Why It Works

Indian Spiced Turkey gives a bold, non-traditional twist on classic roasted turkey. A Greek yogurt marinade keeps the meat incredibly tender while a mix of warming spices—cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and garam masala—infuses every bite with rich flavor. Pair it with a sweet Apricot Apple Chutney for a fresh, festive touch.

Recipe

Ingredients

For the Turkey

• 1 whole turkey breast (3–4 pounds)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Apricot Apple Chutney

• 1 cup chopped dried apricots
• 1 cup peeled, diced apples
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Marinate the Turkey

• In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, spices, garlic, ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Coat the turkey breast thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.

2. Roast the Turkey

• Preheat oven to 425°F.
• Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a baking pan. Roast for 30 minutes to develop color.
• Reduce oven temperature to 325°F and continue roasting for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

3. Make the Apricot Apple Chutney

• In a small saucepan, combine apricots, apples, apple cider vinegar, honey, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
• Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is soft and the mixture is thickened.
• Serve alongside sliced turkey.

Getting Kids Involved

• Let kids measure the spices and stir the yogurt marinade.
• They can help stir the chutney as it cooks under supervision.
• Older kids can arrange the turkey on the roasting rack or help garnish slices before serving.

Pro Tips, Meal Prep, and Time Savers

• Marinate Ahead: Overnight marinating intensifies the flavor and ensures the turkey stays juicy.
• Use a Thermometer: Avoid overcooking by checking that the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
• Prep Chutney in Advance: Make the Apricot Apple Chutney a day ahead to save time on roasting day—it tastes even better after the flavors meld.
• Rest the Turkey: Letting it rest 15 minutes before slicing helps retain juices.
• Alternate Spices: Adjust garam masala or cinnamon to taste for a milder or bolder flavor profile.

This Indian Spiced Turkey is a simple, flavorful way to elevate any holiday meal while keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Indian Spiced Turkey

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

This Indian Spiced Turkey is one of my favorite ways to switch things up from a classic roasted turkey. The yogurt-based marinade keeps the turkey unbelievably moist while infusing it with bold, aromatic spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Every bite is packed with flavor and feels just a little unexpected—in the best way.

Instead of traditional cranberry sauce, this turkey is served with a simple Apple Apricot Chutney. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the warm spices beautifully and really elevates the entire dish. It’s a great option for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or anytime you want a standout turkey recipe that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Indian Spiced Turkey

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• Juice of 1 lime

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 tablespoon garam masala

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 1 (3–4 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast, tied

Apple Apricot Chutney

• 1 apple, cored, peeled, and cubed

• 1/2 cup dried apricots (preferably unsulphured)

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon curry powder

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

• Marinate the Turkey
  Place the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic, ginger, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and salt in a gallon-sized zip-top bag. Use your hands on the outside of the bag to mix everything together thoroughly. Add the turkey breast, seal the bag, and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor.
• Roast the Turkey
  Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the marinated turkey breast on a sheet pan or in a baking dish. Roast for 30 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. Continue roasting for about 50 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the turkey registers 160°F.
• Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
• Make the Apple Apricot Chutney
  While the turkey rests, place all chutney ingredients in a small pot. Cook over low to medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the fruit softens. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until smooth.

Serve the chutney spooned over the sliced turkey or on the side.

• Author: Miks