This baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe with an easy spice rub is melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It's special occasion-worthy, weeknight dinner-friendly, and only takes minutes to prepare.
If you only enjoy a whole turkey once a year, that will all change when you try these oven-baked turkey breast tenderloins. This lean meat is tender, juicy, and easy to make on repeat.
I always hope for leftovers so I can make turkey tacos or turkey sliders the next day!
Hosting a small holiday dinner? Whether you opt for this easy recipe or breaded turkey tenderloins, you're in for a no-fuss dinner full of flavor.
And here's the bonus: tender turkey tenderloins cook quickly, allowing you to roast them alongside your favorite veggies. Everything should finish at about the same time, too.
Here are more reasons you'll love this easy turkey tenderloin recipe!
- It's simple - You don't need to plan ahead because it's not a marinated turkey tenderloin (which is delicious but requires wait time.) A savory spice blend is rubbed into the poultry before searing and baking.
- The ingredient list is simple, and you probably already have everything (except for the turkey tenderloin!)
- It's low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free.
- You'll use (and clean) just one pan or baking dish!
Jump to:
What is a turkey tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless part of the turkey. It's a thick strip of meat between the turkey breast. So, it's not the same thing as turkey breast.
The meat is tender because that part of the bird doesn't get much exercise. It's considered a lean, healthy white meat.
This cut of turkey is very versatile and is used as an alternative to chicken breasts in many recipes.
You'll usually find it in 1-2 pound packages containing two tenderloins in the meat section of the grocery store. Ask if you can't find it so they start stocking it!
Rub Ingredients
Below are the pantry ingredients for a spice blend that creates a paste to rub all over the turkey loin. It's fantastic on any poultry and pork tenderloin, too.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Thyme leaves
- Paprika
- Thyme leaves
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Olive oil
This dry rub is good for up to 2 pounds of meat. Make it thinner or thicker, depending upon your preference, by adding more or less olive oil.
Do you have a blend on hand that you love? Combine it with olive oil, and you're ready to go. We use the same technique to make flavorful steak fajitas and blackened chicken.
Directions with Pictures
Here's how to make this simple turkey tenderloin recipe:
- Pat the tenderloins dry. They are usually very wet when you take them out of the packaging.
- Mix spices and olive oil 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 it can be brushed on as well.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for a minute or two. This helps lock in the moisture.
- Bake the tenderloins in the oven at 375 °F for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Tip: Use an oven-safe pan or cast iron skillet to sear the meat so you can transfer it to the oven and finish cooking! See our equipment suggestions in the recipe card below.
When is turkey tenderloin done?
According to the FDA, 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.
When you cut through the meat, it should be white and moist, and the juices should run clear.
Note that the exact cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloins and your particular oven. So, use a meat thermometer!
Storage
Store leftover turkey meat in an airtight container or bag for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 2 months in the freezer.
What to serve with turkey tenderloins?
All your favorite side dishes for occasions like a Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas meal pair well with turkey tenderloins; just scale it back if it's the middle of the week! These are tried and true favorites at the holidays:
- Mashed potatoes < These are loaded with cream cheese and sour cream. Make them in a slow cooker.
- Oven-Baked Stuffing < You can make this recipe ahead of time.
- Cranberry sauce < This is our low-sugar recipe!
- Sweet potatoes
- Gravy is always a nice finishing touch.
Below are low-carb side dishes that everyone will enjoy and are perfect for an easy weeknight meal:
More Turkey Tenderloin Recipes
Looking for more delicious turkey dinner recipes that don't take much time? Check these out!
Honey Orange Glazed Ham Steaks bake quickly in the oven too. They're another option for small holiday dinners. Cook them on a large sheet pan alongside seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
Would you like more easy, healthy, carb-conscious recipes?
📋 Recipe
Easy Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
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Equipment
- DOT® Simple Alarm Thermometer
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
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ 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 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 it can be brushed on as well.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey tenderloins on each side for a minute or two to lock in the moisture.
- Bake the tenderloins in the oven, uncovered, for about 25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F. Use a meat thermometer for the best result.
- Let the turkey meat rest for a few 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