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turkey piece with sage
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Cajun Style Turkey

Bring something fascinating to Thanksgiving this year with this Cajun Turkey recipe. Crispy on the outside and juicy tender on this inside. This is the recipe to make!
Course Dinner, Holiday Dinner, Thanksgiving Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 People
Calories 275kcal
Author Savory Thoughts

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

Turkey Pieces

  • 3 Lbs. Turkey Legs  We used 2 packs of 1 ½ pound per pack
  • 1 ½ Lbs. Turkey Thighs2 ¼
  • 2 ¼ Lbs. Turkey Breast

Cajun Seasoning Blend

  • ½ Stick Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 2 Tsp. Kosher Salt
  • 1 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Tsp. Cajun Seasoning
  • 2 Tsp. Paprika
  • 2 Tsp. Cumin
  • 2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
  • ½ Tsp. Cayenne Pepper Optional
  • 1 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter For basting

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F.
    Wash and pat dry the turkey parts as directed here in our how to clean a turkey post. Set aside. 
    Next, in a separate bowl, add in the melted butter, salt, ground pepper, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (optional). Mix well to combine. 
    Using a pastry brush, apply the seasoning mixture all over the meat. Cover the meat with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. And allow to sit or “marinate” for 24 hours. If you are press for time, 30 minutes will also be sufficient. 
    step 1 to make cajun turkey
  • Transfer the meat to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 450 degrees. Then remove the meat from the oven and cover with aluminum foil. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes. 
    When the timer goes off, uncover the meat, baste with 1 tablespoon of butter, and continue baking for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove the meat from the oven, serve and enjoy. 
    turkey legs and pieces with sage

Video

Notes

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Calories are estimated per serving. 
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Nutrition

Serving: 6People | Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1804mg | Potassium: 56mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 7mg