Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
This oven-baked turkey tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and simple to make. It’s made with a simple garlic and herb marinade and baked to perfection.
“This was so easy and so delicious! Anytime we have a small gathering for Thanksgiving, we’ll be making this.” – Eileen
Table of contents
- Why you’ll love this oven-baked Turkey Tenderloin
- What is Turkey Tenderloin? What’s the difference between Turkey Tenderloin and Turkey Breast?
- Recipe Ingredients
- How to make Oven-Baked Turkey Tenderloin
- Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Recipe FAQS
- What should you serve with turkey tenderloin?
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- More Turkey Recipes to try…
Why you’ll love this oven-baked Turkey Tenderloin
Turkey has a reputation for being dry and taking too long to cook, but it most definitely doesn’t have to be that way! With the right recipe, cookery, technique, and cut of turkey, you can enjoy a simple and delicious turkey recipe, and THIS is that recipe!
- It’s perfect year-round. Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving! You can easily cook this any day of the year for a delicious protein.
- You can make this instead of a whole turkey for your Thanksgiving meal. If you’re having a smaller Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving gathering and don’t want to make a whole turkey, this is the perfect substitute! It’s easier to make, and it will leave you with less leftovers and overall prep time.
What is Turkey Tenderloin? What’s the difference between Turkey Tenderloin and Turkey Breast?
Turkey tenderloin is a boneless and skinless cut of meat directly from the turkey breast, meaning that you’ll get a smaller piece than a whole breast! It cooks much faster than a whole turkey or a cut of turkey with a bone, and is much more tender than other cuts of turkey.
Recipe Ingredients
- Turkey tenderloin. Most stores will sell these in packs of two, at about 1 lb each.
- Apple cider vinegar. This is used in the marinade to help tenderize the meat.
- Maple syrup and coconut sugar. You can forgo these if desired, but I love the flavor pop that this gives the turkey.
- Garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, sage, rosemary, and parsley. Herbs and garlic are great for seasoning turkey.
How to make Oven-Baked Turkey Tenderloin
Here are the simple steps, with photos, to make this recipe. Find full instructions in the recipe card.
Step one. Prepare the marinade and marinate the turkey tenderloin in the fridge.
Step two. Transfer the marinated tenderloins to the baking sheet.
Step three. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
Step four. Allow to rest before slicing.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Don’t skip marinating! This marinade not only flavors the tenderloin, but the apple cider vinegar also tenderizes it. Make sure you marinate the turkey for at least 2-3 hours, but you can also marinate it overnight.
- The size of your tenderloin will change the cook time. This recipe is developed with 1 lb turkey tenderloins in mind. If you use a smaller tenderloin, be sure to check the internal temperature of your tenderloin earlier to ensure you don’t overcook it!
- Use an instant-read thermometer. This is always the best method to ensure you cook your meat to the right temperature.
- Be sure to leave enough time to rest your tenderloin. Resting your meat will help to keep it juicy, so be sure to rest it for at least 10 minutes.
Recipe FAQS
Poultry should be at a minimum of 165 F to serve (source).
Depending on your oven, Turkey tenderloin will take around 40-45 minutes to reach a safe temperature when you’re baking it at 375 F. I prefer to cook it at this temperature.
This temperature will cut down your cook time to about 30-35 minutes. However, I find that higher temperatures can sometimes yield a dryer cut of meat, so this recipe keeps it at 375 F!
Let’s be honest, gravy won’t hurt, but I prefer to go without gravy as this recipe is just as juicy without it!
What should you serve with turkey tenderloin?
Turkey tenderloin pairs perfect with classic Thanksgiving sides, such as…
- Green beans casserole.
- Balsamic mushrooms
- Roasted acorn squash soup
- Dairy-Free Pumpkin mac and cheese
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Store the turkey in a glass contaner in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 weeks.
- I prefer to reheat this in the oven for a few minutes or until warm.
More Turkey Recipes to try…
Oven Baked Turkey Tenderloin
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Ingredients
- 2 turkey tenderloins, about 1 lb each
- 1 ½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried sage
- 3 tsp fresh thyme
- 2 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
Instructions
- Add the turkey tenderloins to a large bowl and pat dry.
- Pour the apple cider vinegar and maple syrup over the tenderloins and season with coconut sugar, herbs, and salt and pepper. Turn the tenderloins to ensure that all sides are seasoned. Cover the tenderloins and marinate in the fridge for 2-3 hours, or overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Transfer the marinated tenderloins to the baking sheet and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 F.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving fresh.
Notes
- Store the turkey in a glass container in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 weeks.
- To reheat, I prefer to reheat this in the oven for a few minutes or until warm.
Looks delicious! Where/when do you use the avocado oil? I’m guessing maybe in the marinade, but I don’t see it included anywhere. Maybe I just missed it. Thanks!
Michelle, this was so easy and so delicious! Anytime we have a small gathering for Thanksgiving, we’ll be making this.
thank you!!