20 Minute Southwest Chicken Tenderloins are so easy to make and have a satisfying spicy smokey flavor! They are perfect on their own or in a salad or warp.
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I love the Southwest Spice Blend used in the recipe. Just a few spices transform boring chicken into one packed with bold flavor. It’s a quick way to elevate your meal with minimal effort!
If you’re looking for more quick and simple Southwest recipes, check out my Shredded Chicken Tacos with Pico de Gallo and Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Tenders – I love using chicken tenderloins (also called chicken tenders) in a recipe when I want to make something fast and with a ton of flavor. I’ve also substituted chicken tenderloins by cutting up a chicken breast in 3 long vertical strips,
- Olive Oil – Olive oil helps the spices coat the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy while baking. You can substitute it with butter, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.
- Table Salt – I use ½ teaspoon of table salt here, but if you’re sensitive to salt, ¼ teaspoon works too. For kosher salt, use ½ to ¾ teaspoons.
- Chipotle Powder - ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder will give your chicken a medium spice & smoky flavor. If you don’t want your chicken to be spicy, swap out the chipotle chili powder for equal parts regular chili powder.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds a vibrant color and smoky flavor to the chicken. You can use regular paprika, but I love the flavor smoked paprika gives to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – If you don’t have garlic powder, use onion powder.
- Lime – A squeeze of lime at the end gives a fresh citrus flavor that’s that it totally optional. You can also use lemon juice to get the flavor.
Full ingredient list with quantities in the recipe card below
How to Make Southwest Chicken Tenders
Step 1 | Make Seasoning
In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder.
Step 2 | Coat Chicken
Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Pour the olive oil mixture over them, tossing until each piece is fully coated.
Step 3 | Bake
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 4 | Finish
Squeeze the lime juice over the top for an extra pop of flavor. Serve with rice and vegetables, or use in a wrap, salad, or pasta dish.
Tips & Notes
Don’t Overbake: Chicken tenderloins cook quickly, so check them at 15 minutes to avoid drying them out.
Use a Meat Thermometer: I always use a meat thermometer when cooking chicken. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
Ways to Eat Southwest Chicken
- With Rice and Vegetables
- With Pasta
- In a Southwest Chicken Wrap
- In a Sandwich
- In a Rice Bowl
- In a Southwest Chicken Salad
Common Questions
Yes! Slice your chicken breast into three long strips to cook evenly.
These chicken tenderloins are great for meal prepping. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Sides
- Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Roasted Vegetables (like bell peppers and zucchini)
- Southwest Bean and Corn Salad
- Guacamole and Chips
Have you tried this recipe yet? I'd love to know how it turned out! Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review below or tag @MeganVsKitchen on social.
Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon table salt use ¼ teaspoon if you’re sensitive to salt
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder swap with chili powder for a milder taste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 to 1 ¼ pounds chicken tenderloins you can also cut chicken breast cut into 3 long vertical strips*
- ½ lime optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Mix together the olive oil, salt, chipotle powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Place the chicken tenderloins on a baking sheet. Pour the olive oil mixture over them, tossing until each piece is fully coated.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Squeeze the lime juice over the top for an extra pop of flavor.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the ingredients used.
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