This Citrus & Herb Turkey Tenderloin recipe is bursting with bright flavors, making it a perfect option for people looking for a smaller, hassle-free alternative to roasting a whole turkey.

A turkey tenderloin recipe, sliced, on a plate with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and cranberry sauce.

Citrus & Herb Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe

“Delicious! Will definitely make again.”

—Diane

I’ve seen so many memes this year about how everybody thinks turkey is the worst part of Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t agree, and it doesn’t have to be this way!

I think the problem some people are running into is over-cooked and under-seasoned turkeys. Or maybe they don’t like being stuck with leftover turkey meat for a week after the holiday?

This Turkey Tenderloin Recipe is here to solve all of the internet’s problems. It is absolutely BURSTING with the bright flavors of citrus and herbs.

And, it’s a standout option if you’re looking for a smaller, hassle-free entree for Thanksgiving that isn’t a whole roasted turkey.

What is a turkey tenderloin?

A turkey tenderloin is a boneless, skinless cut from the turkey breast. It’s the most lean and tender portion of the breast.

It has a mild flavor and juicy texture when cooked properly. It cooks much faster than a whole turkey or even a full turkey breast, so it’s a great quick option, even for a weeknight.

Why you will love this recipe for Turkey Tenderloin

  • Cooks much faster than a whole roasted turkey. This recipe should take you no more than 45 minutes or so, start to finish.
  • Lots of ways to customize to make this recipe your own, suited to your preferences.
  • Follow the directions below, and absolutely nobody will deem this turkey dry or lacking flavor.

“Delicious! Will definitely make again.”

—Diane
Ingredients on a wooden table, including raw poultry, spices, fresh herbs, honey, soy sauce, garlic, oranges and mustard.

Citrus & Herb Turkey Tenderloin Recipe Ingredients

  • turkey breast tenderloins – One 24 ounce package will give you two turkey tenderloins, which is four (6 ounce) servings total.
  • dried spices – I’ve used a combo of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper, but again, you can feel free to experiment by adding things like chili powder or cayenne.
  • fresh herbs – I like to use fresh thyme, rosemary and sage, but you can experiment with other herbs such as oregano, tarragon and majoram.
  • honey – adds a natural sweetness that will complement the spice rub.
  • garlic – this introduces a rich depth of flavor into the glaze.
  • soy sauce – adds a savory, umami flavor and acts as an additional seasoning beyond salt.
  • Dijon mustard – adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick. If you like things hot, you can use chipotle Dijon instead!
  • orange juice – make sure it’s freshly squeezed – it makes a difference!

How to Cook Turkey Tenderloin in Oven

A brown spice rub in a small white bowl, surrounded by fresh herbs.

1. PREP. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the turkey tenderloin from its package (it may come out of the package in 2 pieces), and pat it very dry with paper towel. Mix the dry seasoning ingredients together.

A turkey breast tenderloin recipe being prepared for the oven with a spice and herb rub.

2. RUB. Spread the spice mixture over the turkey, and then rub it with herbs. You may need to press the herbs onto the turkey to be sure they adhere.

A simple turkey tenderloin recipe being seared in a white skillet.

3. SEAR. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil smokes, places both pieces of turkey in the skillet and sear them 3 minutes per side to create a nice crust.

A recipe for turkey tenderloin being baked on a rimmed baking pan lined with parchment paper.

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4. BAKE. Once both sides of the turkey tenderloins have a nice golden brown crust, transfer them to the prepared baking pan and roast 10 minutes.

A small tan bowl filled with a mixture of soy sauce and garlic, with a fresh orange half and herbs nearby.

5. MAKE GLAZE. While the turkey roasts, make the glaze by stirring together the soy sauce, orange juice, honey, garlic and mustard in a small bowl.

The best turkey tenderloin recipe being basted with a brush.

6. BRUSH. Once the turkey has roasted for 10 minutes, remove the pan from the oven and generously brush both sides of the tenderloin pieces with the glaze.

A recipe for turkey breast tenderloin that has come out of the oven on a rimmed baking pan.

7. FINISH. Return the pan to the oven and roast for 10 to 12 minutes longer or until the center of each piece reaches 165 degrees F. If one piece cooks faster than the other, remove the piece that is done and continue roasting the other one.

Sliced cooked poultry on a cutting board, garnished with rosemary.

8. SLICE. Slice each tenderloin piece crosswise into thick or thin slices (your preference) and serve with your favorite sides.

A turkey tenderloin recipe, sliced, on a plate with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and cranberry sauce.

Home Chef Tips for making the Best Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

  • Searing the turkey on the stovetop will get a bit smoky, so be sure your exhaust fan is on, and open a window in your kitchen if you can.
  • If you want to use this recipe for an entire turkey (about 10 pounds), quadruple the quantities. Rub the dry rub on the entire turkey and roast in the oven. During the last 30 minutes of roasting time, brush the glaze over the turkey and continue roasting until done.

Best Turkey Tenderloin Recipe variations

  • MAPLE – Use maple syrup in place of honey for a different type of sweetness.
  • HONEY MUSTARD – Up the mustard flavor by doubling the amount of Dijon mustard used.
  • CAJUN – Omit the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper, and use 1 tablespoon of our Cajun Seasoning instead.
Sliced turkey breast tenderloin on a wooden cutting board, garnished with rosemary.

How to serve this Turkey Breast Tenderloin Recipe

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas or just a nice Sunday dinner at home, some of my favorite side dishes to serve with this simple turkey breast tenderloin recipe are:

A turkey tenderloin recipe, sliced, on a plate with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and cranberry sauce.

How to store Turkey Breast Tenderloin

Any leftover turkey tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge of up to 3 days. Or, you can transfer the turkey to a freezer bag and freeze up to 3 months.

Sliced turkey breast tenderloin recipe on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by side dishes.

Turkey Tenderloin Recipe FAQs

Is turkey tenderloin the same as turkey breast?

Turkey tenderloin is a specific part of the turkey breast. Just like chicken tenderloins come from chicken breasts! The tenderloin is a small, tender strip of meat that can be easily separated from the whole breast.

How do you keep turkey moist while cooking?

The most important step to keeping turkey moist is to not overcook it. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure you are cooking this turkey breast tenderloin recipe only until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, and not over.

A turkey tenderloin recipe, sliced, on a plate with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and cranberry sauce.

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A turkey tenderloin recipe, sliced, on a plate with green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, a roll and cranberry sauce.

Best Recipe for Turkey Tenderloin (Citrus & Herb)

Author: Lori Yates
Yield: 4 servings
Prep: 17 minutes
Cook: 28 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
This Citrus & Herb Turkey Tenderloin recipe is bursting with bright flavors, making it a perfect option for people looking for a smaller, hassle-free alternative to roasting a whole turkey.
5 from 5 ratings
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Ingredients

  • 1 package turkey breast tenderloins 24 ounces
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange juice

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line large rimmed baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Remove turkey from package (it will probably be 2 pieces) and pat turkey very dry with paper towel.
  • In small bowl, stir together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
  • Rub spice mixture evenly over all sides of turkey tenderloins. Then, rub turkey with thyme, rosemary and sage. You may need to press the herbs onto the turkey to make sure they stick.
  • Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. When skillet is very hot, add oil, then place both pieces of turkey in pan. Cook 3 minutes per side or until turkey is dark golden brown on both sides.
  • Transfer turkey to prepared baking pan. Transfer to oven and roast 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir together garlic, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard and orange juice to make the glaze.
  • After 10 minutes, remove turkey from oven and generously brush all sides of turkey with glaze.
  • Return to oven and roast 10 to 12 minutes longer or until center of turkey reaches 165 degrees F. If one tenderloin cooks faster than the other, remove the piece that is done and continue roasting the other one.
  • Let turkey rest 5 minutes before slicing crosswise and serving.

Notes

  • Turkey tenderloin is a specific part of the turkey breast. Just like chicken tenderloins come from chicken breasts! The tenderloin is a small, tender strip of meat that can be easily separated from the whole breast.
Calories: 295kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 41g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 76mg, Sodium: 951mg, Potassium: 76mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 18g, Vitamin A: 155IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg
This website provides estimated nutrition information as a courtesy only. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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