Name: Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450 g) turkey breast cutlets; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon water; 1 cup dried breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, for frying; Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Why You’ll Love Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets Recipe

It’s a faster, lighter alternative to chicken or heavier meals, with turkey as a lean protein.
The crisp Parmesan‑herb crust gives great texture and flavor, contrasting nicely with the juicy turkey inside.
Prep takes about 10 minutes, and the whole dish is done in roughly 35 minutes — ideal for a weeknight dinner.
It appeals to both kids and adults: mild enough for a kid‑friendly meal, but flavorful enough to serve for family dinners or casual guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Turkey cutlets (about ½ inch thick)
Panko bread crumbs
Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking sheet with the olive oil and set aside.
In a large shallow bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Pat the turkey cutlets dry. Press each cutlet firmly into the bread‑crumb mixture, ensuring an even coating and that the crumbs stick well.
Place the breaded turkey cutlets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the turkey is completely cooked through and the crust is slightly golden.
Remove from oven and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~25 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes

Variations

Use turkey tenders or slice a turkey tenderloin if cutlets aren’t available.
Swap panko crumbs for homemade or fine store‑bought bread crumbs.
Replace turkey with chicken cutlets if you prefer.
Instead of baking, you can shallow‑fry the breaded cutlets in about 2 inches of vegetable oil — cook each side about 3 minutes until golden, then drain on paper towels.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and preserve some of the crunch, warm them in an oven at about 350°F until heated through rather than microwaving.

FAQs

What exactly are turkey cutlets?

Turkey cutlets are thin boneless slices of turkey breast — either pre‑sliced or cut/pounded to about ½ inch thick for quick cooking.

Can I skip the Parmesan cheese to make this dairy‑free?

Yes — you can omit the Parmesan. The turkey will still cook nicely with a basic breadcrumb and herb crust, though the flavor and crispiness will be a bit milder.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes. Regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko gives a lighter, crispier crust. If using fine store‑bought breadcrumbs, the texture will be slightly denser.

What if I don’t have dried basil or oregano?

You can substitute with Italian seasoning, or a mix of herbs you have (like thyme, parsley, or rosemary) — it will change the flavor slightly, but still be tasty.

How do I know the turkey is cooked through?

Turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (about 74 °C). Also, when cutlets are cooked they should no longer be pink inside and juices should run clear.

Can I shallow‑fry instead of baking?

Yes. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet and fry each breaded cutlet about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels before serving.

What sides go well with these cutlets?

They pair nicely with pasta, salad, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes. For kids: macaroni & cheese works well. For adults: a fresh salad or a light pasta salad dresses it up.

Can I make the recipe ahead of time and bake later?

Yes. You can coat the turkey cutlets in the crumb mixture early in the day, cover and refrigerate — then bake just before serving for fresher results.

Will the crust stay crispy if the cutlets sit for a while before serving?

They’re best served hot and fresh. If they sit, the crust may lose some crispness. You can reheat them in the oven to help revive some crunch.

Is there a gluten‑free option for this recipe?

Yes — substitute the panko bread crumbs with gluten‑free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten‑free crackers. This will give similar texture and keep the dish gluten‑free.

Conclusion

Parmesan Crusted Turkey Cutlets offer a simple, flavorful meal that’s quick enough for busy weeknights and appealing enough for family dinners. With lean turkey, a crunchy savory crust, and easy prep, it’s a versatile recipe that fits many occasions. Once you try it, you may find yourself making it often — especially when you want a fuss‑free, delicious meal without sacrificing taste.