Turkey chops are an underrated cut of meat that can make for a quick, delicious dinner when cooked right. Learn how to select, prep, and cook turkey chops for moist, tender results every time.
Picking the Best Turkey Chops
Look for thick, boneless turkey rib or loin chops that are evenly sized. Avoid thin cutlets which overcook easily.
Bone-in chops have more flavor, but boneless chops cook faster Skin-on chops have added fat for crisping.
For easy prep, choose chops around 3/4 – 1 inch thick. Thinner chops cook faster so monitor closely.
Pick chops that look moist and glossy, avoiding any with dry, dull surfaces. Refrigerate promptly and cook within 2 days.
Prepping Turkey Chops for Maximum Juiciness
Pat chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps flavors stick better.
Lightly coat both sides in olive oil. Oil prevents the lean turkey meat from drying out.
Generously season chops on both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs. Popular options include garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, paprika or Italian seasoning.
Let seasoned chops sit briefly so flavors are absorbed before cooking Even 15 minutes makes a difference
Consider marinating chops for added flavor. Marinate in olive oil, citrus juice, yogurt, vinegars, wine, or soy sauce based marinades.
Cooking Methods for Moist, Tender Results
Oven Baked: Bake at 400°F in a foil tent for 15 minutes, then uncovered until 165°F internal temperature.
Pan-Seared: Cook over medium-high heat 2-4 minutes per side. Finish in a 375°F oven until fully cooked.
Grilled: Grill over direct heat 2-3 minutes per side. Move to indirect heat on grill, close lid, and cook approximately 8-10 minutes per side.
Air Fried: Air fry at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway. Check internal temp with meat thermometer.
Sous Vide: Cook 1-inch chops at 140°F for 2 hours for medium doneness. Sear before serving.
Monitoring Doneness
Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature, especially for thicker chops.165°F is the safe temperature, but 155-160°F is ideal for juicy texture.
Check chops early and continue cooking if needed until desired temp is reached. Thinner chops cook faster than thick.
Let chops rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute evenly.
Infusing Turkey Chops with Flavor
One benefit of cooking turkey chops is it’s easy to infuse bold flavors. Consider:
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Marinating in tikka masala, teriyaki, jerk or herb marinades
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Coating with bold spice rubs like chili lime or Cajun seasoning
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Topping with compound butters, chimichurri sauce or pan sauces
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Stuffing with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, feta and herbs
Get creative with marinades, rubs, and sauces to make each turkey chop meal unique.
Choosing the Best Side Dishes
Compliment your juicy turkey chops with bright, fresh sides:
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Sauteed greens like kale, spinach, or broccoli rabe
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Roasted potatoes or roasted cauliflower
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Quinoa salad loaded with herbs and vegetables
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Sauteed apples with brown butter and thyme
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Charred brussels sprouts and shallots
Answers to Common Turkey Chop Questions:
What’s the best cut for chops?
Boneless rib or loin chops work well. Avoid thin breast cutlets.
Can I use frozen chops?
Only cook fully thawed chops for food safety and even cooking.
Is pounding them beneficial?
Yes, lightly pounding helps create an even thickness so they cook at the same pace. But don’t overdo it.
Should I brine the chops?
Brining isn’t mandatory but does lead to additional moisture and flavor.
What if my chops are thick?
Thicker chops will need more time to cook through. Monitor temperature with a meat thermometer.
Can I bread and fry them?
Absolutely! Coating in breadcrumbs or panko and pan frying adds a deliciously crispy exterior.
With the right cut, seasoning, and cooking method, you can easily make incredibly delicious, juicy turkey chops for a quick weeknight dinner.
Fresh turkey chops, patted down with a soul food spice blend, seared until golden brown, and simmered in a white wine sauce.
- 6 turkey chops (6 to 8 oz. each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tbsp. ground pepper
- 2 tbsp. garlic powder
- 2 tbsp. onion powder
- 2 tbsp. dark chili powder
- 1 tsp. parsley seasoning
- 1 tbsp. paprika
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp thyme powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp celery powder
- Pre-heat a large sauté pan with olive oil. Rinse turkey chops and season with soul food seasoning mixture. Pat the seasoning into the meat to seal in flavor.
- Place turkey chops into hot pan with olive oil. Sear for 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove from pan and lay on paper towel to soak up excess oil.
- Add white wine to remaining juices in pan and bring to a slight simmer. Return chops to pan and simmer until chops cook through. To serve, place chops on plate and drizzle with sauce.
How To Make Smothered Turkey Chops Taste Delicious
FAQ
Are turkey breast cutlets the same as turkey chops?
Are turkey chops the same as turkey cutlets? Yes! Both of these refer to a thin sliced, boneless cut of turkey that cooks very quickly. It can be found in the meat section of your grocery store under either name.
Are turkey chops good for you?
“Turkey is a great source of protein, rich in many vitamins and minerals, and is low-fat – if you don’t eat the skin,” Champagne said. It’s rich in B-complex vitamins niacin, B6 and B12 and the essential nutrient choline.
How long to pan sear turkey chops?
Place the turkey breast cutlets into the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until the turkey is no longer pink, and is slightly browned around …
Are turkey chops processed?
Yes, sliced turkey is generally considered a processed meat. Processed meats are those that have been preserved by smoking, curing, or adding preservatives. Sliced turkey, especially when found in deli meats, often undergoes these processes to enhance flavor, extend shelf life, and make it convenient for consumption.
How do you cook Turkey chops in the oven?
Cooking turkey chops in the oven is a hassle-free way to prepare them that results in juicy, tender meat every time. Wrap Up! Preheat your oven to 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey chops in a baking dish and brush them with olive oil. Season the turkey chops with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or marinades.
How to cook turkey breast chops?
Drizzle a bit of olive oil on both sides of the turkey chops and gently massage it in. This helps to enhance the flavor and keep the meat tender. Season the turkey breast chops with salt, pepper, and your desired herbs and spices. Don’t be afraid to get creative here! Experiment with different flavors to suit your taste.
What are the best ingredients for Turkey chops?
The homemade or store-bought version is completely acceptable. Flour- The main ingredient for the best turkey chops. You want to use it for dredging. Minced Garlic—If you want a roast garlicky taste, this is your go-to. It helps to balance any spiciness in the recipe. A complete list of ingredients will be listed below. How to cook?