If you’ve never had the chance to try tandoori chicken, this is your moment! These chicken tenders provide all the deliciousness of my popular Barbecue Tandoori Chicken, but they’re much quicker to prepare. Why not switch things up this week with these flavorful Indian-spiced tenders? They require just one hour for marinating and only 20 minutes to cook!

What to Expect from these Tenders

• Difficulty: This recipe is incredibly simple, with minimal hands-on time. The chicken requires an hour to marinate, and while some spices like Garam Masala, fresh ginger, and turmeric may not be in your pantry, they are worth acquiring.
• Taste: For fans of Indian-inspired flavors, these tenders promise a delightful experience that you will want to revisit.
• Serving Size: This recipe uses one pound of chicken tenders, serving about four people. You can easily scale it up or down according to your needs using the recipe card at the end.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender cuts of chicken are ideal for this recipe.
• Yogurt: A base of Greek yogurt enhances the marinating process.
• Oil: Use high-quality olive oil.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a zesty kick to the marinade.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a rich flavor.
• Ginger: Freshly grated ginger elevates the taste profile.
• Spices and Seasonings: You’ll need coriander, turmeric, garam masala, chili flakes, and salt to create the aromatic marinade.
• Fresh Herbs: A garnish of fresh cilantro can enhance the presentation and flavor.

Note: For full recipe and instructions, see the card at the end of the post.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, olive oil, half of the lime juice, garlic, ginger, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, chili flakes, and salt. Stir well to combine.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, add the chicken tenders to the marinade. Mix until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour.
3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking tray.
4. Arrange on Tray: Take the marinated chicken tenders from the fridge and place them on the prepared baking tray.
5. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and has a nice golden color.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven, drizzle with extra lime juice, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. These go wonderfully with your favorite dips!

Recipe Tips

• Marinade Time: Make sure to let the chicken marinate for a full hour. This will help enhance the flavors of the spices. If you’re really planning ahead, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours before you cook it.
• Watch Cooking Time: These tenders baked perfectly in my oven in about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; your oven may cook them a bit faster or slower.

Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt: Feel free to use natural unsweetened yogurt instead if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand.
• Lime Juice: While I prefer using fresh lime juice, bottled juice works as well. Alternatively, fresh lemon juice is a great substitute too.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Stove Top: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Add olive oil, then the marinaded chicken tenders. Cook each side for about 4 minutes, then drizzle with lime juice and fresh cilantro before serving.
• Barbecue: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken tenders for about 4 minutes on each side. Remove and enhance with lime juice and cilantro.
• Slow Cooker: Simply add the chicken tenders along with the marinade to your slow cooker. Set it on low for about four hours or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

Frequently Asked Questions