Orange Glazed Turkey Cutlets Recipe
Introduction
These orange-glazed turkey cutlets are a quick and easy autumn dinner, perfect for a busy weeknight or a simple Thanksgiving main dish. The sweet, sticky glaze made with fresh orange juice and maple syrup adds bright flavor to tender turkey cutlets.

Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 lb turkey cutlets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Fresh thyme, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shallow bowl, combine dried thyme, sage, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Coat both sides of the turkey cutlets with this herb mixture. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a large deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the turkey cutlets and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Step 3: Pour about 1 teaspoon of coconut aminos into the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. (If using a nonstick pan with nothing stuck, you may skip this step.)
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in the orange juice, maple syrup, and remaining coconut aminos. Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid thickens into a sticky glaze.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat and return the turkey cutlets to the pan, turning to coat them evenly with the glaze. Serve topped with fresh thyme.
Tips & Variations
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the turkey cutlets, which cook quickly due to their thinness.
- Fresh orange juice enhances the glaze’s flavor, but bottled juice works as well in a pinch.
- For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze while it simmers.
- Serve with mashed sweet potatoes and green beans for a complete autumn meal.
Storage
Store leftover turkey cutlets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, to preserve the glaze’s texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
How long should I cook turkey cutlets in a pan?
Cook turkey cutlets for about 2 minutes per side if they are thin. Thicker cutlets may require 3 minutes per side. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Where can I buy turkey cutlets?
Turkey cutlets are often available seasonally in the fall at grocery store meat counters. If you don’t see them, ask your butcher if they can prepare turkey cutlets for you.
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Orange Glazed Turkey Cutlets Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These orange-glazed turkey cutlets are a quick and easy autumn dinner or a convenient alternative main dish for Thanksgiving. Featuring thin turkey cutlets coated with a fragrant herb blend and cooked quickly in a pan, then glazed with a sweet and sticky orange sauce made from fresh orange juice, maple syrup, and coconut aminos. Perfect served with sides like green beans and mashed sweet potatoes for a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Turkey and Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 lb turkey cutlets
Cooking and Glaze
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp coconut aminos, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Turkey: In a shallow bowl, combine dried thyme, dried sage, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Coat both sides of the turkey cutlets evenly with this herb mixture. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Turkey Cutlets: Heat avocado oil in a large deep pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the turkey cutlets and cook for 2 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are cooked through. Remove from the pan and cover to keep warm.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour about 1 teaspoon of coconut aminos into the hot pan and scrape the bottom to lift any browned bits. This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if using a nonstick pan with no stuck bits.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about two minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Make the Orange Glaze: Add the orange juice, maple syrup, and remaining coconut aminos to the pan. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring often, until it reduces to a thick, sticky glaze.
- Coat the Cutlets: Turn off the heat and return the cooked turkey cutlets to the pan. Turn them in the glaze to coat thoroughly and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the turkey cutlets, spooning extra glaze over the top, and garnish with fresh thyme. Serve immediately with sides such as green beans and mashed sweet potatoes for a complete meal.
Notes
- You may be able to skip the deglazing step if using a nonstick pan and there are no stuck bits on the pan bottom.
- Use fresh orange juice for an optimal bright and fresh flavor, though bottled juice will also work.
- Turkey cutlets cook very quickly; using a meat thermometer helps avoid overcooking.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if your turkey cutlets are thicker than usual.
- Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a quick Thanksgiving alternative for smaller gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: turkey cutlets, orange glaze, autumn dinner, Thanksgiving alternative, quick weeknight meal, gluten free turkey recipe

