Easy Baked Turkey Tenderloin

Name: Easy Baked Turkey Tenderloin
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 1.5 pound turkey tenderloins; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh sage (minced); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon avocado oil

These Baked Turkey Tenderloins are coated in herbs and baked to perfection. With this recipe, you can have a flavorful dinner in 30 minutes! So, it’s great for busy weeknights.

Roasted turkey breast with herbs in a skillet.

This simple turkey tenderloin recipe is a great option for a small family Thanksgiving dinner. However, it’s easy to make any night of the week, so you can make it any time the turkey dinner craving hits.

Want to get creative with your leftovers from this delicious turkey dinner? I love to use my leftovers in this Leftover Turkey Fried Rice, Leftover Turkey Stroganoff, or even this Muffin Tin Turkey and Stuffing Cups. You can’t go wrong with any of these recipes for dinner the next day.

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: One great thing about his recipe is that you only need a hand of ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about spending much money at the grocery store.
Flexible: This easy recipe is gourmet enough for a special occasion but also easy enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Moist and Tender: The turkey tenderloin is the most tender cut, so you are guaranteed a moist and tender turkey every time you make it.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for turkey tenderloins: spices, herbs, avocado oil, and turkey.

Ingredient Notes:

Turkey tenderloins
Fresh thyme
Fresh rosemary
Fresh sage
Avocado oil – You can also use any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as olive oil.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

Does your family like a little spice? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your food.
Don’t have fresh herbs? You can use dried herbs; use 1/3 teaspoon of each of them.
Adjust the salt and black pepper to suit your taste buds.
For a little extra flavor, feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of brown sugar to your seasonings.

How to Make This Turkey Tenderloin (step-by-step directions)

Glass bowl with mixed herbs, salt, and pepper on a white surface.

Step 1: Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl until they are well combined.

Raw seasoned chicken breast halves on parchment paper.

Step 2: Generously season the turkey tenderloins on all sides.

Two seasoned chicken breasts in a cast iron skillet on a light surface.

Step 3: In a hot skillet, sear the tenderloins on all sides until golden brown.

Two seasoned chicken breasts cooking in a cast iron skillet.

Step 4: After searing, move the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the internal temperature is 160 degrees F.

Sliced chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans, and gravy.

Recipe Tips

To get a nice sear on your tenderloins, ensure your cast iron skillet is nice and hot so the turkey browns.
If you use a baking dish, spray it well with nonstick cooking spray.
Cooking times can vary by oven, so I recommend using a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent under-cooked food.
I made this recipe with fresh herbs; you can use dried. However, they are stronger, so you will need to use less.
If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the tenderloins in a skillet and then move to a greased stainless steel baking dish.

Storing Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze leftover turkey in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: The best way to reheat a tenderloin is to wrap it in aluminum foil with a small amount of chicken broth and then bake it at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until warm all the way through.

Serving Suggestions

Whether you are making this for an easy weeknight meal or a holiday dinner, this Sweet Mashed Potatoes Recipe, Green Beans Almondine recipe, and these Easy Cheesy Garlic Bread Rolls all make great side dishes.

Sliced roasted turkey breast on a wooden board with rosemary garnish.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature is turkey tenderloin done at?

Your turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. It will continue to rise in temperature to 165 degrees F or higher while it rests.

What is the difference between turkey breast and tenderloin?

A turkey tenderloin is a cut of meat from the turkey breast. It is smaller and more tender than a traditional turkey breast, making it perfect for quick meals or smaller gatherings.

Is it better to roast a turkey breast at 325 or 350?

I prefer to roast it at 350 degrees because it will cook faster and give it less chance of drying out.

How can you tell if turkey tenderloin is cooked without a thermometer?

You can check for doneness by slicing into the thickest part of the tenderloin. If the juices run clear and there is no pink color, it is likely done. However, using a meat thermometer is always recommended for safety.

Need More Main Dish Recipes? Try These:

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Sliced herb-roasted turkey breast in a skillet with fresh rosemary.

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