Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender pan-roasted turkey breast infused with fresh sage and topped with a tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for a festive holiday meal. This American-inspired holiday recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs skin-on turkey breast, fresh sage leaves, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub 2 pounds skin-on turkey breast with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and finely chopped 8 fresh sage leaves. Let rest 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the turkey breast skin side down for 5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast turkey for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: While turkey roasts, combine 1 cup fresh cranberries, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and remaining 4 sage leaves in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  5. Step 5: Simmer cranberry mixture for 10-12 minutes until berries burst and sauce thickens to a glaze consistency, stirring occasionally.
  6. Step 6: Slice turkey breast and serve drizzled with warm cranberry glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep skin-on turkey breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Roasted Turkey Breast with Sage and Cranberry Glaze?

American holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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