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BBQ Turkey Chops with Homemade sauce

BBQ Turkey Chops with Homemade Sauce

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Equipment

  • 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.

Ingredients
  

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

Instructions
 

Prep the Turkey Chops

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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.