If you are craving a dish that brings tender, juicy turkey together with a vibrant, tangy sweetness, then this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce is going to be your new favorite. Picture a beautifully roasted turkey breast bathed in a perfectly balanced glaze of honey, orange, and a hint of spice that makes every bite burst with delightful flavors. This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also simple enough for any home cook to master, ensuring your next meal is a celebration of color, texture, and incredible taste.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this mouthwatering Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce, you’ll rely on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together to create magic. Each element plays a crucial role, from bringing moisture and sweetness to adding depth of flavor and that gorgeous golden hue we all love.

Turkey breast (about 4 pounds): Choose a fresh or thawed turkey breast for the perfect centerpiece.
Orange zest: Provides a bright and fresh citrus aroma that lifts the whole dish.
Orange juice (1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness and acidity for balanced flavor.
Brown sugar (2 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons): Deepens the sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow, savory undertone without overpowering.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances the savory profile naturally.
Vegetable oil or olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps with roasting and browning while keeping the turkey moist.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup): Imparts a luscious, sticky sweetness that complements the orange perfectly.
Salt and pepper (1/2 teaspoon each): Essential for highlighting all the flavorful elements.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to sizzle aromatics for the sauce.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Fresh garlic kick for the sauce base.
Freshly grated ginger (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle zing and warmth.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A touch of heat to balance the sweetness.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings umami and richness to the Honey Orange Sauce.
Water (2/3 cup): Blends with cornstarch to thicken the sauce perfectly.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Creates that glossy, thickened sauce texture that clings beautifully to turkey slices.

How to Make Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan

Start by setting your oven temperature to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the bottom of your roasting pan with foil to make cleanup easier later on. Drizzle the pan with a little vegetable or olive oil so the turkey doesn’t stick while roasting—this simple step ensures your bird will brown beautifully without any fuss.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine the orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens—it’s the beautiful blend of sweet, citrusy, and savory notes that will infuse every bite of your turkey.

Step 3: Rub and Roast the Turkey

Generously rub the marinade all over your turkey breast, making sure every nook and cranny is covered. Place the bird in the prepared roasting pan, then pour any remaining marinade over the top for extra flavor. Cover the entire pan with foil to keep the turkey moist during cooking, and pop it in the oven.

Step 4: Roast Until Perfectly Cooked

Roast your turkey breast for about an hour and a half. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the skin to brown and crisp up beautifully. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s safe and juicy. The aroma at this stage will have your kitchen smelling irresistible.

Step 5: Slice and Prepare the Optional Honey Orange Sauce

Once the turkey is cooked, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. For the Honey Orange Sauce, start by mixing the cornstarch and water in a small cup until smooth. In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. When it’s sizzling, toss in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir immediately to prevent any burning.

Step 6: Bring the Sauce Together

Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet, including the cornstarch mixture. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers—it will thicken and become glossy, perfect for drizzling over your turkey slices. Remove from heat once it reaches the right consistency and get ready to serve!

How to Serve Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh orange zest or finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness when serving this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce. Thin slices of orange or a few red pepper flakes on top can also enhance the dish’s vibrant presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This turkey pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a more adventurous twist, try pairing it with quinoa salad with dried cranberries or a citrusy couscous to complement the orange notes in the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by colorful citrus wedges and sprigs of herbs. You can also carve the turkey into thick slices and arrange them fan-like on a platter, then generously drizzle with the glossy honey orange sauce for that “wow” factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover turkey slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this dish even on busy days.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. Slice the turkey first, place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, and label with the date. Frozen turkey breast can last up to 3 months and is perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the turkey slices gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the meat. Reheat the Honey Orange Sauce separately on the stove and drizzle over warm turkey for maximum flavor enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use a whole turkey instead of a turkey breast?

While this recipe is tailored for a turkey breast to ensure even cooking and tenderness, you can roast a whole turkey but will need to adjust cooking times and may want to apply the sauce differently for best results.

Is the Honey Orange Sauce necessary?

The sauce is optional but highly recommended as it adds a luscious, tangy finish that complements the roasted turkey wonderfully. Without it, the turkey will still be tasty, but the sauce truly elevates the dish.

Can I substitute orange juice with another citrus?

Absolutely! Lemon or grapefruit juice can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will shift slightly. Orange offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart for this recipe.

How do I know when the turkey is done?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the breast to ensure food safety and perfect juiciness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the Honey Orange Sauce. All other ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

When you want a show-stopping meal that’s full of flavor and surprisingly easy to pull off, this Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce is your answer. It’s vibrant, cozy, and absolutely delicious, perfect for family dinners or special occasions. I hope you give this recipe a try—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a treasured favorite in your kitchen too!

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast – With Honey Orange Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Oven Roasted Turkey Breast recipe features a juicy, tender turkey breast enhanced with a flavorful honey orange sauce. The marinade of orange zest, juice, brown sugar, and spices creates a deliciously sweet and savory profile, while the optional honey orange sauce adds a glossy, zesty finish that pairs wonderfully with your favorite side dishes. Perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion, this recipe ensures a succulent turkey breast that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom of a roasting pan with foil and drizzle with vegetable or olive oil to prepare the pan.
Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, vegetable oil, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.
Rub the Turkey: Generously rub the marinade all over the turkey breast. Place the turkey in the prepared roasting pan. Pour any remaining marinade over the top of the turkey and cover the pan with foil.
Roast the Turkey: Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 hours. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the skin to brown nicely. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Slice and Serve: Once the turkey is fully cooked, remove from the oven, let it rest briefly, then slice the turkey breast. Serve it drizzled with the optional Honey Orange Sauce and alongside your preferred side dishes.
Prepare the Honey Orange Sauce (Optional) – Combine Cornstarch Mixture: In a small cup, mix the water and cornstarch until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and wait until it’s hot and sizzling. Add minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir immediately to prevent burning.
Mix Sauce Ingredients: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, orange zest, and the cornstarch-water mixture to the skillet. Stir continuously to combine.
Simmer and Thicken: Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce lightly simmers and thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat once thickened.
Serve the Sauce: Drizzle the warm Honey Orange Sauce over the sliced turkey breast before serving.

Notes

Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F to guarantee it’s fully cooked.
For more intense orange flavor, consider zesting an additional half orange into marinade or sauce.
You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweet note in the marinade and sauce.
Rest the turkey for 10-15 minutes after roasting to help retain juices and ensure moist slices.
The honey orange sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfectly cooked turkey without overcooking.
Adjust red pepper flakes in the sauce to control the heat level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American