Spicy Lime-Ginger Chicken Tenders

hese vibrant chicken tenders are marinated in a bold blend of fresh ginger, garlic, tangy lime, and fiery Sriracha before roasting to tender perfection. As a longtime fan of punchy flavors, I love how the sweetness of apple cider vinegar and sugar balances the spice—making every bite irresistibly juicy.

By Adam from CookLift.com

Ingredients

For the Marinade

  • 5 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped

  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated

  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Chicken

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders

  • Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)

Servings / Yield
4
Preparation Time
10 minutes (+ 1 hour marinating)
Cook Time
25–30 minutes
Difficulty
Easy

Tools We Use:

Instructions

  • Blend the Marinade:
    In a large bowl, whisk together garlic, ginger, Sriracha, olive oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, and sugar until smooth.

  • Marinate:
    Add chicken tenders to the bowl, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours) to let flavors penetrate.

  • Preheat Oven & Rest Chicken:
    Remove chicken from fridge 15 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 425 °F (200 °C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.

  • Bake:
    Arrange chicken in a single layer, spooning a little marinade over each piece. Bake 25–30 minutes, basting once or twice with pan juices, until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 °F (74 °C).

  • Finish the Sauce:
    While chicken bakes, pour any reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Simmer gently until slightly reduced and thickened, about 4–5 minutes.

  • Toss & Serve:
    Transfer chicken to a platter, drizzle with reduced sauce, and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with cilantro if desired. Serve hot.

Chef's Tips

  • Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours. If short on time, even 30 minutes makes a difference.

  • Heat Level: Adjust Sriracha to taste (start with 1 tbsp for mild, up to 3 tbsp for extra kick).

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad. Crunchy slaw on the side brings a refreshing contrast.

  • Make-Ahead & Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 350 °F oven for 10 minutes or microwave until warm.

Tools We Use:

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Dietary Adaptations

  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce.
  • Vegan: Swap chicken for extra-firm tofu or seitan strips; bake as directed for a plant-based version.

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories:  320 kcal
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg

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