How to Cook Juicy and Flavorful Turkey Chops on the Stove

Cooking turkey chops on the stove is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty, healthy meal for your family With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can have delicious, juicy turkey chops ready in 30 minutes or less.

As a busy mom who is always looking for fast and budget-friendly dinner options, I rely on turkey chops as a lean, versatile protein that both kids and adults enjoy. In this article, I’ll share my secrets for how to cook turkey chops on the stove so they turn out moist and full of flavor every time.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Chops

Turkey chops have many advantages that make them a smart choice for quick weeknight dinners

• Fast cooking time: Turkey chops cook much faster than whole turkeys or chicken breasts because they are thinner. They usually take less than 15 minutes to cook through.

• Budget-friendly Pound for pound turkey is often cheaper than chicken or beef. Turkey chops stretch your grocery dollars.

• Lean and versatile: Turkey is a leaner protein than beef or pork, with less fat and calories. It takes well to all kinds of seasonings.

• Nutrient-rich: Turkey provides important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s a healthy way to get quality protein.

Picking the Right Turkey Chops

When shopping for turkey chops, keep these tips in mind:

• Thickness: Look for chops that are around 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick. Thinner chops cook faster.

• Size: Buy 1 chop per person. Turkey chops are smaller than chicken breasts.

• Boneless vs. bone-in: Both work! Boneless cook a bit faster.

• Organic or free-range: Opt for these if you don’t mind spending more for premium quality.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Turkey chops themselves are the star of the show, but having these handy ingredients on hand will ensure a flavorful finished product:

• Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado, grapeseed, or canola. Olive oil also works.

• Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, dried herbs like rosemary or thyme work well. Get creative with spice rubs!

• Onions and garlic: Sautéed onions and garlic add tons of flavor.

• Chicken or turkey broth: Provides moisture for a pan sauce. Go low-sodium if possible.

• Flour: Thickens the savory pan sauce nicely. All-purpose flour is all you need.

• Butter: Adds a touch of richness. Unsalted butter is best.

Step-by-Step Stovetop Cooking Method

Follow these simple steps for flavorful, juicy pan-seared turkey chops every time:

1. Prepare the Turkey Chops

• Pat turkey chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wet chops cause splattering.

• Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other seasoning blend or dried herbs.

2. Sear the Turkey Chops

• Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

• When oil is hot, add chops. Cook 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches to avoid crowding pan.

• Remove chops to a plate once browned. Tent foil to keep warm.

3. Make the Pan Sauce

• Add more oil to pan if needed. Sauté minced garlic and onions 1-2 minutes.

• Whisk in 1-2 Tbsp flour to soak up drippings. Cook 2 minutes more.

• Whisk in chicken broth. Simmer until sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

• Add chops back into the pan and spoon sauce over them. Cook a few minutes more.

• Remove from heat. Stir in a pat of butter to finish.

4. Finish and Serve

• Let chops rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

• Serve turkey chops topped with the quick pan sauce. Enjoy with rice, veggies, salad, or other sides.

Handy Tips for the Best Results

Apply these tricks of the trade for fork-tender, juicy turkey chops every time:

• Use a meat thermometer to check temperature. Cook to 165°F internally.

• Let chops rest after cooking for juicier meat.

• Cook over medium-high, not high heat to prevent drying out.

• Don’t crowd the pan. Cook in batches for proper searing.

• Swap in low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier sauce.

• Try fun rub combinations like chili powder, paprika, garlic, and cumin.

• Sauté mushrooms, peppers or other veggies in the pan sauce for extra flavor.

• Brining chops in saltwater beforehand keeps them ultra-moist.

Flavorful Variations to Try

The basic stovetop turkey chop recipe easily adapts to different flavor profiles:

Italian Turkey Chops

• Season with Italian herb blend and fennel seeds

• Sauté mushrooms and cherry tomatoes

• Finish sauce with Parmesan and basil

Tex-Mex Turkey Chops

• Rub with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and oregano

• Add diced onions and peppers to pan

• Top with avocado and cilantro

Mediterranean Turkey Chops

• Season with smoked paprika, thyme, and oregano

• Sauté artichoke hearts and spinach

• Finish sauce with lemon juice and olives

Asian Turkey Chops

• Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger and garlic

• Use toasted sesame oil to sear chops

• Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds

Complementary Side Dishes

What should you serve with your quick and easy turkey chops? Here are some tasty options:

• Fluffy brown rice or whole grain pilaf

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or cauliflower

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing

• Cheesy scalloped potatoes or sweet potatoes

• Sauteed spinach with garlic

• Cranberry sauce (especially for holiday meals)

Get Comfortable with Cooking Turkey Chops

If you’ve only cooked chicken breasts before, turkey chops may seem intimidating at first. But have no fear! With my step-by-step stovetop method and flavorful recipe ideas, you’ll be cooking turkey chops like a pro in no time.

Here are answers to some common questions people have about cooking turkey chops on the stove:

Are turkey chops easy to overcook?

It’s possible if you aren’t using a meat thermometer. But checking temperature ensures perfect doneness.

How can I tell when they’re done?

Turkey chops are fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F. Always rely on a thermometer for accuracy.

Can I marinate them first?

Absolutely! Marinating adds awesome flavor. Pat chops dry before cooking.

How long should I cook them per side?

About 3-4 minutes per side, until they reach 165°F internally. Thinner chops may cook faster.

What oil should I use to sear them?

Opt for a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed or canola oil. A little olive oil also works.

Can I use boneless or bone-in chops?

Both boneless and bone-in turkey chops work great! Boneless may cook slightly faster.

Should I brine them beforehand?

Brining is optional but keeps chops super moist and flavorful.

What are the best seasonings to use?

Salt, pepper, thyme, sage, rosemary, paprika, garlic, and chili powder are all tasty options.

What sides go well with them?

Rice, roasted veggies, potatoes, salad, and cranberry sauce are perfect pairings.

Enjoy the Benefits of Turkey Chops

Now that you’re armed with my simple stovetop cooking method and flavorful recipe ideas, you can start enjoying quick and delicious turkey chop meals any night of the week. Not only are they fast and budget-friendly, turkey chops are also lean, protein-packed, and full of nutrients. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer and avoid overcooking for the juiciest results. With endless seasoning possibilities from Italian to Tex-Mex and easy sides, turkey chops on the stove make for happy, healthy family dinners. Give them a try tonight!