Crispy Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets Recipe

Zippy Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets Recipe: Snap-Fast Magic!

These pioneer woman’s turkey cutlets burst with Southern charm, promising a crispy culinary adventure that’ll make weeknight dinners extraordinarily delectable.

Succulent meat gets lovingly coated in a tantalizing spice blend that transforms ordinary poultry into something spectacular.

Crunchy golden exteriors lock in delicate flavors, creating a texture that dances between rustic and refined.

Robust seasonings weave magic through each tender morsel, elevating a simple protein to gourmet heights.

Home cooks will adore how effortlessly these cutlets come together with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

The recipe delivers a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Let’s become the culinary star of your kitchen!

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Used in Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets

For Marinade and Seasoning:
  • Poultry Seasoning: Choose a fresh blend with vibrant herbs for maximum flavor complexity.
  • Kosher Salt: Select coarse-grain for better texture and more controlled seasoning.
  • Garlic Powder: Opt for pure, non-clumping variety for smooth distribution.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground provides more intense and robust taste.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Select high-quality ground pepper for consistent heat level.
For Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour, Cornstarch: Use unbleached, fresh all-purpose flour for ideal crispiness.
  • Baking Powder: Ensure fresh container for maximum rising potential.
For Gravy and Liquid Components:
  • Buttermilk: Select full-fat version for richer tenderizing effect.
  • Hot Sauce: Choose classic vinegar-based sauce for balanced tanginess.
  • Egg: Use fresh, room temperature large egg for better binding.
  • Vegetable Oil: Select high smoke-point oil for consistent frying.
  • Butter: Prefer unsalted for precise seasoning control.
  • Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock for balanced flavor profile.
  • Heavy Cream: Choose high-fat content cream for luxurious texture.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Onion: Select fresh, firm sweet onion for subtle sweetness.
  • Mustard: Pick Dijon-style for complex, sharp undertone.
  • Black Pepper: Whole peppercorns for freshly ground finish.

Cooking Gear for Turkey Cutlets

  • Small bowl: Perfect for mixing dry spices.
  • Medium bowl: Ideal for whisking marinade ingredients.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending liquid and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Shallow bowl: Great for creating dredging mixture and coating cutlets.
  • Large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven: Crucial for achieving crispy, golden-brown turkey.
  • Thermometer: Helps monitor oil and meat temperature precisely.
  • Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drip off fried cutlets.
  • Rimmed baking sheet: Catches drips and keeps counters clean.
  • Medium skillet: Perfect for preparing creamy gravy.
  • Grater: Helps create finely grated onion for smooth gravy.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Simple Instructions for Turkey Cutlets

Simple Instructions for Turkey Cutlets
  • Craft Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whip up a zesty marinade by blending spices and buttermilk. Combine dried seasonings with liquid ingredients, creating a flavor-rich bath for turkey cutlets. Let the meat soak up delicious notes for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, transforming ordinary poultry into a taste sensation.

  • Create Crispy Coating

Prepare a crunchy exterior by mixing flour and additional spices. Pull cutlets from the marinade and generously coat each piece, ensuring every inch gets a delectable layer of crispiness. This technique guarantees a satisfying crunch with every single bite.

  • Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a heavy skillet until shimmering hot. Carefully lower marinated and coated cutlets into the sizzling oil, cooking each side until achieving a stunning golden-brown color. Work in batches to maintain ideal oil temperature and prevent overcrowding. Transfer to a rack, letting excess oil drip away while keeping the meat wonderfully crisp.

  • Whip Up Creamy Gravy

Transform pan drippings into a luxurious sauce by sautéing onions and whisking in flour. Slowly introduce stock, stirring continuously to create a smooth, velvety texture. Finish with a splash of cream and a hint of mustard, elevating the gravy from simple to spectacular.

  • Serve and Savor

Place crispy cutlets on warm plates and cascade the rich, creamy gravy overtop. Sprinkle with a final dusting of black pepper for an extra flavor punch. Dive into a home-cooked meal that rivals any restaurant experience.

Flavor Boosts and Saucy Ideas

  • Spice Up the Marinade: Experiment with different hot sauces like Sriracha or Tabasco to add unique heat levels. Swap buttermilk with yogurt or kefir for a tangy twist that keeps meat tender and juicy.
  • Oil Temperature Mastery: Use a digital thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature. Fluctuating heat can result in soggy or burnt coating. Consider using a deep-fry thermometer for consistent results.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend. These alternatives create an equally crispy and golden exterior while accommodating dietary restrictions.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare marinade and coating mixture in advance. Store in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, saving precious meal preparation time.

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets

  • Pair with Hearty Sides: Create a comforting plate by serving these crispy turkey cutlets alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or buttery rice pilaf to complement the rich gravy.
  • Garnish for Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, chives, or thyme over the cutlets and gravy to add a bright, herbal note and elevate the dish's visual appeal with a pop of green color.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Match the crispy turkey with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay, which will balance the richness of the creamy gravy and cut through the golden-fried coating.
  • Make It a Feast: Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, warm turkey cutlets and creamy sauce.

Turkey Cutlet Storage Tips

  • Meal Planning & Storage Advice
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover fried turkey cutlets in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigeration keeps the meat fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
  • Reheat with Care: Restore crispy coating by warming cutlets in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and dried-out meat.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual cutlets in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen turkey stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Gravy Storage Solution: Keep leftover gravy in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, whisking occasionally to restore smooth consistency.
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Crispy Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets Recipe

Crispy Pioneer Woman Turkey Cutlets Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Savory Pioneer Woman turkey cutlets deliver a hearty Southern-style meal with crispy breading and zesty seasonings. Home cooks can quickly prepare this simple protein-packed dish that promises delicious comfort on any dinner plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs turkey cutlets
  • 1 cup whole buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • 2 tbsps hot sauce (medium heat recommended)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps poultry seasoning
  • 2 tbsps kosher salt, plus extra for final seasoning
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 3 ½ cups warm turkey or chicken stock, divided (3 cups for gravy, extra if needed)
  • ½ medium yellow onion, grated
  • Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk poultry seasoning, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne into a harmonious spice blend. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, egg, and 2 tablespoons of spice mixture. Immerse turkey cutlets completely, seal, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  2. Coating Preparation: Remove marinated cutlets 10 minutes before cooking. Mix flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and remaining spice mixture in a shallow container. Incorporate 3 tablespoons of marinade to create a textured coating. Thoroughly dredge each cutlet, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet to 350°F (177°C). Carefully fry turkey cutlets in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle with kosher salt. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven.
  4. Gravy Crafting: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté grated onion until tender. Dust with flour, whisking for 2 minutes. Gradually add stock, whisking continuously. Season with salt and pepper, simmer until thickened. Blend in cream and mustard, adjusting stock as needed. Refine seasoning to taste.
  5. Serving Finale: Plate crispy turkey cutlets, generously drench with warm, creamy gravy, and finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

  • Marinate Strategically: Let turkey cutlets soak in buttermilk mixture for maximum tenderness and flavor absorption, minimum 30 minutes to maximum 4 hours.
  • Temperature Precision: Maintain oil at exactly 350°F for perfectly crispy exterior without burning, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Fry turkey cutlets in controlled batches to ensure even cooking and maintain optimal oil temperature for crisp, golden results.
  • Gravy Consistency: Whisk flour and stock gradually to prevent lumps, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken naturally for a smooth, rich texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1100 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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