Description
These Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins are tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky-spicy flavor! Seasoned with classic Tex-Mex spices and baked to perfection, they’re perfect for salads, wraps, bowls, or served straight up with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil with all seasonings.
- Toss chicken tenderloins in the spice mixture until evenly coated.
- Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Great for meal prep — keep in the fridge for salads, tacos, or bowls.
- Add cayenne for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of rice, beans, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
