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If you love bold flavor and juicy, tender turkey, this Cajun Roasted Turkey Breast is the perfect centerpiece for your next dinner or holiday gathering. Using a simple homemade Cajun-style seasoning blend and a rich butter rub, this recipe delivers crisp skin, savory spice, and a moist interior every time. Whether you’re cooking for a small crowd or want a flavorful alternative to a whole turkey, this dish is both easy and impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This roasted turkey breast comes together quickly with pantry spices and a little butter. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, smaller holiday meals, or meal prep. The Cajun seasoning gives it a warm, slightly spicy kick without overwhelming the meat, making it a crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and mild-flavor fans alike.
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast (2 to 8 pounds), preferably bone-in
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Cajun Roasted Turkey Breast
1. Preheat and Prepare
Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the Cajun Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, thyme, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne.
3. Create the Butter Rub
Mash the softened butter and olive oil together with the seasoning blend until a smooth paste forms.
4. Season the Turkey
Gently loosen the turkey skin with your fingers. Spread half of the butter mixture underneath the skin. Rub the remaining half all over the outside of the turkey.
5. Roast the Turkey
Roast for roughly 20 minutes per pound, or until the thickest part of the breast reaches 160°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, as cook time varies by size and whether the breast is boneless or bone-in.
6. Rest Before Slicing
Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 15 minutes. The temperature will rise to 165°F as it rests. Slice and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Cajun turkey breast pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Consider serving it with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy contrast
- Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
- Cajun dirty rice for a deeper Southern-inspired meal
- Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits to balance the spice
- Cranberry sauce if preparing this as a holiday entrée
- Fresh garden salad for a lighter option
For sandwiches, slice thin and layer on toasted rolls with lettuce, tomato, and a smear of Cajun mayo.
Recipe Variations
Milder Version:
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a gentler heat.
Smoky Cajun Turkey:
Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or place the turkey in a smoker at 275°F until cooked through.
Herb-Forward Variation:
Increase oregano, thyme, and basil for a more classic herb-roasted flavor.
Boneless Turkey Breast:
Reduce cook time slightly and check temperature earlier, as boneless meat cooks faster.
Citrus Cajun Twist:
Add zest of 1 lemon or orange to the butter mixture for brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless turkey breast?
Yes. Boneless turkey breasts cook faster, so begin checking the temperature earlier and aim for 160°F before resting.
How do I keep the turkey breast from drying out?
Using butter under the skin helps retain moisture. Also avoid overcooking by relying on a meat thermometer rather than time alone.
Can I prepare the seasoning ahead of time?
Absolutely. The Cajun spice mix can be made up to several weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or increase the olive oil slightly.
How long does leftover turkey last?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Cajun Roasted Turkey Breast
Ingredients
- 1 turkey breast 2 to 8 pounds, preferably bone-in
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place turkey breast in a roasting pan or 9×13-inch dish.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, thyme, black pepper, white pepper, and cayenne.
- Mash softened butter and olive oil together with the seasoning blend to form a paste.
- Gently loosen the turkey skin. Spread half the butter mixture under the skin and rub the remaining half over the top.
- Roast for 20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F in the thickest part.
- Remove from oven, tent with foil, and rest for 15 minutes until temperature rises to 165°F. Slice and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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