Name: Cranberry Turkey Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489671H5M34S
Total time: 6 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 boneless turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs); 1 can (14 oz) whole berry cranberry sauce; 1 packet onion soup mix; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste

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I’m excited to share this delicious and easy-to-make recipe for cranberry turkey breast — perfect for a cozy dinner or holiday meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the sweet-tangy flavor of cranberry sauce complements the lean turkey breast, creating a comforting dish with minimal fuss. The method is simple and forgiving — you get juicy, tender turkey surrounded by a flavorful sauce, and I appreciate how the sauce doubles as a tasty topping to drizzle over the slices. The recipe also uses accessible pantry ingredients, so it’s great for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion without too much stress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 boneless turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs)
1 can whole berry cranberry sauce (14 oz)
1 packet onion soup mix
1 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper

Directions

Place the turkey breast into your crockpot (slow cooker).
In a bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, onion soup mix, chicken broth, brown sugar, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.
Pour that sauce-mixture over the turkey in the crockpot.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 6–7 hours, until the turkey is tender and juicy.
Once cooked, slice the turkey and serve it with the sauce spooned on top.

Servings and Timing

Serves: about 6 people (assuming a 3–4 lb turkey breast)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~6–7 hours on LOW in the crockpot

Variations

For a different flavor twist, substitute the dried thyme with rosemary or sage, or add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy note.
Instead of whole-berry cranberry sauce you could use jellied cranberry sauce for a smoother texture.
If you prefer oven roasting, you can adapt the recipe: place the turkey in a roasting pan, pour the sauce over, bake at ~ 375 °F (190 °C) until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C), then rest before slicing.
You can also use bone-in turkey breast or even dark meat cuts; if you do, increase the cooking time accordingly.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
To reheat, place slices of turkey in a baking dish, pour a little of the sauce or chicken broth over top (to prevent dryness), cover with foil, and warm in a 325 °F (163 °C) oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of broth/sauce to keep it moist.
The sauce can also be stored separately and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, then poured over the turkey when serving.

FAQs

What if I only have a smaller turkey breast (2 lbs)?

If your turkey breast is around 2 lbs instead of 3–4 lbs, you can reduce the sauce ingredients slightly (for example, use 3/4 of each amount) and reduce the cooking time — check doneness earlier, as it may finish faster.

Can I cook this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?

Yes — you can adapt it for roasting: place the turkey breast in a roasting pan, pour the sauce over, roast at ~ 375 °F (190 °C), and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C). Rest the meat for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Can I use a bone-in turkey breast?

Absolutely. Using a bone-in turkey breast will add flavor, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time because bone-in pieces take longer to reach safe internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness in the thickest part of the meat (near the bone).

What can I serve alongside this dish?

This turkey pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, steamed or roasted vegetables (such as green beans or Brussels sprouts), stuffing or dressing, and maybe a simple salad. The cranberry sauce adds a festive flavor, so sides that are more neutral or mildly seasoned work very well.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

Yes — you can cook the turkey and sauce ahead, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat the turkey slices with the sauce and serve warm. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly so the internal temperature reaches at least 165 °F (74 °C) for food safety.

Conclusion

I’m confident this cranberry turkey breast recipe will become one of your favorites for both everyday meals and special occasions. It delivers rich, comforting flavor with simplicity and ease. I look forward to hearing how it turns out for you — enjoy your cooking!