Finding Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Chops: The Ultimate Guide

Turkey chops are an underrated and underutilized cut that can make for delicious, quick weeknight meals These cuts come from the breast meat and are lean, tender, and versatile. But with whole turkeys dominating during the holidays, you may be wondering where to buy turkey chops the rest of the year

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover how to find fresh or frozen turkey chops at grocery stores or order them online, what to look for when buying, proper storage and prep, and easy recipe ideas to make the most of this tasty poultry cut.

Purchasing Turkey Chops

Here are some of the best places to buy fresh or frozen turkey chops:

Grocery Store Meat Department

• Check the poultry section near whole turkeys and chicken. Quality stores like Kroger, Wegmans, and Publix carry turkey chops.

• Ask the butcher if they have any not on display. Many stores get requests for this cut during the holidays.

Walmart – Walmart sells fresh turkey breast chops in a tray pack branded Shady Brook Farms. Look in the fresh poultry section.

Whole Foods – Check the service meat counter. Whole Foods also sells organic or humanely-raised turkey chops.

Butcher Shops/Meat Markets

• Local butcher shops and meat markets are a great source for fresh, high-quality turkey chops. Many take special orders.

Online Shops

• Order fresh chops overnight from online meat delivery services like Porter Road or Crowd Cow.

• Or buy vacuum-packed frozen chops from food retailers like Walmart Grocery or Instacart.

Direct from Turkey Farms

• Some local farms sell turkey chops directly through their websites or at farmers markets. Look for hormone-free, pasture-raised options.

Selecting Your Turkey Chops

When choosing turkey chops, look for:

• Uniform thickness, around 1-2 inches each
• Good marbling throughout the lean meat
• Little excess fat or gristle
• Fresh, no funky aroma
• Packaged correctly for freshness and food safety

High-quality turkey chops should have a mild, delicate flavor when cooked. Avoid any with an off-putting smell or slimy texture.

Proper Storage and Handling

• Store fresh raw chops in the fridge just 1-2 days max. Freeze any longer term.

• Cook frozen chops directly from frozen, no need to defrost first.

• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Check with a meat thermometer.

• Let rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Cooking Your Turkey Chops

Turkey chops cook up quicker than chicken breasts, in just 8-10 mins per inch of thickness. They adapt well to almost any preparation method:

• Pan-seared or sautéed
• Baked in the oven
• Grilled or broiled
• Air fried or panini pressed

Season simply with salt, pepper, herbs before cooking. Or use marinades, spice rubs or breaded coatings. Slice into strips or chunks for salads, pasta, stir fries etc.

Easy and Delicious Turkey Chop Recipes

Here are just some of the quick, tasty meals you can make with turkey chops:

• Turkey Chop Parmesan – Breaded turkey chops baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella

• Fajita Turkey Chops – With peppers, onions, Mexican spices. Wrap in tortillas.

• Turkey Chop Stir Fry – With veggies, teriyaki or sweet chili sauce over rice

• Barbecue Turkey Chops – Grilled with zesty BBQ sauce, serve on buns

• Turkey Chop Gyros – Chops seasoned Greek-style, stuffed in pitas with tzatziki

• Crispy Turkey Chop Milanese – Breaded chops pan-fried, served over fresh greens

• Turkey Chop Pinwheels – Stuffed with cheese, spinach, and roasted red peppers

The possibilities are endless! Turkey chops truly shine in a wide variety of quick weeknight dinners, lunches, sandwiches, and more.

Turkey chops should become your new go-to for fast, easy meals that still feel special. Look for them fresh or frozen at higher end grocery stores, order online, or ask your local butcher. Store properly, then cook them through with your favorite seasonings and sauces. With so many ways to prepare turkey chops, you’ll never get bored of this lean, delicious poultry cut.