7 Juicy Turkey Cutlet Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
Turkey cutlets are the unsung heroes of weeknight cooking. These thin, boneless slices of turkey breast cook in minutes, making them perfect for busy households. Not only are they quick to prepare, but they’re also lean, packed with protein, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for something crispy and breaded or light and lemony, these turkey cutlet recipes will help you get dinner on the table in no time.
Turkey cutlets are thin slices of breast meat that cook quickly and evenly
Why Turkey Cutlets Are Perfect for Busy Cooks
Turkey cutlets deserve a spot in your regular meal rotation for several compelling reasons. First, they’re incredibly lean, containing less saturated fat than many other protein options. A typical 4-ounce serving provides about 24 grams of protein with minimal fat, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious cooks.
The real magic of turkey cutlets lies in their cooking time. Because they’re sliced thin (usually about ½-inch thick), they cook through in just 2-3 minutes per side. This makes them one of the fastest cooking proteins available – perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.
Finally, turkey cutlets are culinary chameleons. Their mild flavor makes them perfect for a wide range of seasonings and cooking methods. From Italian-inspired dishes to Asian flavors, these versatile cutlets can take on whatever flavor profile you’re craving.
1. Garlic Parmesan Turkey Cutlets
These crispy, flavorful cutlets are coated with a savory mixture of Parmesan cheese and garlic, then baked to golden perfection. They’re a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets (about 4-6 cutlets)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine Parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place beaten egg in a separate shallow dish.
- Pat turkey cutlets dry with paper towels.
- Dip each cutlet in egg, then coat thoroughly in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place breaded cutlets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
2. Lemon Herb Turkey Cutlets (Gluten-Free)
This gluten-free option is light, bright, and perfect for spring or summer dinners. The combination of fresh herbs and lemon creates a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Add turkey cutlets and turn to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove cutlets from marinade (reserve marinade) and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer cutlets to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add reserved marinade and chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Pour sauce over cutlets and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
3. Air Fryer Turkey Cutlets with Herb Crust
Your air fryer is the secret to these incredibly crispy turkey cutlets that use minimal oil. The herb crust creates a delicious flavor and perfect texture without the mess of traditional frying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together egg and Dijon mustard.
- In another shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Pat turkey cutlets dry with paper towels.
- Dip each cutlet in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray.
- Place cutlets in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed) and spray tops lightly with olive oil.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, flip, spray again lightly, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Pan-Seared Turkey Cutlets with White Wine Sauce
This elegant yet simple recipe features a delicious white wine sauce that elevates basic turkey cutlets into a restaurant-worthy meal. The sauce takes just minutes to prepare but adds incredible flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried sage
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ⅓ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine rosemary, sage, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat turkey cutlets dry and season both sides with the herb mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey cutlets in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer cutlets to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in wine and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce is reduced by half.
- Stir in parsley and butter (if using) until melted.
- Return cutlets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them before serving.
5. Turkey Piccata with Capers
This Italian-inspired dish features a bright, tangy sauce with capers and lemon that perfectly complements the mild turkey. It’s an impressive dinner that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper.
- Pat turkey cutlets dry and dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add turkey cutlets and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in capers and parsley.
- Return cutlets to the skillet, spooning sauce over them.
- Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.
6. Turkey Cutlets with Mushroom Gravy
This comforting dish features a rich mushroom gravy that turns simple turkey cutlets into a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for cooler evenings when you’re craving something hearty but still want to keep dinner light.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Season turkey cutlets with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook turkey cutlets for 2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.
- Add mushrooms and cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown.
- Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and thyme and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir to coat.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add Worcestershire sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until gravy thickens.
- Return turkey cutlets to the skillet, spooning gravy over them.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to reheat the cutlets.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
7. Mediterranean Turkey Cutlets with Olives and Tomatoes
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this colorful, flavorful dish. The combination of olives, tomatoes, and feta creates a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the turkey cutlets.
Ingredients
- 1 pound turkey cutlets
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Season turkey cutlets with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook turkey cutlets for 2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
- Add red onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add olives, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Return turkey cutlets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and feta cheese before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Turkey Cutlets
Avoiding Dryness
- Don’t overcook: Turkey cutlets cook very quickly – just 2-3 minutes per side is usually enough.
- Use a meat thermometer: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove from heat immediately.
- Rest before serving: Let cutlets rest for 3-5 minutes before cutting to retain juices.
- Add fat: Brush with olive oil or butter before cooking to add moisture.
- Use sauces: Serve with a sauce or pan juices to add moisture and flavor.
Tenderizing Techniques
- Even thickness: Pound cutlets between plastic wrap to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Quick brine: Soak in saltwater (1 tablespoon salt per cup of water) for 15-30 minutes.
- Buttermilk marinade: Soak in buttermilk for 30 minutes to tenderize.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches to avoid steaming instead of browning.
- Proper storage: If not using immediately, store cutlets flat with parchment paper between layers.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your turkey cutlets with these delicious sides for a complete meal:
Starchy Sides
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Lemon herb rice pilaf
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Creamy polenta
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted asparagus
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
- Garlic roasted broccoli
- Simple garden salad
- Honey glazed carrots
Quick Sauces
- Lemon butter sauce
- Creamy Dijon mustard sauce
- Simple pan gravy
- Herb-infused olive oil
- Balsamic reduction
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey cutlets?
Absolutely! Chicken cutlets are an excellent substitute for turkey cutlets in any of these recipes. Simply pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even ½-inch thickness or purchase pre-sliced chicken cutlets. The cooking time will be similar (2-3 minutes per side), but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The flavors and techniques in these recipes work equally well with chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftover turkey cutlets?
To store leftover turkey cutlets, allow them to cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use a method that won’t dry out the meat:
- Microwave: Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals at 50% power.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth to a skillet, place cutlets in the liquid, cover, and warm over low heat.
- Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 275°F for about 10 minutes.
For breaded cutlets, reheat uncovered in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to maintain crispness.
Where can I find turkey cutlets in the grocery store?
Turkey cutlets are typically found in the poultry section of most major grocery stores. Look near the turkey breasts and other turkey products. If you can’t find pre-cut cutlets, you can make your own by purchasing a turkey breast tenderloin and slicing it horizontally into thin pieces, then pounding to an even thickness. Some stores also sell them frozen, so check the frozen poultry section as well.
Can turkey cutlet recipes be prepared ahead of time?
Many elements of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time to streamline cooking:
- Prepare breadcrumb mixtures and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Mix marinades and store refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Season cutlets and store covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Prepare sauces ahead and reheat when ready to serve.
For best results, cook the turkey cutlets just before serving, as they only take a few minutes and are at their juiciest when freshly cooked.
Enjoy Quick and Delicious Turkey Cutlet Dinners
Turkey cutlets are truly a weeknight dinner hero. With their quick cooking time, lean protein profile, and incredible versatility, they deserve a regular spot in your meal planning rotation. Whether you prefer them crispy and breaded, light and lemony, or smothered in a rich sauce, these seven recipes provide plenty of options to keep your dinners interesting and delicious.
Remember the key tips for success: don’t overcook them, season generously, and serve with a complementary sauce and sides for a complete meal. With these recipes and techniques in your cooking arsenal, you’ll never be more than 30 minutes away from a satisfying, homemade dinner.
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