Welcome to the Simple & Flavorful kitchen, where we believe that cooking should be both easy and enjoyable for everyone, especially for those just starting out on their culinary journey. Today, we’re excited to share a delicious twist on a classic favorite: Baked Turkey Piccata, succulent turkey cutlets, in a luscious lemony sauce, and baked to golden perfection.. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks who are looking to expand their culinary horizons and impress their friends and family with minimal effort.
Turkey Cutlets are a fantastic option for novice chefs because they cook quickly and are incredibly versatile. No need to stress about complicated cooking techniques – our recipe keeps it simple, so you can focus on enjoying the process without feeling overwhelmed. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a gourmet meal on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried piccata, without sacrificing any of the flavor.
If you’re a fan of the famous chicken or veal piccata, you’re in for a treat. Our Baked Turkey Piccata takes all the flavors you love and gives them a new twist with tender turkey cutlets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
What Makes Baked Turkey Piccata So Special?
It is how incredibly easy it is to make. With just a handful of pantry staples like breadcrumbs, chicken broth, lemon juice, and capers, you can create a gourmet meal that tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant.
One of the things we love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Prefer a tangier sauce? Just add a bit more lemon juice. Want to kick up the flavor with some extra herbs or spices? Go for it! The beauty of Baked Turkey Piccata is that you can make it your own and get creative in the kitchen.
What is Piccata Sauce?
It’s made with a combination of chicken broth, lemon juice, butter, and capers. The acidity of the lemon juice balances out the richness of the butter, creating a flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the turkey. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Flavorful twist: Enjoy the classic flavors of piccata with a lighter touch by using tender turkey breast cutlets.
- Easy preparation: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
- Tangy sauce: The combination of fresh lemon juice and briny capers creates a deliciously tangy sauce that complements the savory turkey.
- Healthier option: Baking the turkey reduces the need for excessive oil, offering a healthier alternative to traditional pan-frying.
- Versatile: Serve the turkey piccata with your choice of sides, such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables, for a customizable meal.
- Crowd-pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests with its elegant presentation and delightful flavors.
- Leftover-friendly: Any leftovers can be enjoyed the next day for a quick and tasty lunch or dinner option.
Baked Turkey Piccata
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds thin turkey cutlets
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now, onto the fun part—cooking! Here’s what you need to do:
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray. NutriChef Non-Stick Kitchen Oven Baking Pan is my go to baking pan,
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dip each turkey cutlet in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the turkey. Add the breaded turkey cutlets to the baking sheet.
- In a glass measuring cup, add chicken broth, butter, and lemon juice. Heat this for 1 minute in the microwave. Immediately add the capers to the heated liquid and set aside.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then flip them and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the turkey cutlets are browned on both sides, remove the pan from the oven.
- Pour the heated lemon caper sauce over the turkey cutlets in the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the capers on each cutlet piece.
- Place the baking sheet back into the oven and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the lemon caper sauce to absorb and flavor the cutlets.
- Carefully remove from the oven, plate up the turkey cutlets, drizzle any leftover lemon caper sauce over each turkey cutlet, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Turkey Cutlets:
To ensure the turkey is perfectly cooked through in the turkey piccata recipe, consider incorporating the following user-friendly tips:
- Visual Cues: One of the easiest ways to tell if the turkey is cooked through is by its appearance. The turkey cutlets should be golden brown on the outside and opaque throughout. Use a sharp knife to make a small incision in the thickest part of the turkey to check for any pinkness or translucent areas. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it’s ready.
- Internal Temperature: For a foolproof method, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey cutlet, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Texture Test: Another way to gauge the doneness of the turkey is by its texture. When gently pressed with a fork or tongs, the turkey should feel firm and springy to the touch. If it feels mushy or soft, it likely needs more time to cook.
- Resting Time: Keep in mind that the turkey will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the heat source. Allow the cooked turkey cutlets to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Another Easy Meal to Make:
Crispy Chicken Tender Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing
Tips for Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious turkey piccata, it’s important to properly store any leftovers to maintain their freshness and flavor. Here are some storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Transfer any leftover turkey piccata to an airtight container or resealable bag. Store it in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Leftovers can be safely refrigerated for up to three to four days.
- Freezing: If you have more leftovers than you can consume within a few days, consider freezing them for later use. Place the cooled turkey piccata in freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags. Be sure to label the containers with the date for easy reference. Frozen turkey piccata can be stored in the freezer for up to two to three months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw them more quickly by placing the sealed container in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Reheating: Reheat the refrigerated or thawed turkey piccata in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. For frozen leftovers, thaw them completely before reheating using your preferred method.
By following these storage tips, you can extend the enjoyment of your turkey piccata leftovers while ensuring they remain safe and delicious to eat.
So why wait for your next night out to enjoy this delicious dish? With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can bring the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your dinner table. Once you try Baked Turkey Piccata, it’ll become a regular on your menu rotation. You will be amazed by how simple and flavorful homemade cooking can be! And remember, let us know what you think in the comments below.
Baked Turkey Piccata
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds thin turkey cutlets
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/4 cup capers drained
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a shallow dish, beat the egg. In another shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dip each turkey cutlet in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the turkey. Add the breaded turkey cutlets to the baking sheet.
- In a glass measuring cup, add chicken broth, butter, and lemon juice. Heat this for 1 minute in the microwave. Immediately add the capers to the heated liquid and set aside.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then flip them and bake for 2-3 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Once the turkey cutlets are browned on both sides, remove the pan from the oven.
- Pour the heated lemon caper sauce over the turkey cutlets in the baking sheet. Evenly distribute the capers on each cutlet piece.
- Place the baking sheet back into the oven and cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the lemon caper sauce to absorb and flavor the cutlets.
- Carefully remove from the oven, plate up the turkey cutlets, drizzle any leftover lemon caper sauce over each turkey cutlet, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled.
- Adjust the amount of capers to suit your taste preference.
- Ensure the turkey is cooked through but not overdone to maintain juiciness.
- Serve the piccata with a side of pasta or mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with additional lemon slices or parsley for a vibrant presentation.