Description
These smoky baked chicken tenderloins are coated in a bold chili rub and oven-roasted to juicy perfection. Perfect for weeknight meals or healthy meal prep.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins, cleaned and patted dry
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of ½ lime (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
2. Mix all spices in a small bowl: chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place chicken tenderloins in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice (optional). Toss with spice mix until evenly coated.
4. Arrange chicken on baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18–22 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar for a sweet-spicy twist.
Swap lime for lemon juice for a citrus variation.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Smoky baked chicken tenderloins, chicken tender dinner ideas, chicken breast tender recipes