When the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, there’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and spice. This Cajun style baked turkey breast with vegetables does just that—bringing a touch of Southern heat to your dinner table without fuss.
Last weekend, as the first hints of fall crept in, I decided to try this recipe. As the turkey baked, the house filled with the smoky aroma of paprika and a hint of cayenne that teased the senses without overwhelming. The vegetables roasted alongside the turkey absorbed all those spicy drippings, their edges caramelizing to a perfect golden brown. When it was time to eat, the turkey was juicy and tender, with a bold, flavorful crust that paired beautifully with the sweet, soft potatoes and crisp carrots. The whole meal felt like a warm hug after a long day—comforting and just a little adventurous.
- The Cajun seasoning mix creates a rich, smoky flavor that clings to juicy turkey.
- Roasting vegetables together with the turkey lets all the flavors meld naturally.
- The dish requires minimal prep but delivers a satisfying, hearty meal.
- Perfect for family dinners or a weekend gathering when you want something special.
If you’re worried about spice levels, the seasoning can be adjusted easily to suit your taste without sacrificing flavor.
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Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast with Vegetables
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A flavorful and juicy Cajun style baked turkey breast paired with roasted vegetables, perfect for a hearty and spicy meal.
Ingredients
1 (4-pound) boneless skin-on turkey breast
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium yellow onion, cut into wedges
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika to make the Cajun seasoning.
Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the turkey breast.
Generously rub the Cajun seasoning mixture all over the turkey breast, ensuring even coverage.
In a large roasting pan, toss the carrots, red potatoes, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and minced garlic with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Place the seasoned turkey breast on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the vegetables moist during baking.
Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C) and the vegetables are tender.
Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve the sliced turkey breast alongside the roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
FAQ
Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely. You can season the turkey and chop the vegetables the day before, then simply roast when ready.
What if I don’t have all the spices? The core flavors come from paprika, garlic, and cayenne, but you can customize with what you have—oregano and thyme add nice depth.
How do I know when the turkey is done? A meat thermometer is your best friend. When the internal temperature hits 165°F, it’s perfectly cooked.
Can leftovers be frozen? Yes, store cooked turkey and veggies in an airtight container and freeze for up to two months.
This Cajun baked turkey breast with vegetables is a reliable crowd-pleaser that makes weeknights feel special. Give it a try—you might find it becoming a new favorite to revisit when you want something both cozy and spirited on your plate.