This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin with Orange is a delicious and easy recipe that cooks up quickly and is packed with so much flavor. With garlic, citrus, and herb seasoning, it is the perfect easy meal for Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas meal, or any time of year.
Why We Love This Recipe!
- Meal for 2- Easily make this recipe a meal for two using just one tenderloin.
- Low-Fat- If you are trying o slim down a bit before the holidays, this is a great recipe to help you keep on track.
- Quick and Easy- This turkey dinner is prepared and cooked in just 35 minutes for an easy weeknight meal anytime!
Why enjoy turkey only one or two times per year or on special occasions? Turkey is scrumptious any time, and this Citrus & Herb Roast Turkey Tenderloin is a new take on turkey dinner you are sure to love. For a real crowd-pleaser, add some yummy side dishes to this Turkey Breast Recipe, a serving of Cranberry Sauce and Sweet Potatoes.
Ingredients
Variations and Substitutions
How To Make Citrus & Herb Turkey Tenderloin
✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!
Step 1 | Preheat the Oven
Get the oven and pan ready first. Preheat the oven and lightly grease the bottom of a 3-quart baking pan with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
I like to slice my oranges and wash or chop the herbs at this point, as well.
Step 2 | Prepare the Turkey
Place turkey tenderloins in the middle of the prepared baking dish and pat them dry with a paper towel so the seasonings will stick well. Then add a few orange slices and fresh herbs all around the turkey to infuse it with flavor.
Step 3 | Seasoning the Turkey Tenderloin
Next, pour the freshly squeezed orange juice over the tenderloin. Then measure and season the meat with garlic powder, salt and pepper to your taste, and all three dried herbs.
Step 4 | Time to Bake
Now you can cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for the recommended time on the recipe card below. You will want to cook it just until the internal temperature reaches 150°F since it will continue to cook when we broil the turkey and reach the final 165°F.
So, when the internal temperature reaches 150°F, go ahead and remove the foil and place the tenderloin under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the top is a light golden brown and the internal temperature reaches that optimal 165°F.
Step 5 | Garnish and Serve
Want to retain all the juices? Be sure to allow ten minutes for the turkey to rest before you slice it up and place it on a gorgeous platter.
While waiting, get your garnishes together, like more fresh orange slices, garlic halves, and fresh herbs, and toss on a few cranberries for color if you desire. Serve with Au Gratin Potatoes or Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes and asparagus or your favorite sides, and enjoy!
Tips
- Ensure your baking dish is safe for high temperatures and can withstand being under the broiler for 5 minutes.
- Don’t forget to allow that turkey some rest time to keep it juicy.
- Infuse the flavors by making a marinade. Take all but the turkey and whisk together to make your marinade ingredients. Then place the entire turkey tenderloin into a zippered bag with the marinade ingredients and place the bag in the fridge overnight.
Want to Save this Recipe?
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Recipe FAQ’s
Glad you asked. The tenderloins are the long strips located under the thickest part of the breast. They are the most tender white meat portion of the bird, and they are low in fat, too.
Yes, of course! The fresh herbs, tangy orange, and garlicky flavors work well on any part of the whole turkey or even a chicken.
The best way to know it is completely cooked and safe to eat is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. 165°F is the right temperature to reach in the final broil of the turkey. Furthermore, when the juices run clear, you know it is ready to serve.
What to Serve with Garlic Herb Roasted Turkey Tenderloin
Is this recipe a pre-Thanksgiving Day trial run? Perhaps you will be making this dish for Christmas this year. Whenever you decide to serve this juicy oven-roasted turkey breast dinner, make it a whole meal with these sides and more located on my site.
- Corn Casserole
- Southern Style Baby Lima Beans
- Cheesy Potato Casserole
- Easy Rice Pilaf
- Instant Pot Southern Style Green Beans and Bacon
Storage
Storage: Leftover turkey tenderloin lasts 3-5 days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Freeze: Likewise, it can be stored for up to two months in the freezer.
Other Recipes for the Holidays
- Homemade Turkey Rub
- Pumpkin Pie with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Apple Butter Dijon Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing
Hungry for more easy, home-cooked, delicious recipes?
Sign up for my free recipe club to get family-friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing daily meal-time inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Garlic Herb Turkey Tenderloin with Orange
Ingredients
- 1 ½ to 2 pound turkey tenderloin
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- extra orange slices and herbs for garnish once plated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease the bottom of a 3-quart baking pan with oil. (Make sure the pan is safe under high temperatures and can withstand being under the broiler for 5 minutes.)
- Place the turkey tenderloin in the middle of the baking pan and add a few orange slices and fresh herbs.
- Pour the orange juice over the tenderloin and season with garlic powder, salt and pepper (adjust to your taste), and dried herbs.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, just until the internal temperature reaches 150°F (it will continue to cook when we broil and reach 165°F).
- When the internal temperature reaches 150°F, remove the foil and place the tenderloin under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until the top lightly browns and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Allow the turkey to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs. Serve with mashed potatoes and asparagus or your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Want to Save this Recipe?
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Soulfully Made.
Video
Notes
- Ensure your baking dish is safe for high temperatures and can withstand being under the broiler for 5 minutes.
- Don’t forget to allow that turkey some rest time to keep it juicy.
- Infuse the flavors by making a marinade. Take all but the turkey and whisk together to make your marinade ingredients. Then place the entire turkey tenderloin into a zippered bag with the marinade ingredients and place the bag in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
This will be perfect as a whole turkey alternative for our small family gathering. Love the combination of orange and herbs with the turkey meat. Thanks!
Absolutely beautiful holiday main dish recipe! The wonderful, bright flavors of the season make this dish a must-try!
Yumm! This turkey tenderloin looks absolutely to die for! Saving this for our small Thanksgiving celebration!
This detailed step by step recipe is perfect for even a beginner to nail the recipe. I love how beautifully it is plated too.
We enjoyed this for Sunday dinner last week and the flavors are amazing. It turned out perfectly tender and moist.