Juicy Turkey Tenderloin Recipe (Perfect for Thanksgiving)

What Is Turkey Tenderloin and Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving

Turkey tenderloin is a lean, boneless cut from the breast of the

turkey. It’s tender, cooks quickly, and is full of juicy flavor when prepared correctly. If you're hosting a small Thanksgiving dinner or just want a fuss-free festive meal, turkey tenderloin is the perfect solution.

this recipe

This recipe uses a dry brine and a bold spice rub to create a juicy interior and a beautifully golden crust — all with less than 30 minutes of cook time.

Jump to:

• What Is Turkey Tenderloin and Why It’s Great for Thanksgiving
• Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
• Full List of Ingredients
• Ingredient Substitutions and Tips
• Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Serve
• How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
• Common Questions About Turkey Tenderloin
• Recipe Variations for Thanksgiving
• More Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes You’ll Love
• Don’t Forget to Pin It for Thanksgiving!
• Turkey Tenderloin

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy

• 10 minutes of prep time
• 30 minutes total cooking
• No complicated steps

Great for Small Thanksgiving Dinners

• Serves 4 to 6 people
• A great alternative to roasting a whole turkey
• Less waste, more flavor

Packed with Flavor

• Uses spices like paprika, garlic, and coriander
• Brown sugar helps form a golden, caramelized crust
• Just a little red pepper for subtle heat

Leftovers Are Delicious

• Slices perfectly for turkey sandwiches
• Makes tasty sliders or wraps
• Stores well for up to 3 days

Full List of Ingredients

• 2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon packed light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dill seed (optional), crushed
• 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds, crushed (or 1¼ teaspoon ground coriander)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 turkey breast tenderloins (1½ to 2 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

Spice Swaps

• Use ground coriander if you don’t have whole seeds
• Skip dill seed or replace with fennel seed for a similar flavor
• Add smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky note

Oil Options

• Avocado oil or olive oil are great substitutes for vegetable oil

Sugar Alternatives

• Try coconut sugar or maple sugar instead of brown sugar

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the Spice Rub

Mix garlic powder, brown sugar, paprika, dill seed, coriander, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Step 2: Season the Turkey

Pat turkey dry with paper towels. Rub the spice blend all over the tenderloins, pressing it into the surface.

Step 3: Let It Rest (Dry Brine)

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best results).

Step 4: Sear the Turkey

Preheat oven to 325°F. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear turkey on all sides, about 2 minutes per side, until golden.

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until a meat thermometer reads 155°F in the thickest part.

Step 6: Let It Rest and Slice

Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in.

Expert Cooking Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer

This is the key to juicy turkey — pull it out at 155°F, and it will rise to 165°F as it rests.

Don’t Skip the Sear

That golden crust adds texture and locks in flavor.

Resting Is Essential

Letting the turkey sit after cooking helps it stay moist and flavorful.

Best Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Serve

• Mashed potatoes with garlic butter
• Cranberry sauce or chutney
• Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts
• Stuffing or wild rice
• Sweet potato casserole

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

How to Store

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes! Wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• In the oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 10–15 minutes
• In a skillet: Add a splash of broth to keep slices moist

Common Questions About Turkey Tenderloin

Fun Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Tenderloin

• Slice thin and layer into Thanksgiving leftover sandwiches
• Add to wraps with greens and cranberry mayo
• Serve on toasted buns as sliders
• Toss into salads or grain bowls for lunch

Recipe Variations for Thanksgiving

Make It More Festive

• Add chopped rosemary, sage, and thyme for a classic holiday feel
• Brush with maple-Dijon glaze before roasting
• Serve with gravy and traditional sides

Change the Flavor Profile

• Add lemon or orange zest for brightness
• Swap paprika with chili powder for a bolder spice
• Use honey instead of brown sugar for a subtle sweetness

More Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes You’ll Love

• Cranberry Turkey Sliders (Thanksgiving Leftovers)
• Dutch Oven Turkey Breast
• Garlic Herb Turkey Roulade

These are perfect additions to your Thanksgiving menu — or great ways to use leftover turkey creatively.

Don’t Forget to Pin It for Thanksgiving!

Save this recipe to your Thanksgiving board on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready to go when the holidays hit. Find more cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes over at:
👉 Bake With Lina on Pinterest

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