This easy baked turkey tenderloin recipe uses a simple spice rub with garlic, paprika, and thyme for plenty of flavor. A quick sear gives the outside beautiful color before the turkey finishes cooking in the oven. No marinating or brining is needed, so it's ready in about 30 minutes.
Notes from my kitchen
If you only enjoy turkey once a year, that will change when you try these oven-baked turkey breast tenderloins. The meat is tender and juicy, and I always hope for leftovers.
They're ready in a half hour using a standard 1½-pound package of turkey tenderloins and spices I always have in the pantry.
When I have time to plan, I might make my marinated turkey tenderloin for a sweet and tangy twist. It uses the same oven temperature but soaks in a maple-Dijon marinade before baking.
Both recipes turn this cut of turkey into something you can enjoy at a holiday gathering or on any weeknight.
Marjory
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make spice-rubbed baked turkey tenderloins:
Turkey tenderloins
I used JENNIE-O® all-natural turkey breast tenderloins. You'll usually find 1-2 pound packages containing two tenderloins in the meat section of the grocery store. Look for unseasoned turkey tenderloins so you can use the spice rub as written.
Turkey tenderloin seasoning
These pantry staples make a simple seasoning paste that coats up to 2 pounds of turkey.
Of special note:
- Garlic and onion powder are the savory base.
- Paprika adds rich color and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Don't use smoky paprika for this recipe.
- Dried thyme leaves are a classic poultry flavor. Powdered thyme is more concentrated in flavor. If you make this substitution, reduce the amount by about half.
- Olive oil: turns the spice rub into a paste and helps coat the meat evenly.
The recipe card below includes ingredient amounts, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional information.
How to bake turkey tenderloins in the oven
Rub
Pat the turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels so the seasoning sticks well. Mix the spices and olive oil in a small bowl to make a thick paste, then rub it over all sides of the turkey.
Sear
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloins for 1 to 2 minutes per side. If the skillet is oven-safe, move it directly to the oven. Otherwise, transfer to a baking dish or sheet pan.
Bake
Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 25 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F. If one tenderloin is noticeably smaller, check it first and remove it when it's done. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
When is turkey tenderloin done?
Turkey is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F. The best way to tell when it's done is to insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the poultry.
It's particularly important to watch the temperature when cooking turkey tenderloins because they have very little fat. Overcooking will make them dry.
Note that the exact cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloins and your particular oven. So, use a meat thermometer!
FAQ
Turkey tenderloins are a thick strip of boneless, skinless turkey under the turkey breast. The turkey is tender because that part of the bird doesn't get much exercise. It is not the same as a turkey breast.
It's considered a lean, healthy white meat that cooks quickly and is very versatile. It's often used as an alternative to chicken breasts in recipes.
No. You can bake turkey tenderloin without searing it first, but searing it for 1–2 minutes per side adds color and flavor.
Bake turkey tenderloins uncovered so the browned exterior stays intact.
What to serve with baked turkey tenderloins?
For an easy weeknight dinner, I like to serve turkey tenderloin with cauliflower mash, crispy green beans, or sautéed baby carrots.
For Thanksgiving, Christmas, or another special occasion, add traditional sides too! Mashed potatoes or roasted cauliflower rice, oven-baked stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce all pair perfectly with it.
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Easy Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds turkey tenderloins patted dry
Turkey Rub
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon thyme leaves If substituting powdered thyme, use half the amount
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2.5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 Tablespoon is used to sear the meat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pat turkey tenderloins dry with a paper towel.
- Mix the spices and 1 ½ Tablespoons of olive oil together in a small bowl to create a thick paste. Rub the mixture all over the turkey tenderloins on both sides. I used my hands, but you can also brush it on.
- Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for a minute or two to brown. If the skillet is oven-safe, move it directly to the oven. Otherwise, transfer to a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Bake the turkey tenderloins uncovered for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. If one tenderloin is noticeably smaller, check it first and remove it when it's done.
- Let the turkey meat rest for five minutes, then slice and enjoy.
Notes
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Nutrition
Mrs Reynolds says
This recipe is Outstanding - thank you! I used exactly the ingredients - but I didn't read carefully and ended up putting oil on the turkey, then sprinkled the blended spices on them afterward b/c I didn't see the suggested paste application. No matter, I followed directions otherwise and these turned out super-flavorful, tender, juice: Delicious! These are so good, I'm considering doing Thanksgiving this year with tenderloins with various herb/spice blends for the diverse tastes of my family. Thank you, again!
Irene says
Do you know if i can do this in air fryer using the bake function and not dry it out. Ty I'm making this now
Marjory Pilley says
Yes you can!
Kim says
Made as directed, everyone in my family enjoyed, which does not happen often. We had never tried turkey tenderloin before. Thank you!
Amanda says
So, this was absolutely delicious! I rarely follow any recipe to the letter, but this one I did. And I was not sorry. My family devoured these, and this one will be added to our rotation. Thanks so much!
Laura says
I picked up a double pack of turkey tenderloins on sale and had never made them before. Luckily I found your recipe online and tried it. I rubbed the turkey in olive oil and then added the spices you recommended since I had them on hand. I used my cast iron skillet to sear them for two minutes on each side and then put the skillet in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes, letting it rest for five minutes. I checked them with my meat thermometer and they were 65 degrees. I must say they were delicious! Usually turkey can be dry and tasteless, but these were moist and full of flavor. My husband and I loved our meal and I had to review this great recipe! It was so easy and quick. It was a weekday and I served it with a salad, fresh cooked spinach and cranberry sauce. We have the other tenderloin to enjoy tomorrow. Thank you for a super recipe and I signed up for your site so I can get other healthy and easy ideas!
Marjory Pilley says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them and thank you for your kind review. They really are perfect any time of year and your dinner sounds delicious!
Melba says
Perfection: simple, healthy, delicious
Corey frey says
Easy and delicious