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Grilled Juicy Turkey Cutlets

This recipe features thin turkey cutlets marinated in a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. The key is precise timing and careful handling to achieve a caramelized exterior with a moist, tender interior. The final dish boasts a smoky, flavorful crust with juicy, slightly charred slices that look as good as they taste.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces Turkey breast cutlets preferably even thickness, about 1/2 inch
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil for marinade and preventing sticking
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 whole lemon juiced, about 2 tablespoons
  • Salt and pepper to taste season generously
  • Wood chips a handful soaked for extra smoky flavor (optional)

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Shallow dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill to a steady medium-high heat, about 200°C/400°F, and make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those beautiful grill marks.
  2. Pat the turkey cutlets dry with paper towels and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
  3. In a shallow dish, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme and rosemary, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper, then add the turkey cutlets, turning them to coat evenly. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
    4 pieces Turkey breast cutlets
  4. Once ready, place the marinated cutlets diagonally across the hot grill grates. Cook for about 3-4 minutes without moving them, until you see deep golden-brown grill marks and a fragrant smoky aroma.
  5. Use tongs to carefully flip the cutlets and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, maintaining a gentle sizzle. Watch for caramelized edges and a consistent golden color.
  6. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a cutlet; once it reads 74°C/165°F, remove them from the grill. This ensures they are perfectly cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Transfer the cooked cutlets to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Cover loosely with foil if desired. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and tender.
  8. Slice the turkey crosswise if you like, then squeeze a little extra lemon over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy that smoky, juicy goodness.
    4 pieces Turkey breast cutlets