You don’t have to cook the whole turkey when you can make this easy turkey tenderloin recipe instead. You can make it any time of the year, but it’s especially good for a small Thanksgiving dinner or any other event where you want to impress your guests. We’re covering everything you need to know below, so keep reading for all the details.
If you’re reading this in the summer, check out our recipe for Grilled Turkey Tenderloin for a simple grill-friendly summer meal.
Want to know how to season turkey tenderloin? I used a mix of oregano, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in my turkey medallions recipe, which I got from my Turkey Rub Seasoning.
Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloin is a lean, versatile cut of meat that can be used in a variety of delicious recipes. But to get the best results when cooking turkey breast tenderloin, proper timing is key. Undercooking can lead to dry, chewy meat while overcooking produces undesirably tough, stringy turkey. So just how long should you cook Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloins? Let’s take a look.
An Overview of Turkey Breast Tenderloin
Turkey breast tenderloin is a tender, mild cut of meat that comes from the inner muscle of the turkey breast It is very low in fat and calories while being high in protein
Jennie-O is one of the major brands for turkey products in the U.S. Their all-natural turkey breast tenderloins contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives.
When raw the tenderloin is smooth cylindrical in shape and ranges from 1-2 pounds. It can be used as a quick cooking protein for meals like stir fries, kabobs, sandwiches and more.
Proper Cooking Times and Temperatures
To achieve ideal doneness when cooking Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloins, there are two key guidelines to follow:
1. Cook to an Internal Temperature of 165°F
Food safety experts recommend cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F, which is the safe minimum temperature to destroy any potential bacteria or pathogens.
Using an instant-read meat thermometer is the only reliable way to determine doneness and ensure the tenderloin has reached the safe 165°F mark.
2. Allow for Approximate Cooking Durations
In addition to temperature, approximate cooking times are useful guidelines for knowing when your tenderloin should be fully cooked.
Here are general time ranges for cooking a 1-2 pound Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloin:
- Oven baking: 60-90 minutes
- Grilling: 45-60 minutes
- Slow cooker (low): 3-4 hours
- Slow cooker (high): 1.5-2.5 hours
The exact time will vary based on the specific cooking method, temperature, thickness of the meat and other factors. Use the times as a loose estimate along with an instant read thermometer to check for 165°F.
Oven Baked Turkey Breast Tenderloin
One of the most straightforward cooking methods for Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloin is oven baking. Here are some tips:
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Preheat oven to 350°F.
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Place tenderloin in a shallow baking pan or dish. You can add a small amount of broth or water to the bottom of the pan to help prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
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Bake for 60-90 minutes, depending on size. A general rule of thumb is to bake for about 30-35 minutes per pound.
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Check the internal temp with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F. If under, return to oven for 5-10 minutes more.
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Once cooked, remove from oven, tent with foil and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
The Jennie-O website recommends baking their turkey breast tenderloins for 60-70 minutes. Monitor with a meat thermometer and adjust time as needed for food safety.
Try Other Cooking Methods
While oven baking is simple, turkey breast tenderloin is versatile enough for all types of cooking methods:
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Grill over direct medium heat for great char and smoky flavor. Shoot for about 10-15 minutes per side.
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Air fry to make quick, crispy turkey for sandwiches or salads. Cook at 400°F for 15-25 minutes.
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Use a slow cooker on low for super convenient hands-off cooking. Good for meal prepping.
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Chop and stir fry with veggies for a fast weeknight dinner. Cook for about 5 minutes just until cooked through.
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Chop and skewer for fun kabobs with veggies and fruit. Grill over medium heat until done.
Doneness Cues Other Than Temperature
If you don’t have a meat thermometer handy, look for these visual cues that your turkey breast is fully cooked:
- The meat has turned opaque and is white throughout with no pink remaining
- Clear juices are running from the tenderloin when pierced or sliced
- The texture becomes pleasantly firm yet still moist and juicy
However, checking temperature is still highly recommended for food safety and accuracy.
The Takeaway
For the best results when cooking Jennie-O turkey breast tenderloin, allow 60-90 minutes when oven baking while monitoring temperature and shoot for 165°F internally. This ensures the turkey cooks thoroughly for food safety yet remains juicy and tender. Feel free to get creative with different cooking methods as well while keeping an eye on doneness cues. With proper cooking times for moist, flavorful turkey, this versatile lean protein can be enjoyed in all types of healthy recipes.
What to Serve With Turkey Tenderloin
Are you not sure what to do with turkey tenderloins? I baked turkey breast tenderloin and served it with garlic butter green beans and garlic and rosemary mashed potatoes. However, the options are endless!.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins in the Oven
Want to know how to cook turkey tenderloin so that it stays as juicy and flavorful as possible? My two-part method, which includes cooking it on the stove and in the oven, is the best way to do it without drying it out.
- Heat the oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- First, make the turkey tenderloin rub. Put the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and mix them together. Set the seasoning aside.
- Put the turkey fillet in a paper towel and pat it dry on both sides.
- Put oil on the turkey loins. Put a tablespoon of olive oil on each turkey tenderloin and rub it on both sides.
- Cover with the spice rub: liberally sprinkle the turkey with the mixed spices, making sure to cover all sides.
- To heat the oil, put the rest of the olive oil in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet and set the stove on high. Heat the oil until it turns shimmering hot.
- To sear the turkey breast fillet, put the turkey tenderloins in a hot skillet and cook for one minute on each side, until the meat gets a light brown color.
- Put the turkey tenderloin that was seared in a pan in the oven. Roast the turkey tenderloin until it reaches 155 degrees F on the inside. (about 15 minutes). Make sure the meat thermometer is in the thickest part of the meat.
- Rest the turkey. Take the roasted turkey loin out of the oven, cover it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. The turkey loin should reach 165 degrees F while it rests.
- Serve: Cut the turkey tenderloin into slices after it has cooled down and, if you want, add fresh herbs on top. Serve.
How to Cook Turkey Tenderloins
FAQ
What is the difference between turkey breast and turkey tenderloin?
How long do you cook Jennie O turkey breast?
How do you know when turkey tenderloin is cooked?
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast and at what temperature?
How do you cook a Jennie O turkey breast Tenderloin?
So, get your oven preheated and read on to learn how to make the perfect Jennie O turkey breast tenderloin. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes.
How long does it take to cook a Jennie O Tenderloin?
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tenderloins in a shallow baking pan. Bake until meat thermometer inserted into thickest portion of the meat reaches 165°F, approximately 60-70 minutes. Remove from oven, cover and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing. How do I cook Jennie O tender and juicy turkey breast?
How long does it take to cook a turkey breast Tenderloin?
To cook a turkey breast tenderloin, put it in the oven and cook until the meat thermometer registers 165F. The cooking time depends on the size of the meat. Start checking on it after 45 minutes, and if it’s not ready, keep checking every 15 minutes until it’s cooked.
How long to cook Jennie-O Turkey Tenderloin?
The cooking time for Jennie-O Turkey Tenderloin will vary depending on the weight and thickness of the tenderloin. As a general guideline, cook the turkey tenderloin for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long do you cook a Turkey Tenderloin in the oven?
Place tenderloins on a rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe pan. Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping tenderloins halfway through. Turkey is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. 4. Let Rest and Slice Remove tenderloins from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat.
How long do you cook a Jennie O turkey breast?
Place turkey breast on a rack in shallow pan. Roast skin side up at 325°F., for 2 ¼ to 2 ¾ hours or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F. Juices should run clear. Let turkey breast rest 15 minutes prior to carving. Is Jennie O turkey breast fully cooked?