How Long to Cook Turkey Chops in the Oven for Perfectly Juicy Results

Cooking turkey chops in the oven can be a quick and easy dinner option. But to get the best results, it’s important to know how long to cook them Undercooking can lead to raw, tough meat while overcooking results in dry, flavorless chops. Follow this guide to learn the ideal oven temperature, cook times, and tips for ensuring your turkey chops turn out juicy and delicious every time.

Choosing the Right Turkey Chops

Turkey chops come from the same breast meat used for turkey cutlets, Look for chops that are 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick with uniform thickness Thinner chops will cook faster while thicker chops require more time, Boneless or bone-in chops both work well, Opt for bone-in for more flavor or boneless for easier eating Avoid discolored or dried out looking packages,

Prep Them Right

• Take chops out of packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature 15-30 minutes before cooking.

• Season chops liberally with salt pepper and any other seasonings. Things like garlic powder, rosemary thyme and paprika pair nicely.

• For extra flavor, marinate in olive oil, citrus juice and herbs up to 8 hours.

• If chops are frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator before seasoning.

Set the Oven Temperature

Preheat oven to 375°F. This moderate temperature prevents overcooking while still producing golden, browned chops. If using a convection setting, reduce heat to 350°F.

Cook Time Guidelines

• 1⁄2 inch thick chops – Cook 12-14 minutes
• 3⁄4 inch thick chops – Cook 15-18 minutes
• 1 inch thick chops – Cook 20-25 minutes

These times are based on a 375°F oven. Thicker chops and higher heat will increase cook times. Bone-in chops may take slightly longer.

Test for Doneness

Meat thermometers take the guesswork out of determining doneness. Insert into thickest part of chop without touching bone. Turkey is safely cooked at 165°F. If chops are not yet at temp, return to oven 3-5 minutes and recheck.

Properly cooked chops will be slightly firm and opaque throughout. Juices will run clear. Any traces of pink indicates undercooking.

Add Moisture for Extra Juiciness

• Place chops on a foil lined baking sheet and tent with more foil. This creates a packet that seals in steam.

• Add 1⁄4 cup water, broth or wine to the baking sheet before sealing foil. Steam from the liquid keeps chops moist.

• Baste chops with melted butter, olive oil or pan drippings every 10-15 minutes.

Let Chops Rest Before Serving

Once cooked, transfer chops to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest 5 minutes so juices can redistribute throughout the meat. Resist cutting right away to avoid losing moisture. The resting period allows chops to reabsorb any released juices.

Cooking Straight from Frozen

For frozen chops, increase oven temp to 400°F. Cook bone-in chops 35-40 minutes and boneless chops 25-30 minutes. Check temperature to confirm doneness. Add 5 minutes more if needed.

Common Problems and Solutions

Undercooked: Meat feels soft or squishy. Juice is pinkish. Return to oven and cook 5 minutes more. Check temperature.

Overcooked: Meat is dried out and tough. No juices present. If severely overcooked, use in soups or salads.

Uneven cooking: Chops are different thicknesses. Arrange thinnest to thickest in pan. Remove thinner chops sooner.

Sticking to pan: Use nonstick foil or coat pan with oil spray. Don’t move chops until properly browned.

Serve Up Delicious Oven Baked Turkey Chops

With the right prep, cook times and temperature, oven baked turkey chops can be a quick, healthy dinner option with foolproof results. Aim for the recommended internal temperature of 165°F. Allowing chops to rest seals in moisture for a juicy texture. Add creative seasonings or marinades to boost flavor. Enjoy oven roasted turkey chops on their own or in recipes like chop salads, stir fries, pastas and more.