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Grilled Turkey Cutlets with Lemon Herb Marinade

This dish features thin turkey cutlets marinated in a bright lemon herb mixture, then grilled to perfection. The quick grilling method results in juicy, tender meat with beautiful grill marks and a smoky aroma, perfect for a weeknight dinner or outdoor cookout.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces Turkey breast cutlets thin, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil brightens marinade and prevents sticking
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice adds brightness
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme or rosemary chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground
  • Optional Honey or maple syrup for extra caramelization

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for about 200°C (390°F), until it’s hot and ready for the turkey.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper to create a vibrant marinade.
  3. If your turkey cutlets are thicker than 1/4 inch, gently pound them to even thickness, ensuring quick and uniform cooking.
  4. Place the turkey cutlets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and stay juicy.
  5. Lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent sticking and help develop those beautiful grill marks.
  6. Arrange the marinated turkey cutlets on the hot grill, placing them carefully so they do not stick. Sear for about 3-4 minutes without moving, until they develop a golden-brown exterior and grill marks.
  7. Use tongs to flip the cutlets and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring they are evenly browned and slightly charred.
  8. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 74°C (165°F). The juices should run clear, and the surface should be nicely charred.
  9. Remove the turkey cutlets from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes on a plate, uncovered. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
  10. Slice the turkey if desired, serve alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the juicy, smoky flavors of this quick grilled dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade before grilling for caramelized edges. Adjust marination time based on how pronounced you want the flavor.