4.8 from 53 votes

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins

Rachel AnneRecipe By Rachel Anne |Updated 2025-12-13 |9 Comments
Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins
Photo of Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins - finished dish

Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins

PREP15 min
COOK25 min

This Southwest Baked Chicken Tenderloins recipe delivers juicy, boldly seasoned chicken with a crave-worthy crust—quick, easy, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor!

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4SERVINGS

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. 2
    Pat chicken tenderloins dry. In a large bowl, toss them with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper until well coated.
  3. 3
    Arrange chicken in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp reaches 165°F/74°C).
  4. 4
    Remove from oven and sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the chicken. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes, until melted and bubbly.
  5. 5
    Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with fresh lime wedges.

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