Turkey cutlets are an easy and quick weekday meal because they bake quickly in the oven. Turkey cutlets marinate just as well in anything you’d use to season chicken breasts or cutlets.
Unlike beef and other red meats, this high-protein dish satisfies without having as much saturated fat and cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends skinless chicken as one of your go-to sources of lean protein, along with fish and legumes.
Turkey cutlets are a versatile and delicious option for weeknight dinners, offering a lighter alternative to a whole roasted turkey. But how long should you cook them in the oven to ensure they are juicy and cooked through? This guide will answer your questions and provide tips for achieving perfect results.
Determining Cooking Time
The cooking time for turkey cutlets in the oven depends on several factors:
- Thickness: Thicker cutlets will require longer cooking times than thinner ones. As a general guideline, plan on 20-25 minutes for cutlets that are about 1/2 inch thick.
- Desired doneness: For juicy and tender turkey, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the cutlet.
- Oven temperature: Most recipes recommend preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) for turkey cutlets. However, if your oven runs hot, you may want to reduce the temperature slightly to prevent overcooking.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Cutlets
- Pat the cutlets dry: Before cooking, pat the turkey cutlets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown evenly in the oven.
- Seasoning: Season the cutlets with your favorite spices or herbs. Popular choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary.
- Basting: Basting the cutlets with melted butter or olive oil during cooking can help keep them moist and flavorful.
- Resting: Let the cooked cutlets rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and succulent meat.
Recipes for Oven-Baked Turkey Cutlets
Here are two popular recipes for oven-baked turkey cutlets:
- Easy, Juicy Rosemary Romano Roasted Turkey Cutlets: This recipe from Sarah’s Cucina Bella features a flavorful rosemary and Romano cheese topping. The cutlets are baked for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- How to Cook Turkey Breast Cutlets in the Oven: This recipe from Recipes.net provides a basic guide for cooking turkey cutlets. The cutlets are seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then baked for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Cooking turkey cutlets in the oven is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy this lean protein. By following the tips and guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure that your turkey cutlets are cooked to perfection, juicy, and flavorful.
What Are Turkey Cutlets?
Turkey cutlets are thin, boneless pieces that come from the turkey breast. Theyre usually sliced about 1 1/2-inch-thick. A 4-ounce serving of turkey cutlets contains 120 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 26 grams of protein, according to the USDA.
There are numerous methods for cooking turkey cutlets or slices, such as roasting, baking, and frying.
Are Turkey Chops the Same as Turkey Cutlets?
Yes, turkey chops are another name for turkey cutlets.
In the Kitchen: Simple/Healthy Breaded Turkey Breast Cutlets
FAQ
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Do you bake turkey breast covered or uncovered?
What is the internal temperature of a turkey cutlet?
How long does it take to cook a turkey in the oven?
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Weight
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Cook Time (Unstuffed)
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Cook Time (Stuffed)
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7-10 lbs.
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2½-3 hrs.
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2¾-3½ hrs.
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10-18 lbs.
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3-3½ hrs.
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3¾-4½ hrs.
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18-22 lbs.
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3½-4 hrs.
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4½-5 hrs.
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22-24 lbs.
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4-4½ hrs.
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5-5½ hrs.
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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?
Should I preheat the oven before cooking turkey breast cutlets?
Yes, it is important to preheat your oven before cooking turkey breast cutlets. Preheating ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature, allowing for even and consistent cooking. Most recipes recommend preheating the oven to around 375°F (190°C) for turkey breast cutlets. How long should I cook turkey breast cutlets in the oven?
How do you cook a turkey cutlet in a pan?
In another bowl, whisk together the mustard and eggs. Dip the cutlets in the flour to coat, followed by the egg mixture. Then, coat them with the breadcrumb mixture . Place the breaded cutlets in the prepared baking pan. Bake the cutlets for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the turkey is no longer pink inside.
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?