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Craving a quick and flavorful turkey dinner but cooking for one? This single serving turkey cutlet recipe is the answer! You’ll get a tender, juicy cutlet with a delicious gravy, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup. This satisfying meal is ready in just 20 minutes!
If you enjoy turkey and are looking to try something beyond cutlets, explore these equally tempting single serving turkey dishes like, Roast Turkey Breast, a small Herb-Crusted Turkey Roast or a tender and juicy Turkey Tenderloin.
If you’re planning a “Thanksgiving for One,” these turkey cutlets would be a perfect complement to your menu and if you find yourself with any leftover turkey, consider using it in Thanksgiving Sliders.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cutlet Recipe
- What Are Turkey Cutlets?
- Ingredients
- Recipe Variations
- How To Cook A Turkey Cutlet
- What To Serve With Turkey Cutlets: Perfectly Paired Sides For Every Occasion
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- Turkey Cutlet With Gravy For One Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cutlet Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This turkey chop can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: The flavors can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.
- Health Conscious: Turkey is a lean protein source, making this dish a healthier choice.
- Perfectly Portioned: This single serving recipe means no leftovers and perfect portion control.
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
What Are Turkey Cutlets?
Turkey cutlets, sometimes referred to as turkey chops, are boneless slices of turkey meat. These thin slices are a convenience for quick-cooking meals and can be found in the fresh turkey aisle at your local grocery store.
Typically, turkey chops are available in packs of 5 or 6. If you plan on storing them in the refrigerator, ensure they’re sealed in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for 1-2 days.
For longer-term storage, consider freezing the turkey chops. To prevent freezer burn and maintain quality, individually pack each cutlet in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. When stored properly, your turkey cutlets should maintain optimal quality for up to 9 months in the freezer.
Ingredients
- Turkey cutlets: Turkey breast cutlets or turkey chops can be found in most supermarkets. They are very lean and cook quickly. If turkey cutlets aren’t available, you can use a chicken cutlet or pork cutlet instead.
- Butter: I use 2 tablespoons of salted butter in this recipe. One tablespoon of butter is used to cook the cutlet, and the second tablespoon of butter is used in making the gravy. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with olive oil.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning: The main herbs found in Italian seasoning are basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use one or two of these herbs instead.
- Vegetables: chopped onions and garlic are used in the gravy.
- Flour: I use all purpose flour to thicken the gravy.
- Chicken broth: I recommend using low-sodium chicken broth and adding additional salt to the gravy if needed.
For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
Looking to add a personalized twist to your turkey cutlets? You might like to try these options:
- White Wine Sauce: For an elegant twist, add a splash of white wine to the cooking sauce. It’ll lend a sophisticated depth of flavor.
- Chili-Infused Sauce: Looking for a bit more kick in the sauce? A sprinkle of chili flakes can instantly add heat and complexity.
How To Cook A Turkey Cutlet
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this turkey cutlet recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Season both sides of the turkey cutlet with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium-sized skillet melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
- Add the cutlet to the pan and cook until no longer pink, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and place on a plate. Cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Add the flour to the pan and cook, stirring constantly for a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the turkey cutlet back to the pan; reduce heat to low. Cover the cutlet with the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
What To Serve With Turkey Cutlets: Perfectly Paired Sides For Every Occasion
Wondering what sides go best with your turkey chops? Whether you’re planning an everyday dinner or a festive Thanksgiving spread, we’ve got your covered. These easy mini side dishes, ideal for one or two servings, perfectly complement your main course.
Everyday Sides
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are a classic side that effortlessly elevates your turkey cutlets.
- Roasted Carrots: A little sweet, a touch savory, roasted carrots offer a splash of color and a dose of nutrition.
- French Bread: Nothing beats a slice of crusty French bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pilaf serves as a versatile backdrop to your tender turkey cutlets.
Holiday Favorites
- Cranberry Sauce: Make your turkey cutlets holiday-ready with a dollop of homemade cranberry sauce.
- Sausage Dressing: Put a festive spin on your dish with some sausage dressing, spiced and herbed to perfection.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: For a touch of Southern comfort, go for a small-batch sweet potato casserole as your side.
Don’t Skip Dessert
- Pumpkin Pie: What’s a holiday without pumpkin pie? A single serving pie is the perfect ending.
- Pecan Pie: Craving something nutty? A mini pecan pie will satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Dutch Apple Pie: For a fruity finale, opt for a small batch Dutch apple pie to round off your meal.
Each of these side dishes is designed for smaller servings, ensuring you enjoy a full, balanced meal without the burden of leftovers.
Expert Tips
- Resting the Turkey: Allow your turkey cutlet to rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the amount of flour or cooking time to reach your desired sauce thickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! If you can’t find turkey cutlets in your grocery, you can purchase a turkey breast or turkey tenderloin and thinly slice it.
Yes. This turkey chops recipe is absolutely delicious with chicken too. You can purchase chicken cutlets or use a boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been thinly sliced horizontally.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply cook the turkey cutlets and then store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to serve, reheat the turkey cutlets and then top them with the sauce.
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Ensure your pan is large enough to not crowd the meat for best results.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes we use, please visit our FAQ page.
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If you’ve tried this turkey cutlet or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Turkey Cutlet With Gravy For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (5-ounce) turkey breast cutlet
- 2 tablespoons salted butter , divided
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Season the turkey cutlet with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.In a medium-sized skillet melt 1 tablespoon of the butter over medium heat.
- Add the cutlet to the pan and cook until no longer pink, 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and place on a plate. Cover to keep warm.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
- Add the flour to the pan and cook, stirring constantly for a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly for 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Add the turkey cutlet back to the pan; reduce heat to low.Cover the cutlet with the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Serve.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered for up to 3 days.
- Since turkey cutlets cook very quickly, make sure you have all of your ingredients ready before you begin cooking.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
great recipe I cooked 4 cutlets, the gravy is delicious and the whole recipe very easy to make. thanks for sharing.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Very good. Turkey nice and tender
This was delicious! I had a package of 5 turkey cutlets. I sauteed finely diced carrot and celery in butter and removed before browning the cutlets. Then added that back in with once the onion and garlic were sautéed. Also added some white wine with the stock. Served with mashed potatoes and string beans. A taste of Thanksgiving in May and will definitely make again. Thank you!
That sounds like such a delicious meal. I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe.
My husband liked this very much!! The turkey was very moist. Gravy was easy to make and delicious.
Just made these for Thanksgiving; they were easy and really good! I got a package of turkey cullets at Trader Joes, subbed in turkey broth and Herbes De Provence, doubled the broth amount and flour and served the gravy in a boat. So fast and great for a small group so we don’t have a giant turkey to deal with. Plus, it is super economical! Thank you 🙂
Sounds wonderful, Brenda! I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Joanie
This was SO good! I doubled the recipe for my son and I. I put an extra portion of the turkey aside to make a little leftover container for his lunch tomorrow. There was just enough gravy leftover, but when my son finished his lunch, he asked if he could have some more gravy. I told him he wouldn’t have any tomorrow if he ate it now and he said he didn’t care and drank the rest of the gravy! Thanks for another wonderful and easy recipe.
Aimee,
Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for taking the time to write to let me know how much your son enjoyed the turkey cutlets. It’s a great “little” recipe and I’m so happy you both loved it.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Joanie
I made this recipe for my husband and he gobbled it up! He said that it was very tender and juicy. He got home late from being out of town and went in the freezer and grabbed the turkey cutlets. He was just going to “figure something out” for preparation. I decided to look up a recipe and picked this one which was the first one I saw. I had all the ingredients at home, prep and preparation time was reasonable and the rest is history. I pared it with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans that I made while the turkey was cooking. Since it was so late he said he was only going to eat half. Well…he ate it all, scraping the plate!
Hi Jacqueline,
Your comment made my day! Thank you so much for letting me know how much your husband loved our recipe, it really means the world to us.
Joanie
In India Turkey is rarely available thus I cooked your recipe with chicken, it was equally delicious.
Mmmm…I’m salivating just looking at your image of these delicious turkey cutlets. This recipe is perfect for singles and couples all year round.
This is perfect for my daughter who is studying in France this year! I know she will love this!