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Turkey Breast Tenderloin
The smoky, spicy Cajun seasoning adds depth and heat without overpowering the turkey. Its blend of cayenne, paprika, garlic and herbs pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, cornbread or mashed potatoes.
Looking for a more traditional flavor? Use my classic Turkey Seasoning or Homemade Poultry Seasoning and make this Turkey Tenderloin instead.
This smaller cut also works well when you don’t need a whole bird. If you’re planning a holiday meal around it, my Thanksgiving Food Guide covers the turkey, appetizers, side dishes, desserts and everything in between.
How To Roast Turkey Tenderloin in the Oven
Here’s how to roast turkey breast tenderloin with Cajun seasoning and butter:
Prep: Mix together the Cajun seasoning and rub it evenly over all sides of the tenderloins. Top with pats of butter.
Roast: Roast for 20–30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Rest: Let the turkey rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips and Variations
- For more flavor, brine the tenderloins with my Cajun Turkey Brine or use the Cajun option in my Turkey Injection.
- Pat the turkey tenderloins thoroughly dry with paper towels before adding the seasoning. A dry exterior helps the surface brown properly.
- Use store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning. Creole seasoning also works in a pinch, although the flavor will be slightly different.
- Use the drippings to make Cajun Gravy to serve over the turkey and mashed potatoes.
- Store leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
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Side Dish Ideas
For a holiday dinner, serve Cajun turkey tenderloin with Maple Glazed Carrots, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes or Crack Green Beans With Bacon.
Need more options? Browse all of my Thanksgiving Side Dishes, or narrow the list down to Thanksgiving Potato Recipes and Thanksgiving Vegetable Recipes.
More Turkey Recipes
For another cooking method, try my Sous Vide Turkey Tenderloin. You can also browse all of my Turkey Recipes or see the complete collection of Thanksgiving Recipes.
Cajun Turkey Tenderloin
Ingredients
CAJUN SEASONING
- 1½ tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp salt (*Note 1)
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tbsp dried thyme
- ¼-½ tbsp cayenne pepper (*Note 2)
- ½ tbsp black pepper
TURKEY TENDERLOIN
- 1½-2 lb turkey tenderloins (*Note 3)
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into 4-6 pats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- Combine all the rub ingredients in a small bowl. Rub all sides of the tenderloin ensuring an even coating.
- Transfer the tenderloins to a greased baking sheet. Place the pats of butter on top of the tenderloin.
- Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165˚F. The total time will vary based on the size of the turkey tenderloin.
- Remove from the oven. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.