Tender and juicy turkey cutlets are seasoned, breaded, and pan-fried to make this savory Turkey Scallopini with Creamy Lemon Sauce. You’ll love the gourmet taste of this easy, low-carb recipe!

three breaded turkey cutlets topped with creamy lemon sauce and garnished with lemon slices and parsley

Although turkey scallopini tastes like a home-cooked meal that your Italian Nonna slaved over all day, they are surprisingly easy and quick to make! Seasoned perfectly and breaded with panko and Parmesan cheese, they are a pan-fried piece of heaven! And the creamy, garlicky pan sauce just takes things up a whole other level. Turkey cutlets only take a few minutes to cook, and the sauce comes together in the same skillet with ease. It’s an awesome gourmet dish you can make at home.

What’s the difference between piccata and scallopini?

Chicken piccata is a popular dish combining chicken scallopini (thin, breaded, and fried cutlets) and a zesty sauce called “piccata.” This dish is similar, using turkey scallopini – again, thin, breaded, and fried cutlets – in a creamy, garlicky pan sauce. However, the sauce is simpler than piccata, and the turkey cutlets have a slightly deeper flavor than chicken. And this recipe is designed to be low-carb.

three breaded turkey cutlets to make turkey scallopini with creamy lemon sauce

Turkey Scallopini Ingredients

For the Turkey Cutlets:

Turkey Breast Tenderloins: These are large, but not the same as a big whole turkey breast! Two tenderloins will weigh between one and two pounds.
Flour: To keep things low-carb, I use coconut flour, but if low-carbing ain’t your thing, you can use all-purpose flour.
Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: This basic seasoning blend is good on everything!
Panko: Again, you can go low-carb here, using pork rind panko crumbs, or go with regular panko crumbs if you prefer.
Parmesan: Grated parmesan cheese makes the breading mixture extra flavorful and adds a great texture.
Egg and Water: Beat one egg with a little water for dipping and breading the cutlets.
Butter: For browning the cutlets.

For the Sauce:

Butter: You’ll need a little more butter for sauteing the garlic.
Garlic: The fresh garlic cloves should be pressed or minced.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth is fine; I usually go for low sodium chicken broth so that I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Lemon Juice: While bottled lemon juice is great (and super convenient!), to really make the sauce bright and perfect, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Cream: You’ll want heavy whipping cream here, not half and half. Whipping cream is best for making this sauce thick and flavorful.
Parsley and Lemon Slices: Chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon slices make the perfect optional garnish.

cooking breaded turkey cutlets to make turkey scallopini

whisking creamy lemon sauce for turkey scallopini

How to Make Turkey Scallopini

The technique for making turkey scallopini is so simple and makes an elegant plate! The cutlets are breaded and pan-fried, and then a savory pan sauce is made in the same skillet.

Prepare the Cutlets: To cut the tenderloins into cutlets, place a turkey breast tenderloin on a cutting board and hold it flat with the palm of your hand. With the other hand, using a sharp knife, slice the turkey tenderloin horizontally into two even ¼-inch thick pieces. Repeat with the other tenderloin and set them aside.
Make the Breading Mixtures and Egg Dipping Mixture. You’ll need three shallow bowls or dishes for this; one for the breading, and one for the egg mixture. Combine the coconut flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first bowl. In the second bowl, combine the pork rind panko crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Finally, in the third bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
Bread the Cutlets. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add half of the butter. Dredge the turkey cutlets in the flour mixture, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat each cutlet with the panko crumbs mixture.
Fry the Cutlets. Cook the cutlets in the hot butter, two at a time, for 4 to 5 minutes per side. The internal temperature of the cutlets should register between 162˚F and 165˚F. When they are done, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Make the Sauce: Wipe down the skillet and return to the heat; melt a tablespoon of butter in it. Stir in the garlic, and cook for 20 seconds, or until fragrant. Then whisk in the chicken broth and lemon juice; bring the sauce to a boil, and cook until it has reduced by half. Finally, whisk in the heavy cream, taste for salt and pepper, and adjust as needed.
Finish the Dish. Pour the sauce over the cutlets, garnish with parsley and lemon slices, and serve.

Tips for Success

Know When to Turn: When turning the cutlets, don’t forcefully try to flip them. If there’s resistance, it means that the cutlet is not done cooking. Give it a minute before trying again. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cutlets.
Skip the Breading: You can also make the cutlets without breading at all. Just season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, and then pan-fry them!
Turkey Substitutes: This recipe would also work with veal cutlets, thinly sliced, lean boneless pork chops, or chicken breasts sliced or pounded thin!

What to Serve with Turkey Scallopini

Keto “Breadsticks”: These easy, Cheesy Zucchini Breadsticks are keto-friendly and packed with eggs, cheese, and veggies.
Cauliflower Rice: Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice with Spinach is a beautiful and easy side that goes perfectly with scallopini.
Roasted Veggies: This sheet pan Roasted Vegetables recipe is so simple, but the caramelized, crisp-tender medley of veggies is everything!

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

To store leftover turkey scallopini, place in airtight containers, storing any leftover sauce separately. Refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, until the cutlets reach a safe internal temperature (162˚F to 165˚F) again. Do not overcook.