Cajun Turkey Breast is a delicious turkey recipe that is easy to make. It's coated in a homemade Cajun spice rub and roasted until juicy and tender. This is a great main dish for holiday dinners or any time you're craving turkey.
This Cajun seasoned turkey breast is a great option for Thanksgiving if you're serving a smaller group, but it's not just for holidays. It's easy to make and great when you want slices of juicy turkey with your favorite side dishes.
The seasoning takes a plain turkey breast to a whole new level. First, I mix up my own spice rub with common pantry ingredients, andthen the meat is roasted until it's tender and delicious.
Turkey breast is a great option if you're hosting a small holiday dinner because it's a lot easier to deal with than a whole turkey, and you're not left with tons of leftovers. I cook a bone-in turkey, and it always comes out great.
How to Make Cajun Spice Rub
You don't need to buy a container of pre-made Cajun seasoning. If you check your spice rack, you probably have the individual spices on hand so you can make your own.
- Kosher salt
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground oregano
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper
Just mix them up in a small bowl, and it's ready to go. Sometimes I double or triple this Cajun dry spice rub recipe and store it in an airtight container. That way, I can use it for other recipes, too.
Baked Turkey Breast Ingredients
- 5 to 8-pound bone-in turkey breast
- Olive oil
- Cajun seasoning mix
- Flour
For this recipe, you'll also need an oven bag and a roasting pan with a rack.
How to Make Cajun Turkey Breast
Pre-heat oven to 350°F. While it heats, prepare the turkey.
First, place the turkey breast skin-side-up on a cutting board and pat it dry with paper towels. Next, rub the olive oil all over it, and then coat it with the Cajun spices.
Open the oven bag and add the flour inside. Gather the opening to close the bag and shake it, so the flour coats the inside.
Place the turkey breast inside the bag, seal the opening with the zip tie or tie the opening into a knot. Place the bagged turkey on the rack in the roasting pan. Be sure it is facing with the skin side up.
Cut three half-inch slits in the top of the bag. The vents will allow steam to escape while the turkey bakes.
Bake the turkey at 350°F for approximately 13 to 14 minutes per pound. For a five-pound breast, this will take about 65 to 70 minutes. It's done when the juices run clear, and the internal temperature is 165°F.
Let the turkey rest in the bag for 15 minutes at room temperature. Once it's rested, use scissors to cut open the bag to remove the turkey. Place the cooked turkey breast on a cutting board to slice before serving.
Recipe Tips
Most likely, you will need to buy a frozen turkey breast, so plan to thaw it ahead of time. The safest way to do this is in the refrigerator. For a five-pound breast, it will take up to two days to thaw.
How long it takes to cook a turkey breast depends on the oven temperature and the size of the breast. I like to bake mine at 350°F, so I estimate it will take 13 to 14 minutes to cook for every pound. So, check how much yours weighs and multiply the weight by the cooking time.
Keep in mind, the cooking time is an estimate, and the best way to know when your turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Take it out of the oven once it's 165°F. If it stays in longer, the meat will dry out.
Don't toss out the drippings – you can use them to make homemade gravy to go with your dinner.
Side Dish Recipes
Whether you make this for a holiday dinner or a regular dinner, this Cajun turkey breast goes with many side dishes. Here are some you might like to try:
- Vegetables: Roasted green beans, butternut squash, air fryer asparagus, or roasted potatoes.
- Holiday Sides: Try mashed potatoes, seared mushrooms, or a crisp fall salad.
- Bread: Homemade garlic knots are excellent with it, too.
Whatever you decide to serve it with, the Cajun turkey breast will be the star of the table. The seasoning mix gives it tons of flavor, and it's so easy to make you don't have to wait until Thanksgiving to try it. Enjoy!
Cajun Turkey Breast Recipe
Ingredients
Cajun Rub
- 1/8 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Turkey
- 1 5-to-8- pound bone in turkey breast we used a 5.5 pound
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 turkey oven bag
- Roasting pan with Rack
Instructions
Cajun Rub
- In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients well. Set aside
Turkey
- Preheat oven to 350° F
- Pat Turkey dry with paper towels. Place turkey on a large cutting board skin side up. Rub the olive oil all over the turkey. Take the Cajun rub and cover the turkey gently patting it over the skin.
- Take you oven bag and add the flour. Shake so flour is dispersed through the bag. Place turkey into the bag skin side up. Seal the turkey bag with the zip tie provided with the bag or tie the end off. Cut about 3 (1/2 inch) slits in the top of the bag to vent.
- Place the on the roasting pan rack skin side up
- Place in oven and roast for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours. Internal temperature should be 165°F. Note that cooking times vary depending on size. As a rule use 13.5 minutes per pound.
- Remove turkey from oven and let rest for about 15 minutes in the bag. Using scissors, cut the bag away and carefully transition to a cutting board. It will be hot. Carve your turkey and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- We used a frozen turkey breast. We thawed it out in our refrigerator for two days so plan ahead.
Nutrition
Cajun Turkey Breast is a delicious turkey recipe that is easy to make. This is a great main dish for holiday dinners or any time you're craving turkey!
Mel is an IT guy turned blogger and is discovering his love of cooking and photography. If you ever have Fantasy Football questions, he's your guy.
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