Cajun Blackened Turkey Breast
This Cajun blackened turkey breast recipe is the best reason not to reserve turkey for Thanksgiving. It’s easy to make, faster than a whole turkey, and full of big, bold flavors.
While ground turkey and turkey lunchmeat are everyday kind of foods, if you’re like most people, oven-roasted turkey probably only hits your dinner table for Thanksgiving and maaaaybe Christmas. Why hasn’t turkey become a regular dinner option? Let’s make it happen!
This Cajun blackened turkey breast is the perfect Sunday supper. The size is right—you don’t need a crowd to feed—and it doesn’t require hours of prep and cooking. The Cajun seasonings give turkey a whole new spin—this blend is earthy, spicy, fragrant, and deeply savory.
If you’re hosting a smaller scale Thanksgiving feast, Cajun blackened turkey breast will work well for that too. You can reduce the amount of cayenne a bit for those who prefer a tamer heat level!
Ingredients for Cajun Blackened Turkey Breast
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Cajun Seasoning – Black pepper, onion powder, paprika, salt, dried thyme, garlic powder, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Boneless Turkey Breast – Look for a turkey breast that is about 3 pounds and has the skin on.
- Butter – Let this come to room temperature so it’s easy to spread.
How to Make Cajun Blackened Turkey Breast
For printable instructions, check out the recipe card below.
- Prepare. Preheat your oven to 450˚F, whisk together the Cajun seasoning, and coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Season the turkey. Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel. Mix the butter and Cajun seasoning, then spread half of it under the turkey skin and spread the rest on top of the skin.
- Cook. Bake the turkey breast for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350ºF and bake for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Finish. Allow the turkey breast to rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Breast
Making this Cajun blackened turkey breast is easy, but these pointers will help you make sure it turns out perfect.
- Use a meat thermometer. This isn’t just for food safety! It also keeps the turkey tender and juicy because you’ll know exactly when it’s done, instead of guessing.
- Don’t skip the rest. Allowing the turkey to rest before slicing is crucial. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, rather than running all over your cutting board.
- Cut across the grain. This tip isn’t just for steak! When slicing the turkey breast, make sure to cut across the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces. Cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To store leftover Cajun blackened turkey breast, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat leftover turkey, preheat your oven to 325˚F, place the turkey in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.
What to Serve With Cajun Blackened Turkey Breast
- Turkey Gravy
- Southern Cornbread Stuffing
- Cranberry Chutney
- Roasted Green Beans
- The Best Mashed Potatoes
- 5 Minute Maple Bourbon Gravy
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Mascarpone and Brown Butter
More Turkey Recipes
- Crockpot Turkey Breast
- Roast Turkey Recipe
- Turkey Meatballs
- Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
- Turkey Salad
- Dry Brine Turkey
- Turkey Meatloaf
- Spatchcock Turkey
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Get the Recipe: Cajun Blackened Turkey Breast
Ingredients
For the cajun seasoning:
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
For the turkey breast:
- 3 lb boneless turkey breast
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Equipment
- 1 roasting pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450˚F.
- In a bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the cajun seasoning and set aside.
- Coat a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Pat the turkey breast dry with a paper towel and loosen the skin on the turkey breast by carefully pulling it away from the meat with your fingers.
- Mix the butter together with the cajun seasoning until well blended and spread 1/2 the butter mixture under the skin to coat the turkey breast.
- Spread the remaining butter of the top of the skin and transfer the turkey breast to the baking dish.
- Bake the turkey breast for 15 minutes until the skin starts to brown.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350˚F and continue to bake for 1 hour or until the temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Remove the turkey breast from the oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes. (You can cover with foil to keep the turkey warm.)
- Slice the turkey across the grain and serve.