Turkey Tenderloin with Gravy

This juicy turkey tenderloin with rich, homemade gravy is the perfect comfort meal for an easy yet flavorful dinner!

While I love making this Instant Pot Turkey Tenderloin or Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, there's something cozy about adding gravy to turkey. I use a turkey tenderloin marinade to tenderize the meat and sear it in a skillet to get a crispy, caramelized crust. Then, I pop the turkey into the oven to bake while I make a rich, homemade turkey gravy to drizzle on top. It's like the lazy way to make Thanksgiving turkey, and it's still just as delicious!

Pair this delicious turkey dinner with classic holiday sides like sweet potato casserole or Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Fingerling Potatoes for a low-fuss weeknight dinner! 

Why You'll Love This Easy Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

Here are some reasons why this recipe will become your new favorite:

• Perfect for smaller Thanksgiving celebrations: Don't feel like roasting a whole turkey? This simple turkey tenderloin recipe is perfect for the holiday season.
• Versatile: This recipe works for other types of white meat like chicken or pork tenderloin, just in case you ever get tired of turkey!
• Ultimate comfort food: Tender, melt-in-your-mouth turkey smothered in rich, flavorful gravy is the perfect cozy combo on chilly nights!

Ingredients and Substitutions

You probably have most of the ingredients on hand already, making this dish a breeze! Here's what you'll need:

• Turkey tenderloins: These are the boneless, skinless portion of the turkey breast, similar to boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for unbrined turkey tenderloins, as brined ones tend to have much more salt. If you can't find unbrined tenderloins, cut back on the salt in the recipe.
• Apple cider vinegar: This helps tenderize the meat and adds a nice tangy flavor. You could also use white vinegar, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar.
• Pure maple syrup: This adds sweetness to the marinade and helps the outside of the turkey breast tenderloin to caramelize. You could also use brown sugar or honey.
• Soy sauce: Adds umami flavor and helps break down the muscle fibers in the meat. You can also use tamari or coconut aminos.
• Garlic cloves: Provides an aromatic flavor. You can mince fresh garlic, buy pre-minced garlic, or use garlic powder in a pinch.
• Dried herbs (dried thyme, rosemary, sage (optional): These herbs have a flavor profile similar to poultry seasoning, providing a comforting taste.
• Sweet paprika: Adds a fruity, slightly tart, and bitter flavor. You could swap it out with regular paprika or leave it out completely.

Gravy

• Butter: This adds flavor and is the base for the gravy. You can use unsalted or salted butter. If using salted butter, omit the salt in the recipe. You can always add more to taste!
• All-purpose flour: This is cooked with butter to form a roux that thickens the gravy.
• Onion: Adding onion is optional, but it adds a touch of aromatic flavor.
• Garlic clove: Also adds aromatic flavor. You can use fresh or pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Chicken or turkey broth (the better flavor, the better the gravy): This thins out the gravy to get it to your desired consistency.

How to Make The Best Turkey Tenderloin Recipe

This recipe is so easy to make and delivers mouthwatering results! Here's what to do:

1.Mix the Marinade

In a large bowl or a resealable bag, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, garlic, thyme, rosemary, sage (if you're using it), paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend is what gives the turkey its sweet and savory flavor. You can easily mix it up in advance if you need to save time.

2.Marinate the Turkey

Add the turkey breast tenderloin to your bowl or bag and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better! The longer it sits, the more those flavors will soak into the turkey, making it even more tender and delicious.

3.Preheat and Prep the Skillet

When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 350°F. Heat some oil and butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The butter adds richness, and the oil helps get that perfect sear on the turkey.

4.Sear the Tenderloin

Sear the turkey tenderloin on each side for about 1-2 minutes until it's golden brown. Searing locks in the juices and gives the turkey a beautiful, flavorful crust. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn.

5.Bake the Turkey

Once seared, place the skillet directly in the oven. Let the turkey cook for 15-20 minutes or until the thickest part reaches 155°F.

Pro tip: Don't worry about it reaching 165°F just yet, as it will continue to cook while resting.

6.Rest the Turkey

Remove the skillet from the oven and tent the turkey with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165°F while the juices redistribute, giving you a super juicy turkey.

7.Make the Gravy

While the turkey rests, make your gravy. Melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. If you're adding onion, toss it in with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until soft. Whisk in the flour slowly to avoid lumps. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and let it thicken for about 4-5 minutes. Adjust the consistency to your liking and season to taste.

8.Slice and Serve

Slice the rested turkey and drizzle it with that rich, flavorful gravy. Serve with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

These tips and tricks will help you make the best turkey tenderloin with gravy!

• Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to prevent it from drying out. It should come out of the oven at 155ºF, and the temperature will continue to rise to 165ºF as it rests without it drying out.
• Use fresh herbs: If you have them on hand, fresh herbs will add a ton more flavor than using dried herbs.
• Use an oven-safe skillet: Since the skillet is going into the oven, you'll need a cast iron skillet or an enameled cast iron skillet.
• Prep the marinade: You can prep the marinade and leave it in the fridge for up to 5 days before using it.
• Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat the tenderloins dry before adding them to the marinade to remove excess moisture.
• Marinate: Try to marinade the turkey for at least 4 hours or overnight. I highly recommend marinating overnight for the best flavor!
• Don't let it burn: Make sure you stir the flour and butter constantly so it doesn't burn when making the roux.

What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

You can sear the tenderloins in whatever skillet you have and transfer them to a baking dish before going in the oven!

What To Serve With This Simple Turkey Recipe

This recipe is a great main dish to serve alongside your favorite sides for a comforting turkey dinner.

• Holiday sides: If you're serving this dish for the holidays, pair it with some cranberry sauce, honey roasted sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, or mashed potatoes.
• Salads: Need some green? Pair the turkey with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad or a spinach salad.
• Vegetables: Some grilled sweet potatoes, sautéed peas or carrots, or roasted butternut squash will add some color and flavor to your dish.

Storage and Leftovers

It's so easy to store this dish! Plus, you can reuse leftovers in many different ways.

To store: Store leftover turkey in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. The gravy will last up to one week in the fridge. You can also freeze the turkey for up to 3 months and the gravy for up to 6 months. Let the turkey and gravy thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

To reheat: Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Place the leftover turkey slices in a baking dish with a splash of turkey or chicken broth. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the turkey is warm. As the turkey is baking, pour the thawed gravy into a small pot on the stovetop on low heat.

Uses for leftover turkey: You can eat leftover turkey with your favorite sides or get creative by making turkey sandwiches, adding it to grain bowls, wraps, or even salads!