Garlic Herb Turkey Skillet (Printable Version)

Tender turkey paired with garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful one-pan meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Turkey

01 - 1 pound turkey breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced
07 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Garlic & Herbs

09 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
11 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Finishing

14 - Juice of half a lemon
15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the turkey pieces with salt and pepper.
02 - Add the turkey to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - Add a little more olive oil to the skillet if needed, then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced onion, diced bell pepper, and zucchini to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables soften but remain slightly crisp.
05 - Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and basil. Cook for 2 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften.
06 - Return the cooked turkey to the skillet, tossing with the vegetables and herbs to blend flavors and warm through.
07 - Stir in the lemon juice and butter if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 35 minutes from start to plate—no complicated techniques or endless chopping.
  • Everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • The herbs stay bright and fresh while the turkey stays tender, creating a balance that somehow feels both comforting and light.
  • It adapts beautifully to whatever vegetables you have on hand without losing its character.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the pan when you're browning the turkey—if pieces are piled on top of each other, they'll steam instead of sear, and you'll miss that crucial flavor development.
  • The lemon juice at the end is not optional; it transforms something good into something that tastes intentional and refined.
  • Fresh herbs make a measurable difference here, but if you only have dried, use about one-third the amount and add them earlier so they have time to bloom in the heat.
03 -
  • Let your skillet get properly hot before adding the turkey—this single step determines whether you get a golden crust or pale, steamed meat.
  • Taste the pan juices before serving and adjust the lemon and salt; this is where amateur cooking becomes someone's favorite dinner.

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