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For a quick and flavorful turkey dinner, this turkey cutlet recipe is perfect for one! Enjoy a tender, juicy cutlet topped with a rich gravy, all made in one pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both easy and delicious.
If you’re a fan of turkey and want to try something different, check out these other delicious single serving turkey recipes: Roast Turkey Breast, a small Herb-Crusted Turkey Roast or a tender and juicy Turkey Tenderloin.
Planning a “Thanksgiving for One,“? These turkey cutlets make a wonderful addition to your menu. And if you have any leftover turkey, try using it in tasty Thanksgiving Sliders.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This turkey cutlet is ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for a fast and satisfying meal.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
- Easily Adaptable: The flavors can be adjusted to match your preferences.
- Healthier Choice: Turkey is a lean protein, making this a lighter option.
- Perfectly Portioned: This recipe is sized for one, so there’s no waste—just the right amount!
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
What Are Turkey Cutlets?
Turkey cutlets, sometimes called turkey chops, are thin, boneless slices of turkey meat that cook quickly, making them perfect for fast meals. You can usually find them in the fresh turkey section of your grocery store.
Most packs come with 5 or 6 cutlets. If you’re keeping them in the fridge, store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap each cutlet individually in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Properly stored, turkey cutlets can keep their best quality in the freezer for up to 9 months.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this turkey cutlet recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Turkey Cutlet: Turkey breast cutlets, also known as turkey chops, are lean and cook quickly, and are commonly available at most grocery stores. If turkey cutlets aren’t available, you can substitute with chicken or pork cutlets.
- Butter: This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of salted butter—one for cooking the cutlet and the other for the gravy. For a dairy-free option, you can swap butter with olive oil.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning add flavor. Italian seasoning typically includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use any combination of these herbs.
- Vegetables: Chopped onions and garlic add depth to the gravy.
- Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended, allowing you to control the salt level in the gravy. Add more salt as needed.
Recipe Variations
Want to put your own spin on this turkey recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- White Wine Sauce: For a touch of elegance, add a splash of white wine to the gravy. It adds a nice depth of flavor that makes the dish feel extra special.
- Chili-Infused Sauce: If you’re craving a bit of heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. This simple addition gives the sauce a warm, spicy kick.
- Mushroom Gravy Turkey Cutlet: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions to create a creamy mushroom gravy. This adds an earthy, comforting flavor that pairs well with turkey.
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.
Expert Tips
- Resting the Turkey: Let the turkey cutlet rest briefly after cooking. This helps lock in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: To reach the perfect sauce consistency, adjust the amount of flour or let it simmer a bit longer if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, these small batch sides pair perfectly with turkey cutlets, making it easy to create a well-rounded meal without leftovers.
Everyday Sides
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes add a classic touch that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
- Roasted Carrots: Slightly sweet and savory, roasted carrots add color and a boost of nutrients.
- French Bread: A slice of crusty French bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of flavorful gravy.
- Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy, rice pilaf makes a versatile side to complement the tender turkey cutlets.
Holiday Favorites
- Cranberry Sauce: Add a festive touch with a spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce.
- Sausage Dressing: For a holiday vibe, a small portion of savory sausage dressing brings cozy, herbed flavors.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A Southern-inspired small-batch sweet potato casserole adds a comforting, slightly sweet side.
Don’t Forget Dessert
- Pumpkin Pie: No holiday meal is complete without pumpkin pie. A single serving pie is just right for one.
- Pecan Pie: For a nutty treat, a mini pecan pie satisfies any sweet craving.
- Dutch Apple Pie: If you’re in the mood for something fruity, mini Dutch apple pie makes a perfect ending.
These sides are perfectly portioned for one or two, giving you all the variety and balance of a full meal, minus the leftovers.
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. Be sure 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:
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Turkey Cutlet With Gravy For One
Watch How To Make This
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.
Notes
- Resting the Turkey: Let the turkey cutlet rest briefly after cooking. This helps lock in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Adjusting Sauce Thickness: To reach the perfect sauce consistency, adjust the amount of flour or let it simmer a bit longer if needed.
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.
Delicious sauce and fast.
I made this gravy for turkey meatballs. I added a splash of milk to the gravy and it was so delicious and smooth. I originally planned to only eat half of my dish but because this gravy was so well seasoned with onion and garlic I ate the whole thing.
Thank you so much Joanie for the delicious recipe. All the family enjoyed it. Really quick and easy. You saved me from dry tough turkey as it usually turns out when I trust my own cooking.
Very yummy! I honestly don’t truly measure anything but I used all ingredients and it was yummy
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for your feedback.
The first recipe i cooked was the turkey cutlets i really enjoyed it
I am thankful that when i was looking up cookbooks that your cookbook was on the page so i checked my library and they had it.
When i looked at the book i decided to go to the store and buy it and noticed your website i look forward to trying more recipes.
Thank you so much for your support, Charlotte. I’m so happy to hear that you are enjoying the recipes.
I was surprised by how good this is and how little time this took!! This is now in my regular dinner recipe rotation. I have a long commute home so I very much appreciate recipes that help me out real food on the table quickly.
Yes, this recipe is certainly quick and easy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
Joanie! These were amazing. I made exactly as the recipe called for. I was worried the dry seasoning wouldn’t have enough time to meld into everything but the flavors really really came through once I made the gravy. A truly savory and yummy dish!
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Erica. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know.
So glad I came across this recipe when looking for a way to prepare turkey cutlets for dinner tonight. I hardly ever make gravy, but your directions made it very easy to do, and my husband & I loved it! I had to guess proportions for everything because I was making it for 3, but it turned out delicious! Please let me know if you have suggested proportions for 3-4 people.
Thank you!
Hi Jan, I’m so glad you and your husband loved the turkey cutlets. When my two daughters come home to visit, I use this recipe all the time with success. Double or triple the ingredients as needed.
The turkey cutlets were delicious. The sauce was so good on mashed potatoes. It is very simple to put together.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you so much for your feedback.
So easy, so tasty and so very good!
Generously rub this mixture really well all over your turkey cutlets and let marinate for 30 minutes or overnight (in the fridge!).