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Crusted turkey fillets served with vibrant cranberry sauce on a plate

Crusted Turkey Fillets with Cranberry Sauce

A delightful dish featuring tender turkey fillets with a crispy breadcrumb crust paired with zesty cranberry sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Turkey Fillets
  • 4 pieces turkey breast fillets (about 5.3 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2.8 oz fresh breadcrumbs Crispy and inviting
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese For a nutty richness
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Adding a pop of color
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme A fragrant herbal note
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest For a burst of freshness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for crust) Bringing moisture and flavor
  • 1 large egg, beaten To bind it all together
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) Enhancing the crust
For the Cranberry Sauce
  • 7 oz fresh or frozen cranberries Tart and sweet
  • 2.8 oz granulated sugar For balance
  • 1/4 cup orange juice Adding a citrus punch
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest Heightening the brightness
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon Adding warmth

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the turkey fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. In a shallow bowl, stir together fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried thyme, and grated lemon zest. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and mix until moistened.
  4. Dip each turkey fillet into the beaten egg, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking
  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded turkey fillets for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making the Sauce
  1. For the cranberry sauce, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, grated orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Serving
  1. Plate the turkey fillets and top with cranberry sauce. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

To enhance flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture. Store-bought cranberry sauce is an alternative if short on time.