When the grill's hot and summer vibes are in full swing, there’s nothing more satisfying than sizzling BBQ turkey chops kissed with smoky flavor and slathered in a rich, tangy homemade sauce. This recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels like a treat but still leans toward the lighter side of comfort food. These turkey chops are juicy, tender, and just the right amount of sticky-sweet from the sauce. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to whip up with simple pantry ingredients and minimal fuss. If you’re already a fan of fried turkey chops or baked turkey cutlets in the oven, this BBQ version brings a fresh, grilled twist you’ll come back to all season long.
BBQ Turkey Chops with Homemade Sauce
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Grill (charcoal or gas) A medium-hot grill is essential for getting those nice charred edges and smoky undertones. A cast iron grill pan works if you’re cooking indoors.
Meat Thermometer This is key for moist turkey recipes. Overcooking turkey chops can dry them out quickly, so use a thermometer to make sure you hit the perfect internal temp (around 165°F).
Basting brush A silicone or natural bristle basting brush helps evenly coat your chops with sauce during grilling.
Mixing bowls For seasoning and prepping the sauce.
Tongs or spatula To flip the chops without piercing and losing juice.
For the BBQ Turkey Chops
- 4 turkey chops turkey breast chops work best; boneless or bone-in
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
For the Homemade BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp liquid smoke optional, for deeper flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt to taste
Prep the Turkey Chops
Start by patting the turkey chops dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and encourages a good sear. Whether you’re using turkey breast chops or a different cut like scallopini-style slices, dry meat is key.
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Rub this blend all over the turkey chops until they’re well coated. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you heat up the grill.
Make the Homemade BBQ Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, liquid smoke (if using), garlic powder, chili powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust salt as needed. Set aside.
Grill the Turkey Chops
Place the seasoned turkey chops on the preheated grill. Grill for 5–6 minutes on each side with the lid closed, depending on the thickness. Begin basting the chops with BBQ sauce during the last 3 minutes of cooking on each side, layering that flavor in.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temp should hit 165°F. Avoid overcooking — this is where moist turkey recipes shine. Rest the chops off the grill for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
Serve and Sauce
Serve the BBQ turkey chops hot, with an extra drizzle of sauce on top or on the side. These are mouthwatering on their own, but they also shine in a sandwich roll or over a bed of smoky mashed potatoes.
Perfect Pairings
Side Dishes
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn slathered in butter and a sprinkle of smoked paprika echoes the smokiness of the turkey chops.
- Tangy Coleslaw: The cool crunch balances the bold BBQ sauce perfectly.
- Garlic Herb Potato Wedges: Crispy, golden edges with fluffy centers are ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Think bell peppers, zucchini, and onions — great if you're into healthy turkey cutlet recipes.
Beverages
- Sweet Tea or Lemonade: Southern-inspired and a classic match with BBQ.
- IPA or Light Lager: The bitterness in IPA cuts through the sweetness of the sauce, while a lager keeps it crisp and clean.
Sauce Add-ons
- Want a kick? Stir some chipotle peppers in adobo into the sauce.
- Prefer a mustard base? Swap ketchup with yellow mustard and add honey for a Carolina-style variation.
FAQs
1. What kind of turkey chop should I use?
Turkey breast chops work best for this recipe. They’re lean, easy to season, and hold up beautifully on the grill. You can also use boneless turkey breast or turkey scallopini if you want thinner cuts that cook faster.
2. Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Absolutely. For a baked turkey cutlets oven option, place the seasoned chops on a lined baking tray and cook at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with sauce during the last 10 minutes and broil for added char.
3. What’s the difference between turkey chops and cutlets?
Turkey chops are typically bone-in or thick slices from the turkey breast, while cutlets are thinner, boneless slices. Either works, but cooking time and texture will vary slightly.
4. How do I keep my turkey chops moist?
The secret is twofold: don’t overcook, and let them rest. Also, marinating or seasoning them ahead of time helps lock in moisture — a top tip for anyone who loves moist turkey recipes.
5. Can I fry this recipe instead of grilling?
Yes! To make a fried turkey chops version, coat your seasoned turkey in flour or breadcrumbs and fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Drizzle with the BBQ sauce or serve on the side.
