The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Chops on the Stovetop

Turkey chops make for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner option that is often overlooked. While chicken tends to be more popular for fast weeknight meals, swapping in turkey chops once in a while adds nice variety to your dinner routine. As a leaner and more budget-friendly alternative to chicken or beef, turkey chops offer a nutritious and tasty choice that cooks up fast on the stovetop. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about cooking tender, juicy turkey chops in a flavorful pan sauce right on your stove.

Benefits of Cooking Turkey Chops

Here are some of the main advantages that cooking turkey chops can provide over other proteins

• Quick cooking time – Turkey chops cook much faster than chicken breasts or other larger cuts of meat, usually in less than 15 minutes! This makes them perfect for busy weeknights.

• Budget-friendly – Pound for pound turkey is often cheaper than chicken or beef. Saving money while still enjoying a healthy, tasty meal is always a good thing!

• Lean and versatile – Turkey is a leaner protein option compared to fattier meats. The mild flavor also makes it very versatile to season or pair with a variety of sauces and flavors.

• Nutrient-rich – Turkey contains important nutrients like niacin, vitamin B6, zinc, and phosphorus. It’s a great way to get quality protein in your diet.

What You Need to Cook Turkey Chops on the Stove

The good news about making turkey chops on the stovetop is that you likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients needed in your kitchen

• Turkey chops – Plan on about 1 chop per person. Opt for thinner chops that are around 1⁄2 to 1 inch thick, which will cook faster.

• Oil – Use an oil with a high smoke point for searing, like avocado, grapeseed, canola, vegetable, or olive oil.

• Seasonings – Kosher salt, black pepper, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and spice blends work well. Get creative!

• Onion and garlic – Sautéed onion and garlic add a ton of flavor. Minced, diced, or sliced onions all work.

• Chicken or turkey broth – Provides moisture to make a tasty pan sauce. Low-sodium is healthiest.

• Flour – A sprinkle of all-purpose flour helps thicken the savory pan sauce.

• Butter – Adding a pat of butter at the end brings a nice hit of richness. Definitely recommended, but optional.

Step-by-Step Method for Stovetop Turkey Chops

Follow these simple steps for guaranteed juicy, flavor-packed pan seared turkey chops every time:

• Step 1: Pat turkey chops dry and generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs. Moisture on the surface can cause splattering, so pat dry. Seasoning adds lots of flavor.

• Step 2: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. When hot, add chops and cook about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Step 3: Remove cooked chops to a plate. Lower heat slightly and add a bit more oil, onion, and garlic to pan. Sauté 1-2 minutes. Whisk in flour to soak up drippings, then broth. Simmer until thickened.

• Step 4: Return chops to pan and spoon sauce over them. Cook a few more minutes until cooked through. Remove pan from heat and stir in a pat of butter for richness.

• Step 5: Allow chops to rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat. Serve chops topped with the tasty pan sauce. Enjoy with sides like rice, veggies, or salad.

Tips for the Best Results

Keep these tips in mind for successful, flavorful turkey chops every time:

• Use a meat thermometer to check temperature. Cook until chops reach 165°F internally.

• Let chops rest after cooking for juicier, more tender meat.

• Cook over medium-high heat. High heat can cause dryness. Moderate the temperature.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches for proper searing and browning.

• For a healthier sauce, use low-sodium or homemade chicken broth.

• Experiment with spice rubs! Garlic powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano all work great.

• Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers or other veggies in the pan sauce for extra flavor.

• Add a splash of white wine, lemon juice, vinegar, or Worcestershire sauce to the pan for extra flair.

Handy Flavor Variations

The basic pan searing method easily allows for lots of fun flavor variations. Here are just a few ideas to try:

• Italian – Use Italian seasoning on chops. Sauté mushrooms. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to sauce.

• Tex-Mex – Rub chops with chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Add peppers and onions. Top with avocado.

• Asian – Marinate chops in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. Use peanut or sesame oil to sear. Garnish with scallions.

• Mediterranean – Rub with dried thyme and oregano. Add olives, tomatoes, and feta cheese to finished pan sauce.

Simple Side Dishes to Serve

Turkey chops pair nicely with a variety of easy vegetable side dishes, grains, and salads, such as:

• Herb roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or root vegetables

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing

• Fluffy brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or pasta

• Sautéed greens like spinach, kale, broccoli rabe

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between turkey chops and turkey cutlets?

Turkey chops are thicker pieces taken from the breast. Cutlets are very thin broad slices. Both work great!

Can I cook turkey chops in my air fryer instead?

Absolutely! Follow the same seasoning method then cook at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What temperature should cooked turkey chops reach for food safety?

Always cook until the thickest part of the chop reaches 165°F internally to ensure it’s safe to eat.

How long does cooked turkey keep in the fridge?

Leftover cooked turkey chops will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat thoroughly before serving again.

The Takeaway

With just a few simple ingredients and spices, it’s easy to prepare fast, delicious turkey chops for dinner any night of the week. Searing the chops and making a flavorful pan sauce results in a meal that’s juicy, tender, and full of savory flavor. For an easy yet satisfying alternative to chicken, give turkey chops a try on your stovetop soon. Your family will be asking for them again and again!