Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange: A Sweet and Tangy Holiday Favorite

Every holiday season, I find myself coming back to this comforting dish. I first made it one cold December evening when I didn’t have time for a full roast turkey. I tossed together cranberry sauce, mandarin oranges, and a few pantry staples in my crockpot and hoped it would taste good. Hours later, the kitchen smelled incredible, and the turkey came out tender and full of flavor. That moment turned this Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange recipe into a new family favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange, it reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter, mismatched plates, and the smell of something sweet and savory slow-cooking all afternoon. What makes this dish special isn’t just how easy it is, it’s the way it blends the warmth of the season into one pot. The tangy cranberry sauce melts into the juicy turkey while the mandarin oranges add a light citrus twist that keeps each bite bright and fresh.

When I was developing this recipe for Mastered Recipes, I wanted to capture the flavor of a holiday feast without the stress of roasting a full bird. I found that slow-cooking turkey with cranberry sauce and oranges creates that perfect balance of tender meat and sweet-tart glaze, just like my favorite family dinners. You can even serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete festive meal.

I also love how this dish fits right in with other cozy recipes from my kitchen, like the Crockpot Maple Orange Cranberry Chicken. It’s part of that same tradition of bringing comfort to the table with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange

There’s something comforting about recipes that call for simple pantry ingredients. This Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange dish proves that you don’t need fancy sauces or complicated steps to create something special. Every ingredient plays a role in giving the turkey that signature sweet and tangy flavor that fills the kitchen with a festive aroma.

The Essentials You’ll Need

Start with a fresh or thawed turkey breast or tenderloin. I like using about two pounds, which fits perfectly in a standard crockpot and cooks evenly without drying out. You’ll also need one can of whole berry cranberry sauce, this is what gives the turkey that rich, ruby-red glaze and natural sweetness. To balance that sweetness, a packet of onion soup mix adds savory depth, while half a cup of chicken broth keeps the meat juicy and flavorful as it cooks. A couple of tablespoons of brown sugar help the glaze caramelize beautifully, creating that glossy finish that looks like something straight out of a holiday cookbook.

Here’s a quick look at everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Turkey breast or tenderloin	2 lbs
Whole berry cranberry sauce	1 can (14 oz)
Onion soup mix	1 packet
Chicken broth	½ cup
Brown sugar	2 tbsp
Mandarin orange slices (drained and lightly crushed)	1 can

Why These Ingredients Work So Well Together

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance. Cranberry brings tartness, mandarin oranges add bright sweetness, and the onion soup mix grounds everything with savory depth. As they cook together, the flavors blend into a glossy sauce that coats the turkey perfectly. The chicken broth helps everything stay moist, while brown sugar ties it all together with a hint of caramel flavor.

It’s the kind of ingredient list that feels both simple and festive, perfect for busy cooks who still want something that tastes like a homemade holiday feast. For another cozy holiday recipe that uses similar pantry staples, check out Holiday Cranberry Herb Chicken Feast.

How to Cook Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange

Cooking this Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange is simple, rewarding, and practically foolproof. It’s one of those recipes that lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting while your home fills with the sweet scent of the holidays. With just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a tender, juicy turkey coated in a tangy-sweet sauce that’s perfect for any festive table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The secret to this recipe’s flavor is layering everything in the right order. Start by placing your turkey breast or tenderloin at the bottom of your crockpot. This allows it to soak up all the juices as it cooks. In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, drained mandarin oranges (lightly crushed), onion soup mix, chicken broth, and brown sugar. Stir until everything blends into a thick, colorful mixture that smells like the holidays in a bowl.

Once it’s ready, pour the sauce over the turkey, covering it evenly. Place the lid on your crockpot and set it to LOW for 6 to 7 hours. There’s no need to peek or stir, the slow, steady heat will keep the turkey moist while letting the flavors mingle perfectly. When it’s done, the turkey should pull apart easily with a fork and be coated in that glossy cranberry-mandarin glaze.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

To keep the meat tender, always cook on LOW instead of HIGH. The gentle heat helps the turkey stay juicy and lets the sauce reduce naturally into a sweet, sticky glaze. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to let a bit of moisture escape.

Once cooked, spoon that beautiful sauce over your sliced turkey and garnish with a few whole cranberries or orange zest for a festive touch. Serve it warm alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted carrots for a full meal. For another cozy slow-cooked dinner that delivers the same comforting flavors, take a look at Slow Cooker Smothered Chicken Recipe.

FAQs and Conclusion

Before wrapping up this recipe, here are a few common questions readers often ask about the Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange dish, along with simple, practical answers to help you make it perfect every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you love slow-cooked comfort dishes with a creamy twist, you’ll also enjoy the Crockpot Angel Chicken from RecipeFeast, it pairs beautifully with holiday flavors like this turkey and cranberry mandarin glaze.

Conclusion

This Holiday Turkey Cranberry Mandarin Orange is more than just a main dish, it’s a way to bring the feeling of the holidays into your kitchen without any stress. It’s tender, flavorful, and simple enough to prepare even on busy days. The tangy cranberry and bright mandarin orange blend make every bite taste festive and comforting.

Whenever I make this dish, I think of how something so simple can still feel special. That’s what the holidays are about, sharing good food and good memories. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this recipe fits right in on any table.

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