Funky Bird (a.k.a. Southwestern Turkey Breast)

Name: Funky Bird (a.k.a. Southwestern Turkey Breast)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh lemon juice; 3/4 cup orange juice; 1 cup kosher salt; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup chopped yellow onions; 2 oranges, halved; 2 jalapenos, minced (with their seeds); 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 2 tablespoons chopped garlic; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican; 1 (6 1/2 pound) whole turkey breast; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows; Poblano Chocolate Mole, recipe follows; 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika; 2 tablespoons salt; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 1 tablespoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano; 1 tablespoon dried thyme; 1 pound poblano chiles; 1 large yellow onion, peeled and halved (root end left on); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/2 cup pine nuts

Servings: persons

1 cup fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup orange juice
1 cup kosher salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup chopped yellow onions
2 oranges, halved
2 jalapenos, minced (with their seeds)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican
1 (6 1/2 pound) whole turkey breast
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
Poblano Chocolate Mole, recipe follows
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 pound poblano chiles
1 large yellow onion, peeled and halved (root end left on)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 cup shelled pistachio nuts
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups chicken stock or canned low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 ounces semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream

1
["In a large non reactive container, combine lemon juice, orange juice, kosher salt, light brown sugar, yellow onions, oranges, jalapenos, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, and oregano with 1 gallon water and stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.", "Put the turkey in a large colander and rinse under cold, running water, then add the turkey breast to the brine, cover, and refrigerate, turning occasionally, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.", "Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.", "Remove the turkey from the brine and put it breast side up in a large, heavy roasting pan and pat dry with paper towels.", "Rub the turkey with vegetable oil and sprinkle both sides with Essence.", "Roast until deep golden brown and an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees F., about 1 hour and 45 minutes.", "Transfer to a platter and let stand for 15 minutes before carving.", "Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.", "Yield: about 2/3 cup", "Recipe from ""New New Orleans Cooking"

1297

kcal

Calories

Fat

112

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 40 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 3/4 cup orange juice, 1 cup kosher salt, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and more.

Yes, Funky Bird (a.k.a. Southwestern Turkey Breast) falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!