Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins are packed with bold flavor and just the right amount of spice. Coated in a smoky, zesty seasoning blend and baked to juicy perfection, these chicken tenderloins are ideal for a quick dinner, meal prep, or serving over salads, rice bowls, or tacos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Southwest Flavor: Smoky, savory, and slightly spicy—perfectly seasoned every time.
• Quick and Easy: Simple prep and ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and Lean: Made with tender, lean chicken and baked instead of fried.
• Versatile: Great for tacos, wraps, salads, or grain bowls.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores and reheats well for easy weekday meals.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime (optional)
• Fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Season the Chicken
   In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss to coat evenly.

3. Bake
   Arrange the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the edges are slightly crisp.

4. Optional Broil
   For a slightly charred finish, broil the tenderloins on high for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

5. Serve
   Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken if desired and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes

Variations

• Make It Creamy: Serve with a cilantro-lime yogurt sauce or chipotle mayo.
• Low Carb: Pair with roasted veggies or a salad for a low-carb meal.
• Add a Crunch: Coat the tenderloins in crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for a crispy version.
• Spice It Up: Increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños to the seasoning.
• Citrus Marinade: Marinate the chicken in lime juice and seasoning for 30 minutes before baking for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooled tenderloins in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in an air fryer until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, slice them into strips for even cooking or adjust the time if baking whole.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick. Omit the cayenne for a milder version or add more for extra heat.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.

Are they good for meal prep?

Yes, they keep well and are easy to reheat for lunches or dinners.

Can I use pre-made taco or fajita seasoning?

Yes, but adjust salt levels based on the seasoning’s sodium content.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Don’t overbake. Remove as soon as the internal temperature hits 165°F.

What sides go well with this?

Try rice, black beans, corn salsa, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?

Yes, just thaw completely before seasoning and baking.

What can I serve this with?

Use in tacos, rice bowls, wraps, or slice over salads.

Can I make this in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 380°F (193°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins are a quick and flavorful protein option that work beautifully in a variety of dishes. With minimal ingredients and bold seasoning, they’re a reliable go-to for busy nights, healthy meals, or anyone craving southwest-style flavor with no hassle.