Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Oven Baked) - Foolproof Living (2024)

Why go through the hassle of cooking the whole turkey when you can make this simple turkey tenderloin recipe instead? While you can make it any time of the year, this dish is especially fitting for a small Thanksgiving dinner or any special occasion where you aim to impress your guests. We’re covering everything you need to know below, so keep reading for all the details.

Reading this during the summer months? Be sure to check out our Grilled Turkey Tenderloin recipe for an easy summer meal that you can make on the grill.

Ingredients

To make this recipe for turkey tenderloin, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients: dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil. You’ll also need two turkey tenderloins, around 4 ounces (~113 gr.) each.

Though some turkey brands are seasonal, Jennie O and Butterball turkey tenderloin should be available at your local grocery store throughout the year. While they may differ in weight, the process of cooking your turkey tenderloins should not change. However, you may have to adjust the time of baking accordingly.

Additionally, it is good to know that some brands refer to this piece of meat as turkey medallion, turkey fillet, turkey breast loin, and turkey breast tenders. While the verbiage might be confusing, they are essentially the same thing.

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins in the Oven

Want to know how to prepare turkey tenderloin while keeping your meat as juicy and flavorful as possible? My 2-part method—part stovetop and part oven—is the best way to cook turkey tenderloin without drying out the meat.

1. Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.

2. Prepare the turkey tenderloin rub: In a small bowl, mix the sage, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Set the seasoning aside.
3. Dry the turkey fillet: Use paper towels to pat dry both sides of the tenderloins.
4. Oil the turkey loins: Drizzle the turkey tenderloins with a tablespoon of olive oil, and rub the oil over both sides of the meat.
5. Coat with the spice rub: Sprinkle the entire turkey with the prepared seasoning mixture, covering both sides.

6. Heat the oil: Add the remaining olive oil to a large stainless steel skillet or cast iron skillet and turn the stove on high. Heat the oil until it turns shimmering hot.
7. 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.
8. 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). Be sure to insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat.

9. Let the turkey rest: Remove the roasted turkey loin from the oven, cover it with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. As it rests, the turkey loin temperature should reach 165 degrees F.
10. Serve: Slice the now-rested oven roasted turkey tenderloin and garnish with fresh herbs if using. Serve.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze

Say goodbye to stressful meal prep and hello to easy weeknight meals with this easy turkey tenderloin recipe. Here is how I store, reheat and freeze the leftovers.

• Storage instructions: When ready to store this turkey loin recipe, let your turkey cool completely. Then, transfer the meat to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating instructions: You have two options for reheating your turkey loin roast. Firstly, you can place your turkey on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on high for 30-60 seconds or until it is heated thoroughly. You can also reheat it in a 350-degree F. oven. Spray a baking dish with cooking spray, add your tenderloin, and cover it with tin foil. Then, bake the turkey for 10-15 minutes or until its center is warm.
• Freezing instructions: To freeze this turkey tenders recipe, let your meat cool completely. Then, transfer the tenderloin to a Ziplock bag and remove as much air as possible. Your turkey will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I learned as I was tasting the recipe. I am sharing them with you to help you make the best turkey tenderloin recipe you’ve ever tasted:

• The temperature of the turkey tenders: I cooked my turkey tenders immediately after taking them out of the fridge. However, you could also let them reach room temperature before beginning the cooking process. Whichever method you choose, just be sure to dry each breast loin before cooking.
• Size matters: When baking turkey tenderloin, remember that the size of your fillet will impact its cooking time. Each of my turkey loins was 4 oz. and took 15 minutes to reach the desired internal temperature. However, bigger loins will need more time to reach 165 degrees F. If you own a meat thermometer (this is the one I own and love – affiliate link), be sure to use it.
• Two-part cooking method: Want to make your tasty turkey tenderloin recipe extra tender? The key is searing your meat in a stainless steel (or cast iron) skillet for one minute on each side before putting it in the oven. This extra step creates a gorgeous golden exterior while also locking in flavorful juices. However, make sure that your skillet is very hot before searing the loins, as the high temperature is key to properly seared turkey tenders.
• Roast at low heat: During our recipe testings, we learned that the two-part cooking process combined with a low-heat oven, taking it out before it was fully baked, and letting it rest to reach the ideal internal temperature was the secret to the juiciest melt in your mouth turkey tenderloins.
• Let your turkey rest: To get this turkey breast fillet recipe as succulent as possible, let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes after cooking. In addition to reaching 165 degrees F of internal temperature, this resting time will allow the turkey loin to relax and redistribute its juices, yielding moist and flavorful meat.

FAQs

Other Turkey Recipes You Might Also Like

Hungry for even more succulent turkey recipes? If you liked this turkey breast loin recipe, you won’t be able to resist these delicious turkey dishes.

• My go-to Turkey Meatloaf Recipe
• Three Bean Turkey Chili
• Air Fryer Turkey Bacon
• Baked Turkey Bacon
• Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

If you try this Turkey Tenderloin Recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.