Marinated Chicken Tenders
The ultimate comfort food that satisfies any craving, Marinated Chicken Tenders are juicy and flavorful. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these tenders are sure to impress. Make them tonight for a quick, satisfying meal!
Equipment
- sheet pan
- Storage Containers
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders (trimmed of fat if needed)
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- First, if your chicken tenders are frozen, thaw them completely. This is essential as it helps in even cooking. You can do this by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Next, grab a wide, shallow bowl and add the Greek yogurt, paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they form a smooth marinating mix. The yogurt should be creamy, and the spices should be evenly distributed.
- Now it's time to add the thawed chicken tenders. Place them in the bowl, making sure they are fully coated with the yogurt mixture. Use your hands or a spatula to ensure each piece is well covered. This is where the real magic happens, so take your time!
- Once coated, transfer the marinated chicken into a storage bag or container. Seal it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, though overnight is preferable. This will let all those delicious spices permeate the meat.
- When you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. If you’re using an air fryer, simply set it to the same temperature. This ensures your chicken tenders will cook evenly and come out perfectly crispy.
- Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning up much easier. If you’re using an air fryer, ensure the tray is greased as well.
- Carefully place the marinated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet or air fryer tray. Make sure they are spaced apart and not overlapping. This is crucial for even cooking and crisping!
- Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping it halfway through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; it should read 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the tender.
- Once cooked, remove the tenders from the oven or air fryer, and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Finally, slice the chicken tenders if desired, or serve them whole. Enjoy them warm, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon or your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Storage: After cooking, allow your chicken to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to five days.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare these tenders in advance, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to three months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Pairing: These tenders go wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. They can also be added to wraps or pita bread for a complete meal.
- Cooking Method: You can also grill these tenders for a smoky flavor. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to change up the spices! Adding cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, or switch the paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these tenders with a variety of dips, like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce, making them even more delightful.