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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking at 375F.
- 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.
- Arrange chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drizzle the spice mixture evenly over the tenderloins, gently massaging the seasoning to coat each piece thoroughly.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and immediately brighten the flavors by squeezing fresh lime juice across the tenderloins.
- 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