Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these incredibly flavorful and crispy chicken tenders that bring together the perfect blend of spices and a tantalizing yogurt marinade. This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish that’s both nutritious and incredibly delicious, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.3 lbs / 590g chicken fillets
- 1/2 cup / 120ml natural yogurt
- 1 tbsp / 6g paprika
- 1 tbsp / 6g turmeric
- 1 tbsp / 6g cumin
- 1 tbsp / 8g garlic powder
- 1 tbsp / 8g onion powder
- 1 tbsp / 18g salt
- 1/2 tsp / 1g black pepper
- 1 tbsp / 15ml lemon juice
- 1 tbsp / 15ml olive oil
- Coating and Finishing:
- 3/4 cup / 90g crispy breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil for frying/drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, create a flavor-packed marinade by whisking together the yogurt, paprika, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. The combination of these spices will infuse the chicken with an incredible depth of flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken fillets into tender-sized strips, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking. Coat each strip thoroughly with the prepared marinade, making sure every piece is well-covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour, allowing the yogurt and spices to work their magic and tenderize the chicken.
3. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. In a shallow dish, mix the crispy breadcrumbs with finely chopped fresh parsley, adding an extra layer of flavor and a touch of freshness.
4. Coat and Arrange
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Let the excess marinade drip off each tender, then roll each piece in the parsley-breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even browning.
5. Bake to Perfection
Lightly drizzle the chicken tenders with olive oil to help them achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning the tenders halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when it turns a beautiful golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Nutritional Information and Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Approximate Nutritional Values per Serving:
- Calories: 320-350
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
Pro Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature
- For extra crispiness, you can briefly broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking
- Serve with a side of cooling cucumber yogurt sauce or fresh salad
These Crispy Spiced Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining health-conscious ingredients with bold, international flavors that will make your taste buds dance!