This oven roasted turkey tenderloin recipe is incredibly juicy and perfect for a smaller crowd. It’s made with a quick turkey brine and a homemade turkey seasoning that infuses the meat flavor. My local Trader Joe’s carries turkey tenderloin year-round, making this recipe a staple at my house (even when it’s not Thanksgiving!).
This turkey tenderloin is easy to prepare and roast, making it a go-to choice for any occasion or weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a nice change up from chicken breast.
“First time I have made anything on your website and this was absolutely amazing! My entire family asked me to make it again next week-I skipped the brine due to time but will try it next time! I look forward to trying more on your website!” -Kelsey
Turkey tenderloin is such a fantastic cut of turkey to not only serve at a smaller Thanksgiving gathering, but to eat any night of the week. This recipe for a turkey tenderloin in the oven cooks up quite nicely, holds flavor very well, and comes out super juicy!
Turkey tenderloin is an underrated cut of meat that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Compared to cooking a whole turkey, tenderloins cook much faster while still delivering tender, juicy meat. But exactly how long should you cook turkey tenderloin in the oven? Read on for tips, timing, and techniques to bake foolproof turkey tenderloins every time.
What is Turkey Tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless skinless cut that comes from the breast of the turkey. It’s a long thick strip of meat that’s extremely tender and lean.
Many people find turkey tenderloin to be even more tender than chicken breast, It has a mild turkey flavor that takes well to all sorts of seasonings and marinades,
Turkey tenderloins are much smaller and cook faster than a whole turkey or bone-in turkey breast. A single tenderloin is usually around 1/2 pound. The small size makes them perfect for quick weeknight dinners, small holiday meals, and easy meal prep.
How Long to Cook Turkey Tenderloin
The exact oven bake time for turkey tenderloins depends on a few factors:
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Thickness – Thicker tenderloins will take longer than thinner pieces.
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Temperature – Higher oven temperatures will decrease cook time.
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Seasoning – Brining or marinating adds moisture, which may increase cook time slightly.
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Doneness – Cook 5-10 minutes less for tenderloins cooked to 155°F vs. 165°F.
For 1/2 pound tenderloins roasted at 375°F, the typical oven bake time is:
- 30-35 minutes for 1/2 inch thick tenderloins
- 35-40 minutes for 3/4 inch thick tenderloins
- 40-45 minutes for 1 inch thick tenderloins
These times will result in turkey cooked to 165°F, which is the safe minimum temperature recommended for poultry.
Always use a meat thermometer to check temperature instead of relying on cook times. Cook times can vary based on your exact oven and the size of the tenderloins.
Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin Recipe
This simple oven baked turkey tenderloin recipe results in juicy, flavorful meat every time:
Ingredients:
- 2 turkey tenderloins (1/2 lb each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Pat turkey tenderloins dry with paper towels. Brush all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine thyme, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Rub seasoning all over turkey.
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Place tenderloins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
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Roast at 375°F for 35-40 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Remove from oven and tent with foil. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing to serve.
The combination of olive oil and seasoning gives great flavor. Roasting at a moderate 375°F ensures the turkey stays tender and juicy.
Letting the tenderloins rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
Tips for Baked Turkey Tenderloin
Follow these tips for the best oven roasted turkey tenderloins:
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Pat dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
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Use a meat thermometer to check temperature instead of relying on cook times.
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Cook at 350-375°F for tender, juicy meat. Higher temps may dry out.
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Sear before roasting to lock in moisture and flavor.
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Let rest 5-10 minutes after baking for juicier meat.
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Avoid overcooking. Cook just until 165°F or the turkey will dry out.
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Marinate or brine for added moisture and flavor.
What to Serve with Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey tenderloin is very versatile and pairs well with all sorts of flavors. Consider serving it with:
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Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash
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Hearty grains like brown rice, quinoa, or barley
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Green veggies like roasted asparagus or green beans
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Mashed or baked potatoes
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A leafy salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary
Storage and Reheating
Properly stored, leftover turkey tenderloin will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, slice the cooked tenderloin and freeze it in an airtight container for 2-3 months.
To reheat, place slices on a plate and microwave until warmed through, about 60-90 seconds. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
Turkey Tenderloin is a Lean, Tender Choice
Turkey tenderloin is an under-appreciated cut that’s perfect for easy, everyday meals. Cooked properly in the oven, it delivers incredibly moist, tender and healthy meat.
Follow the tips above for bake times, temperatures, and techniques for foolproof juicy turkey tenderloins. In about 30-45 minutes, you can enjoy a quick dinner that’s anything but boring.
How do you prevent turkey tenderloin from drying out?
Cook it quickly at a higher heat so that the outside crisps up and the inside gets nice a juicy!
How do you know turkey tenderloin is done?
According to the USDA, turkey tenderloin needs to have an internal temp of 165ºF.
We swear by using a meat thermometer when cooking any cut of meat. The Thermapen is our go-to meat thermometer that works every time.
The best oven temperature to cook your baked turkey tenderloin recipe at is 400ºF. The goal is to get the internal temperature of your pork to reach at least 165ºF (re: Food Safety).
Turkey tenderloin takes around 50-55 minutes at 350ºF to reach a safe-to-eat, internal temperature of 165ºF.
Turkey tenderloin takes around 35-40 minutes at 400ºF to reach a safe-to-eat, internal temperature of 165ºF.
Some recipes call for you to cover your turkey tenderloin while baking, however, our recipe does not instruct you to do so. If your turkey tenderloin begins to brown too much on the top, you can cover it with tin foil until it reaches a 165ºF internal temperature.
Turkey tenderloin is a very lean cut of meat, meaning that it can dry out quickly. So, if you cook it too long, you risk overcooking your meat, which will leave it with a dry, stringy texture. And no one wants that!
You just let your turkey tenderloin rest to let the juices rest and absorb back into the meat.
Turkey tenderloin is the boneless, skinless part of the turkey breast. This is a very tender cut of meat (if cooked correctly!) because turkeys are typically not exercised frequently.
A turkey tenderloin is a portion of the turkey breast that is boneless and skinless, and a turkey breast is typically bought bone in and skin on.
More of our Favorite…
Turkey Tenderloin in the Oven
FAQ
How long to cook a tenderloin at 350?
What temperature is a turkey tenderloin done?
How to cook Jennie O’ turkey tenderloin in the oven?
How long do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
Sear: Sear turkey tenderloins for 1 minute on each side until lightly browned. Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and roast tenderloins until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin registers 155 degrees for 15 minutes.
How do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in a pan?
Sear the turkey breast fillet: Place turkey tenderloins in the heated skillet and cook for 1 minute on each side until the meat lightly browns. Bake the pan-seared turkey tenderloin: Place the skillet in the oven. Roast until the internal temperature of turkey tenderloin registers 155 degrees F. (about 15 minutes).
How long do you cook a roasted turkey loin?
Roast until the internal temperature of turkey tenderloin registers 155 degrees F. (about 15 minutes). Be sure to insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Let the turkey rest: Remove the roasted turkey loin from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
How long do you cook Tenderloin in the oven?
Remove the tenderloins from marinade and sear in the preheated skillet, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the skillet from the stove and place it in the preheated oven. Bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, until the internal temperature of the tenderloin reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.