Turkey breast cutlets are a versatile and healthy protein option that can be prepared quickly and easily. When baked in the oven, turkey breast cutlets come out juicy, flavorful and ready to be the star of your meal. But how long should you bake turkey breast cutlets to ensure they are cooked through without drying out?
As a passionate home cook and turkey enthusiast, I’ve experimented with baking times to determine the ideal oven baking duration for moist, delicious turkey breast cutlets In this article, I’ll share my tips and tricks to help you bake turkey breast cutlets to perfection every time
Factors That Affect Turkey Breast Cutlet Baking Time
Several factors impact how long you should bake turkey breast cutlets in the oven:
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Thickness of the cutlets – Thinner cutlets will bake faster than thicker pieces Aim for evenly sized cutlets for even cooking,
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Bone-in or boneless – Boneless turkey breast cutlets will bake faster than cutlets with the bone still attached.
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Brined or unbrined – Brining helps turkey breast cutlets retain moisture, which means they may need a little less time in the oven.
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Cooking temperature – Higher oven temperatures will decrease baking time. The ideal temperature is 375°F.
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Added liquid – Basting or cooking turkey cutlets in sauce will increase baking time. Dry baking is faster.
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Preparation method – Partially cooked or thawed cutlets take less time than completely raw.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can adjust baking times accordingly.
How to Prepare Turkey Breast Cutlets for Baking
Proper preparation is key for delicious oven-baked turkey breast cutlets:
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Select evenly sized cutlets about 1/2 inch thick for uniform baking. Rinse and pat dry.
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Season with herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Brush with oil to help browning and prevent drying out. Olive or avocado oil work well.
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Arrange cutlets with space between on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil.
Once your turkey breast cutlets are prepped, they are ready for the oven!
Recommended Bake Times for Turkey Breast Cutlets
Based on my experience, these are the recommended baking times for turkey breast cutlets:
- 1/2 inch thick boneless, unbrined cutlets: 20-25 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick boneless, brined cutlets: 25-30 minutes
- 1 inch thick bone-in, unbrined cutlets: 30-35 minutes
- 1 1/2 inch thick bone-in, brined cutlets: 40-45 minutes
These times are for cutlets baked at 375°F. If using a higher temperature, reduce baking time. Always rely on a meat thermometer rather than time to gauge doneness.
Checking Doneness of Baked Turkey Cutlets
Using an instant-read digital meat thermometer is the most reliable way to assess doneness for baked turkey breast cutlets. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a cutlet, being careful not to touch bone.
For food safety, turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. At this temperature, the cutlets will be completely cooked through while still maintaining juiciness.
If cutlets are not yet 165°F, return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes until fully cooked. Double check temperature before serving.
Letting Turkey Breast Cutlets Rest Before Serving
Once turkey breast cutlets come out of the oven, it’s important to let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
This rest time allows juices within the meat to redistribute evenly throughout the cutlets. Slice too soon, and the juices will run out, resulting in dry turkey.
Tent the cooked turkey loosely with foil as it rests to keep it warm. The short rest makes a big difference in texture and moisture!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Turkey Cutlets
Baked turkey breast cutlets pair wonderfully with all sorts of flavors. Consider these serving ideas:
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Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus
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Quinoa or brown rice pilaf
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Mashed or baked potatoes
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Pasta in cream or pesto sauce
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Sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, avocado
Get creative with your seasonings and sauces too. Baked turkey cutlets work well in a variety of global cuisines. Enjoy!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Cutlets
Properly stored, leftover baked turkey breast cutlets will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat them using these methods:
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Microwave – Place cutlets on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and reheat at 50% power in 30 second intervals until warmed through.
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Oven – Wrap cutlets in foil and bake at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
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Sauté – Add a bit of oil or butter to a skillet. Cook cutlets over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Shred and add to recipes like soups, salads, casseroles or sandwiches.
With proper baking time and post-oven care, you can enjoy flawlessly cooked turkey breast cutlets for meals throughout the week. Master these simple techniques for baking success!
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Steps to Make It
- Gather the ingredients.
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The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga - Set a rack in the middle of the oven and heat it to 375 F. Spray a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Set aside. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- Lightly pound the cutlets between pieces of plastic wrap with the flat side of a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are just a bit thinner. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on both sides of the cutlets, then set them aside. Put the flour in a bowl that is wide and shallow. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- Put the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil in a food processor and pulse them together until the mixture turns into fine crumbs. Add the bread crumbs to a pie plate or shallow bowl. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- In another bowl, whisk together the mustard and eggs. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- Coat the cutlets with flour, then dip them in the egg mix. Then, coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- Place the breaded cutlets in the prepared baking pan. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
- The cutlets should be baked for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink inside. In case you’re not sure, use an instant-read thermometer to check them. 165 F is the lowest temperature that is safe for poultry. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy. The Spruce Eats / Diana Chistruga .
The turkey cutlets can be breaded, frozen, and baked on another day. Just bread the cutlets and arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or waxed paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer. As soon as the breaded cutlets are frozen, put them in a freezer bag or an airtight container with parchment or waxed paper between the pieces. To bake the cutlets, heat the oven to 375 F. Put the frozen cutlets in bread crumbs on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked.
Sauteed Turkey Cutlets With Olive Oil, Pepper and Salt : Farm Fresh Foods
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast at 350 degrees?
Do you wash turkey cutlets before cooking?
Do you cover turkey breasts when baking?
How long are cooked turkey cutlets good for?
How to cook turkey breast cutlets in oven?
Recipe for Sliced Turkey Breast Coat turkey with olive oil and rub it in the spice mixture. Place the turkey breast in the baking pan, on top of 3 or 4 aluminum foil balls. Cook it at 350 degrees for 90 minutes, until its internal temperature is 165-170 degrees. How do you cook turkey breast cutlets in the oven? Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How long do you cook turkey cutlets in the oven?
Remove the turkey from the marinade and let the excess run off back into the dish. Lay the cutlets on the lined baking tray, leaving space between them. Bake them for about 15 minutes. Cooking time varies by cutlet thickness, oven temperature accuracy and other factors, so it’s only an estimate. What Temperature Should Turkey Cutlets Be Cooked To?
How to cook turkey cutlets?
You can cook turkey cutlets in the oven as an alternative to using a skillet on the stove. To do this, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the cutlets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until they are no longer pink in the center. Another option is to use a skillet and cook the cutlets for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are no longer pink in the center.
Can you cook frozen turkey cutlets in the oven?
Yes, you can use frozen turkey cutlets to cook in the oven. However, it is recommended to thaw them first for even cooking and better flavor. Thaw the cutlets in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave if you’re in a hurry. What temperature should I set my oven to for cooking turkey cutlets?
How do you keep turkey cutlets from drying out in the oven?
To prevent turkey cutlets from drying out in the oven, you can follow a few steps. First, lightly coat the cutlets with oil or melted butter to retain moisture. Next, do not overcook the cutlets and ensure you get an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How do you cook a turkey breast with olive oil?
Brush both sides of the turkey cutlets with the prepared olive oil mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the turkey breast cutlets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Make sure to leave some space between each cutlet to allow for even cooking.