This pan-roasted turkey breast is bursting with flavor from orange and mustard. It’s a perfect match with sweet potatoes and green beans on the side—yum!
Cooking it all in one pan means fewer dishes for me! Plus, the colors on the plate are so cheerful. It’s like dinner’s throwing a little party! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Breast: A boneless skin-on turkey breast is perfect. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken breasts instead. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken cooks faster!
Mustard: Whole grain mustard adds great texture. You could swap it with yellow mustard or even honey mustard for a sweeter touch. Just remember to taste as you go!
Orange: Fresh orange zest and juice is key for flavor. If oranges aren’t in season, use bottled orange juice or lemon zest as a substitute. It won’t be the same, but still worth it!
Sweet Potatoes: I love sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness. If you want a change, you can use regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a different twist.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans are crunchy and tasty. Canned or frozen green beans are also fine; just reduce the cooking time to avoid mushiness!
How Do I Get the Turkey Skin Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that crispy turkey skin is all about the searing process! Here’s how you can do it:
- First, make sure your skillet is hot enough! Preheat it over medium-high heat before adding oil.
- Pat the turkey breast dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Use paper towels to dry the skin well.
- When you place the turkey skin-side down, don’t move it around! Let it sear for the full 4-5 minutes to develop a golden crust.
- Once flipped, apply the mustard-orange glaze—it infuses flavor while the skin continues to crisp up in the oven.
Letting the turkey rest after cooking is also essential. This allows the juices to redistribute, helping keep the meat tender and juicy while ensuring the skin stays crispy!
How to Make Pan-Roasted Orange Mustard Turkey Breast with Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey:
- 1 (2 to 3 lb) boneless skin-on turkey breast
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
For the Vegetables:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for green beans)
- Salt and pepper for vegetables
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 15 minutes to prep and around 35-40 minutes to cook. So, in less than an hour, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to impress your family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and black pepper on all sides. This step helps to ensure that the skin crisps up nicely during cooking!
2. Make the Mustard-Orange Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, orange zest, orange juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This will be your flavorful glaze that adds a zesty kick!
3. Sear the Turkey:
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the turkey breast skin-side down into the skillet. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes, until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.
4. Apply the Glaze and Add Sweet Potatoes:
Now flip the turkey breast over and brush the top and sides generously with the mustard-orange glaze you prepared earlier. Scatter the sweet potato chunks around the turkey in the skillet. Season these with a little salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil if you like.
5. Roast in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey breast reaches 165°F (74°C). About halfway through (around 15 minutes in), toss the sweet potatoes to cook them evenly and brush a little more glaze on the turkey if desired.
6. Prepare the Green Beans:
While the turkey roasts, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn bright green and are just tender. Drain them and set aside for now.
7. Sauté the Green Beans:
About 5 minutes before the turkey is done, take those green beans and sauté them in a pan with the optional butter, adding a pinch of salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, you can throw in some minced garlic or shallot for extra flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the turkey breast is cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the turkey rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing. While it rests, add the chicken broth or wine to the skillet with the sweet potatoes and scrape up any yummy browned bits from the bottom to make a tasty pan sauce.
Slice the rested turkey breast, serve it alongside the roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed green beans, and drizzle some of that delicious pan sauce over everything. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful meal!
How Can I Substitute the Turkey Breast?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the turkey breast with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be aware that chicken will cook faster, so check for doneness around 25 minutes.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mustard-orange glaze and chop the vegetables up to a day in advance! Store them separately in the refrigerator. Just be sure to season and sear the turkey right before roasting for optimal flavor and texture.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the turkey and vegetables in the microwave or on the stove. For best results, warm them gently to avoid drying out the turkey.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Without the Glaze?
Yes, you can roast the turkey breast with just salt, pepper, and olive oil. While it may not have the same zing, you can serve it with a dip on the side, like a garlic aioli or a simple gravy, to enhance the flavor.