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 way to enjoy a delicious, lean protein When done right, oven-baked turkey chops come out moist, tender and full of flavor However, nailing the right cooking time is key to avoiding dried out, rubbery chops. So how long should you cook turkey chops in the oven?

The cooking time can vary based on a few factors, but in general it takes 20-30 minutes to bake bone-in or boneless turkey chops at 350°F-375°F. Thinner cutlets may cook faster in 15-20 minutes, while thicker chops may need up to 35 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Below, I’ll explain everything you need to know to master oven-baked turkey chops, from choosing the right chops to determining doneness Follow these tips and tricks for guaranteed tender, juicy results every time

Choosing the Right Turkey Chops

The first step is selecting high-quality turkey chops at the store Look for cuts that are

• Pinkish in color without discoloration
• Uniform in thickness so they cook evenly
• Not exceedingly thick, ideally 1⁄2-1 inch
• Free of bones if you want boneless chops

Thinner chops will cook faster while thicker cuts will require more time. Boneless chops tend to cook a little quicker than bone-in since the bone insulates heat. Keep thickness in mind when planning cooking times.

Preparing Turkey Chops for the Oven

Proper prep ensures even cooking and maximum flavor. Here are a few tips:

• Let chops sit out 20-30 minutes before cooking so they cook evenly, not straight from the fridge.
• Season generously with salt, pepper and any other spices. Herbs like thyme, rosemary and sage work well.
• Consider marinating 1-2 hours for extra moistness and flavor infusion.
• Pat dry with paper towels before cooking to help browning.

With the chops prepped, preheat your oven to 350°F-375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

Oven Cooking Times for Turkey Chops

As a general guideline, follow these oven cooking times for turkey chops:

• Boneless chops, 1⁄2 inch thick – 15-20 minutes
• Boneless chops, 1 inch thick – 20-25 minutes
• Bone-in chops, 1⁄2 inch thick – 20-25 minutes
• Bone-in chops, 1 inch thick – 25-30 minutes

The time can vary based on your specific oven and the chops’ exact size. Always rely on a meat thermometer for guaranteed safety and doneness.

Place chops on the baking sheet without overcrowding. Bake at 350°-375°F, flipping halfway through. Test temperature early, and continue cooking if needed until thermometer reaches 165°F.

For extra moisture and flavor, brush chops with olive oil or pan drippings every 10 minutes while cooking. Tent with foil to prevent over-browning.

How to Tell When Turkey Chops are Done

An instant-read thermometer is by far the most reliable way to assess doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the largest chop, taking care not to hit bone.

The safe minimum temperature for turkey is 165°F. At this point, the chops will be white throughout with no traces of pink. Juices should run clear with no traces of blood. The meat will feel firm yet tender and spring back slightly when pressed.

If chops aren’t quite done, pop back in the oven for 5 minute intervals, checking temperature again. Bone-in chops in particular may cook unevenly, so confirm each piece reaches 165°F.

Common Turkey Chop Cooking Mistakes

It’s easy to go wrong cooking turkey chops in the oven. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

• Overcrowding the pan – Leave at least 1-inch between chops for even cooking.
• Cooking at the wrong temperature – Too low and they’ll dry out, too high and they’ll burn. Stick to 350°-375°F.
• Not using a meat thermometer – This leads to undercooked or overcooked chops. Invest in an instant-read thermometer.
• Forgetting to flip – Chops need flipping halfway for equal browning and cooking.
• Cooking from frozen – Always thaw chops first in the fridge overnight before baking.

Follow the tips in this guide to dodge these issues and cook turkey chops perfectly every time.

Cooking Tips for Extra Moist, Tender Oven-Baked Turkey Chops

Beyond the basic oven method, there are a few extra tricks to boost moisture, tenderness and flavor:

• Brine the chops in a saltwater solution before cooking. This seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.

• Baste the chops while cooking by spooning over pan drippings or a flavorful sauce like teriyaki.

• Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chops before cooking to an even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Cook to just under 165°F then let carryover cooking finish off the center as they rest. This prevents overcooking.

• Allow chops to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier results.

Complementary Side Dishes for Turkey Chops

Baked turkey chops pair nicely with a wide variety of sides. Consider serving them with:

• Mashed or roasted potatoes
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots or asparagus
• Mixed greens salad
• Rice pilaf or couscous
• Quinoa or farro salad
• Roasted root vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes or beets

Homemade turkey gravy also makes a natural accompaniment to soak up all the flavorful pan juices.

Mastering Juicy Oven-Baked Turkey Chops

Cooking turkey chops in the oven allows you to skip frying for a healthier, more hands-off preparation. Follow my tips on cook times, temperature, doneness tests and more for guaranteed tender and juicy results.