Name: Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-497869H26M19S
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for garnish); Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional); Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are the small, tender strips of meat found under the chicken breast. They cook quickly and have a soft, juicy texture that’s perfect for this recipe. They are lean and high in protein, making them a healthier option for a quick meal.; Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the chicken, helping the seasoning adhere while providing a touch of richness to the dish.; Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives this dish its bold Southwest flavor. The smoked paprika adds depth, while the chili powder brings just the right amount of heat.; Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chicken and spices.; Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro is a classic herb that complements Southwestern flavors. It adds a fresh and vibrant garnish that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins:

1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional, for garnish)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Chicken Tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are the small, tender strips of meat found under the chicken breast. They cook quickly and have a soft, juicy texture that’s perfect for this recipe. They are lean and high in protein, making them a healthier option for a quick meal.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to coat the chicken, helping the seasoning adhere while providing a touch of richness to the dish.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives this dish its bold Southwest flavor. The smoked paprika adds depth, while the chili powder brings just the right amount of heat.
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the chicken and spices.
Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro is a classic herb that complements Southwestern flavors. It adds a fresh and vibrant garnish that enhances the dish’s overall flavor.

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of cooking spray. This will help ensure that your chicken doesn’t stick and will make cleanup a breeze.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will give the chicken its distinctive Southwest flavor.
Coat the Chicken: Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenderloins, making sure they’re evenly coated. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously seasoned. You can use your hands to rub the seasoning into the chicken for more even coverage.
Arrange the Chicken on the Baking Sheet: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

Bake the Chicken:

Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the tenderloins, but they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
Check for Doneness: If the chicken is fully cooked and golden on the outside, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish: Once the chicken has rested, squeeze a little fresh lime juice over the top to brighten the flavors. If you like cilantro, sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serve: Serve the Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins with your favorite side dishes, such as a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or Spanish rice. Alternatively, use them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or wraps.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 220-250
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 30g