Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables

Want a dish for Thanksgiving that will feed a small family? Then you'll LOVE the flavors of this Cajun-style baked turkey breast with vegetables! This easy turkey breast recipe features bold Cajun spices, a healthy vegetable mix and buttery goodness, perfect for any occasion.

One year, my family had no energy for Thanksgiving. It was a rough October, a rough fall, actually, and we just couldn't find much to be thankful for. But I still wanted to spend the evening around the table with my family, holding hands and sharing some semblance of tradition. And that's how this sheet-pan baked turkey breast came to be.

This recipe combines tender turkey breast with a mix of colorful vegetables in a buttery sauce. These are seasoned with Cajun spices, garlic, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick. The dominant flavors are smoky, spicy, and savory, perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat and zest. Plus, the gravy from the turkey drippings is amazing!

Now, this dish is one of my favorite easy one-pan dishes. So much more than just a dish for Thanksgiving, this turkey breast recipe is here to save the day whenever I need a satisfying, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen, I pull out my Cajun-style baked turkey breast with vegetable recipe.

I love making this recipe for weeknight dinners, but it's versatile enough for Sunday gatherings or even special occasions. It only takes an oven and about 45 minutes to cook, and it's a full, hearty meal that practically cooks itself. The prep is simple, so I get to have extra time to enjoy a chapter from a book while it's baking. 

My kids look forward to this specific turkey recipe because it's a fun twist on our usual meals, and I don't complain because of how easy it is to throw together. The Cajun flavors make it feel like a super special dish, a mini celebration on a regular weeknight for me.

If you're looking for a Thanksgiving dinner to feed a couple or a small family, then this turkey breast is for you. And if you're just on the market for a flavorful, family-friendly dish that makes busy nights taste like a 5-hour dinner preparation, this Cajun turkey breast will be a hit, as well.

Ingredients

• Bone-in turkey breast - this turkey cut is perfect for roasting or baking because it's juicy, while the bone adds richness to the dish.
• Garlic powder - adds a garlicky flavor to the turkey.
• Onion powder - adds a sweet flavor to the turkey.
• Cajun seasoning - adds a spicy, bold flavor, and is essential for the signature Cajun taste.
• Large onion, chopped - the sweetness of the onion adds sweetness and complements the flavors of the turkey.
• Frozen vegetable mix - adds nutrition and more flavor to the dish. You can go with any veggies you like, from the basic and classic peas, carrots and corn to a more adventurous Italian mix, for example.
• Garlic, minced - gives a stronger garlicky taste.
• Chicken broth - adds moisture and depth to the flavor, this is also a great gravy base.
• Worcestershire sauce - adds umami and a hint of tanginess.
• All-purpose flour - used to thicken the broth and create a a rich gravy.
• Fresh parsley (plus more for garnish, if desired) - adds a mild, herb flavor and enhances the presentation of the dish.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-step instructions

If you want to make a juicy and flavorful baked turkey breast with minimal hassle, you’ve come to the right recipe! Follow these clear instructions to prepare a delicious Cajun-style turkey dinner that is easy to make and sure to impress.

Prepare the Turkey Breast

Start by preparing the turkey breast. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This spice blend will give your turkey a delicious Cajun flavor. Mix these ingredients until well combined, then rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the turkey breast, ensuring all sides are coated for maximum flavor.

Make the Broth Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. This broth will create a flavorful sauce as the turkey cooks. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Place the Turkey in the Baking Dish

Next, place the seasoned turkey breast in a baking dish or Dutch oven. Arrange it in the center to allow even cooking. While at it, chop one large onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Add these chopped vegetables to the baking dish, placing them around the turkey breast. Also, add 1 cup of frozen vegetable mix. These vegetables will enhance the flavor and provide a great side dish.

Combine Everything

Pour the chicken broth mixture over the turkey breast and vegetables in the baking dish. Make sure the turkey is mostly covered by the liquid to keep it moist during cooking.

Bake the Turkey Breast

Cover the baking dish with a lid or aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then place the covered dish inside. Bake for 1 ½ hours. This initial cooking time allows the turkey breast to become tender.

Finish Baking

After 1 ½ hours, carefully remove the lid or foil. Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps the turkey breast get even more tender and allows the sauce to thicken. To ensure the turkey is cooked properly, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy

Once the turkey breast is done, remove it from the oven. If desired, garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the Cajun-style turkey breast hot, spooning the flavorful sauce over the top. This dish pairs perfectly with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy this delicious and easy meal that's sure to impress!

Storage

To store Cajun-style baked turkey breast with vegetables, allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate the turkey and vegetables for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, portion the turkey and vegetables into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, place the turkey and vegetables in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warm. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

What to Serve with Cajun Style Baked Turkey Breast With Vegetables

For Thanksgiving, I always accompany this turkey breast with a side dish like my air fryer asparagus. A rutabaga casserole offers an unexpected root vegetable side!

This turkey recipe is best paired with recipes that will complement its Cajun flavor, this butternut squash wild rice pilaf with pomegranate seeds recipe is always great to pair with recipes like these, it doesn't overpower the main course's flavors but enhances it. Another recipe is the Mexican healthy air fryer tostones, it adds a new crunchy texture that is different from the juicy and tender turkey.

Recipe