The Flavor-Packed Dinner That Saves Busy Nights
Some nights, all I want is a quick dinner that still feels exciting something bold, colorful, and bursting with flavor. That’s exactly what my Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins bring to the table. They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and baked to golden perfection, making them one of my favorite baked chicken recipes for any night of the week.
This dish has everything I love about Southwest cooking smoky spices, a touch of heat, and a squeeze of lime to brighten it all up. It’s simple enough for weeknights but tastes like something straight from your favorite grill spot. These chicken tenderloins are the kind of recipe that disappears fast, whether I serve them with rice, roasted veggies, or tucked into warm tortillas.
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Why These Southwest Chicken Tenderloins Are So Good
What makes this one of my most-loved chicken tenderloin recipes is how easy and reliable it is. You don’t need a fryer or fancy marinade just a handful of pantry spices, a little olive oil, and about 20 minutes in the oven. The result is juicy, flavorful oven baked chicken tenders with a smoky crust that locks in all the flavor.
This is one of those chicken tender dinner ideas that never gets old. You can make them mild or spicy, serve them over salads, or layer them into wraps and bowls. The seasoning blend chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic gives them that perfect Southwest balance of warmth and zest.
If you love quick dinners like this, you might also enjoy my BBQ Chicken Flatbread for another smoky option, or my One-Pot Pizza Pasta when you’re craving something cheesy and comforting.
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Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Juicy, flavorful Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins coated in smoky spices and baked until perfectly golden. A quick, easy dinner that’s bold, bright, and satisfying.
Ingredients
• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime
• Optional toppings: cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, then add all seasonings and mix well.
- Arrange on the sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Remove from oven and squeeze lime over the top.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.
Notes
Adjust chili powder to control heat.
For crispier edges, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
Leftovers are great for salads, wraps, or tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tenderloins
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 530
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 36
- Cholesterol: 95
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins (or sliced chicken breasts)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Juice of ½ lime
Optional Garnishes
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt for dipping
• Diced avocado or pico de gallo
Simple Sides to Pair
• Southwest rice or quinoa
• Roasted corn and black bean salad
• Warm tortillas or cornbread
• Fresh green salad
How I Make It Step-by-Step
- Preheat and Prep
I start by preheating my oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. It helps the chicken cook evenly and keeps cleanup simple a must for weeknights. - Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, I toss the chicken tenderloins with olive oil until they’re lightly coated. Then I add all my spices chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I mix it all with my hands so every piece gets evenly covered in that Southwest spice blend. - Arrange and Bake
I lay the seasoned chicken on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pieces don’t overlap. Then I slide them into the oven and bake for about 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The kitchen fills with that irresistible smoky aroma while the edges turn beautifully golden. - Add a Fresh Finish
When the chicken comes out of the oven, I immediately squeeze a bit of lime juice over the top. That citrusy brightness lifts the spices and makes everything taste fresh and vibrant. - Serve and Enjoy
I like to top them with a sprinkle of cilantro and serve them with a cool dipping sauce like ranch, chipotle mayo, or even sour cream mixed with lime. They’re perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or tossing into wraps for lunch the next day.
Tasty Twists You’ll Want to Try
• Creamy Southwest Style – Stir the baked tenders into a sauce made with sour cream, cream cheese, or avocado for one of my favorite creamy chicken recipes.
• Spicy BBQ Glaze – Brush the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce in the last few minutes of baking, inspired by my Easy Oven-Baked Chipotle BBQ Ribs.
• Tex-Mex Chicken Bowls – Serve the tenderloins over rice or quinoa with black beans, corn, and salsa for a quick, colorful meal.
• Crispy Version – Toss the tenders in panko breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch without frying.
• Wrap It Up – Slice and roll into warm tortillas with cheese and lettuce for one of the easiest chicken strips dinner ideas.
Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Tenderloins
• Use Even Sizes – For consistent cooking, make sure all your chicken pieces are similar in size.
• Don’t Overbake – Keep a close eye near the end; chicken tenderloins cook fast.
• Add Moisture – A touch of olive oil and that lime squeeze keep them juicy.
• Make Ahead – Season the chicken earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Double the Batch – These reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with lighter sides if you’re going for balance. A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even my Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins (as a topping over greens) makes a complete, delicious meal that’s anything but boring.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation
Every time I make these oven baked chicken tenders, I’m reminded that simple recipes can be the most satisfying. The combination of smoky spices, juicy chicken, and a touch of lime hits every craving savory, tangy, and a little spicy.
It’s one of those baked chicken recipes that works for everyone, whether you’re feeding kids or entertaining friends. They’re flavorful enough to stand on their own but easy to pair with any side you love. And the fact that it all comes together in under 30 minutes makes it a weeknight hero in my kitchen.
So the next time you’re looking for something quick, bold, and foolproof, try this Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins recipe. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special simple, colorful, and full of flavor.
