkey size for this recipe?
3–4 pounds works perfectly in a standard 6-quart slow cooker.
7. Can I use turkey tenderloins instead?
Absolutely — just reduce cook time to about 4–5 hours on low.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook a day in advance and reheat with sauce before serving — it tastes even better the next day!
9. How do I thicken the sauce?
Whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch into a little broth and stir into the sauce; heat until thickened.
10. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker can handle it — increase cooking time by about 1 hour.
💬 Final Thoughts: Holiday Flavor Without the Hassle
This Cranberry Turkey Breast is proof that you don’t need to spend all day in the kitchen to create something special. It’s tender, juicy, full of cozy flavors, and perfect for everything from Thanksgiving to a simple Sunday supper. 🦃🍷
As Chef Ina Garten reminds us, “Simple can be spectacular — especially when it’s made with love.” This slow cooker turkey recipe is just that — comforting, festive, and stress-free. ❤️
So dust off your crockpot, grab a can of cranberry sauce, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of a holiday feast made easy. Every bite is sweet, savory, and totally satisfying. 🍂
