Cozy Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins Recipe for Dinner Joy

Tender, juicy southwest baked chicken tenderloins burst with zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Spices blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering dish packed with southwestern charm.

Marinated in a vibrant mix of bold seasonings, these chicken tenderloins promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and savory goodness that will have you coming back for more.

Lean protein meets exciting spices in this simple yet impressive meal.

You’ll love how quickly these tenderloins come together with minimal effort.

Dinner just got a whole lot more exciting with this southwestern-inspired chicken sensation.

FAQs

• Why use chipotle powder in this recipe?

Chipotle powder adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that gives the chicken a rich, deep taste characteristic of Southwest cuisine, bringing warmth and complexity to the dish.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time. Chicken breasts are thicker and might require 20-25 minutes of baking to reach the safe internal temperature of 165F.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F. The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins: Flavor Boosts

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold southwest flavors that transform ordinary chicken into a zesty, mouthwatering dish that'll make taste buds dance.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Just mix seasonings, coat chicken, and pop in the oven – no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed for a restaurant-quality meal.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Bomb: Kids and adults will love the mild heat and delicious southwestern kick, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that pleases everyone at the table.
• Quick Nutrition Boost: Lean protein meets vibrant spices, creating a healthy meal that's both nutritious and incredibly satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Southwest Chicken Tenderloins

• Chicken Tenderloins: Lean and tender cuts of chicken that cook quickly and absorb flavors well.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Chipotle Powder, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Garlic Powder: A robust southwest-style spice mix that adds depth, heat, and complex flavor to the chicken.

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus element that adds a fresh, tangy finish to the baked chicken.

Steps to Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting it ready for some spicy chicken magic.

Step 2: Craft Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Chipotle powder
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Garlic powder

Whisk everything until they become best friends and create a mouthwatering marinade.

Step 3: Dress The Chicken

Spread chicken tenderloins across a baking sheet like sunbathers on a beach.

Pour your zesty oil mixture over them, massaging each piece until they’re completely covered in deliciousness.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Let the chicken dance and sizzle for 15-18 minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Brighten With Citrus

Once out of the oven, give those golden tenderloins a vibrant squeeze of fresh lime juice.

This final touch adds a tangy punch that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Tips for Juicy, Spiced Tenderloins

• Use a pastry brush or your hands to ensure each chicken tenderloin is completely and uniformly covered with the spice mixture for maximum flavor absorption.
• Use a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to guarantee it reaches exactly 165F, preventing dry or undercooked meat.
• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to help retain juices and create a more tender texture.
• Adjust chipotle and chili powder quantities to make the dish mild or extra spicy according to personal heat preference.
• Sprinkle fresh lime zest alongside the juice for an intensified citrus flavor that complements the southwestern spices.

Tenderloin Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Fiesta: Replace chipotle powder with gluten-free taco seasoning for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken tenderloins with firm tofu or tempeh, using the same southwest spice blend for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate salt and use salt-free spice blend, incorporating fresh herbs like cilantro for added flavor without sodium.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of tenderloins for higher fat content, maintaining the southwest seasoning profile.

Serving Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins

• Fiesta Plate Pairing: Serve with Mexican-style rice, black beans, and a vibrant corn salsa for a complete southwestern meal that bursts with flavor.
• Zesty Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick cilantro-lime crema or fresh avocado sauce to complement the spicy chicken and add creamy contrast.
• Fresh Topping Crunch: Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onions, and a squeeze of extra lime juice to brighten the dish and add texture.
• Wrap and Roll Option: Slice the tenderloins and stuff into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of sour cream for an easy taco-style lunch.

Storing Chicken Tenderloins for Meals

• – Refrigerate Store leftover chicken tenderloins in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• – Preserve Safely keep refrigerated chicken for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor and food safety when stored at or below 40°F.
• – Freeze Package cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• – Reheat Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins bring zesty Mexican-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these tender chicken strips deliver a mouthwatering blend of spices you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breast cut into 3 long vertical strips)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings:

• 0.5 teaspoon table salt (use 0.25 teaspoon if sensitive to salt)
• 0.5 teaspoon chipotle powder (or chili powder for milder taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
• 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnish:

• 0.5 lime (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking at 375F.
2. Create a vibrant spice blend by whisking together olive oil with chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and garlic powder in a mixing bowl.
3. Arrange chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
4. Drizzle the spice mixture evenly over the tenderloins, gently massaging the seasoning to coat each piece thoroughly.
5. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.
6. Remove from the oven and immediately brighten the flavors by squeezing fresh lime juice across the tenderloins.
7. Let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

• Swap out chipotle powder for a milder cayenne if you prefer less heat, ensuring everyone can enjoy this zesty chicken dish.
• Create a dairy-free version by using coconut oil instead of olive oil, which adds a subtle tropical undertone to the seasoning.
• These tenderloins can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a protein-packed meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg