Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sliders

Name: Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 sliders
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup plain yogurt; 2 tablespoons tandoori masala; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ginger powder; Salt to taste; 4 slider buns; Lettuce leaves, for garnish; Sliced tomatoes, for garnish; Yogurt sauce (1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon cucumber, salt and pepper)

I absolutely love making Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sliders for gatherings! The vibrant flavors of the tandoori chicken combined with the crunch of fresh vegetables make them a hit every time. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare, which is perfect for busy weekends. I enjoy serving them with a cooling yogurt sauce that balances the spice beautifully. Whether it’s game day or a casual BBQ, these sliders never disappoint. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a staple at your get-togethers!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T19:45:27.983Z

Making these Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sliders has become one of my favorite culinary adventures. The marinade, made from yogurt and a mix of spices, works wonders to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with incredible flavor. I remember the first time I tried it—my friends couldn’t stop raving about the juicy, spicy chicken!

My secret tip is to grill the chicken on high heat for a few minutes on each side to get that perfect char. Once it’s done, layering it with crunchy veggies and creamy sauce in a soft slider bun creates a taste explosion that you won’t want to miss. They’re so good; you might want to prepare a double batch!

        Why You Will Love These Sliders
        Bursting with authentic tandoori flavors
Perfect balance of spice and coolness with creamy sauce
Quick and easy to assemble for any occasion

      

Understanding Tandoori Flavor Profiles

The use of tandoori masala is key to achieving the authentic flavor characteristic of this dish. This spice blend typically consists of a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika, which contribute to the deep color and rich flavor of the chicken. Make sure to adjust the amount of masala based on your spice tolerance; you can even mix in a little cayenne pepper for extra heat if you prefer a kick.

Marinating the chicken in yogurt not only infuses it with flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. The acidity in the yogurt breaks down the proteins, resulting in juicy, tender chicken. For the best results, aim to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight yields the most flavor. If you're short on time, even 30 minutes will still enhance the flavor considerably.

Perfecting Cooking Techniques

When cooking the marinated chicken, be sure to preheat your grill or skillet to a high temperature. This helps to achieve a nice char and seal in the juices. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken thighs; be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F for safe consumption. If you notice the outside browning too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can reduce the heat slightly to allow for even cooking.

Letting the chicken rest after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is deliciously juicy. Ideally, let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. When you're ready to slice, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness, which also helps the pieces stay juicy for your sliders.

Serving and Storage Ideas

While the sliders are best served immediately for optimal freshness and texture, you can prepare components ahead of time. Marinate the chicken 1 day in advance and grill it right before your guests arrive. You can also prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing together the yogurt, finely grated cucumber, salt, and pepper; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes assembly a breeze, allowing you to focus on enjoying the gathering.

If you have any leftover cooked chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can slice and toss it in a salad or use it in wraps. Don’t hesitate to mix and match the fillings for the sliders—grilled vegetables or even pickled onions add great flavor variations.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your Spicy Tandoori Chicken Sliders:

Ingredients for the Sliders

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons tandoori masala
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ginger powder
Salt to taste
4 slider buns
Lettuce leaves, for garnish
Sliced tomatoes, for garnish
Yogurt sauce (1 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon cucumber, salt and pepper)

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare the sliders:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine yogurt, tandoori masala, lemon juice, garlic powder, ginger powder, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or a skillet to high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into smaller pieces.

Assemble the Sliders

On each slider bun, add a handful of lettuce, followed by slices of tomato and the cooked chicken. Drizzle with yogurt sauce before closing the bun. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serve these delicious sliders warm for maximum flavor!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, soak wooden skewers in water and thread the chicken pieces on them before grilling. This not only adds a nice presentation but enhances the smokiness from the grill.

Yogurt Sauce Variations

The yogurt sauce serves as the perfect cooling agent to balance the heat from the chicken. However, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. For a unique twist, try adding minced garlic and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. This not only imparts a fresh flavor but also adds a lovely color to your sliders.

If you're looking to reduce calories, consider using a low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt alternative, which will still provide creaminess without compromising the taste. Blending in additional spices, such as cumin or a dash of smoked paprika, can give your sauce an extra flavor boost.

Making It a Meal

These sliders can easily transform into a full meal. Serve them with crispy sweet potato fries or a light salad drizzled with a vinaigrette to complement the sliders. For a more substantial meal, consider serving a side of spiced rice or couscous to round out the flavors without overpowering the vibrant tandoori chicken.

If you want to explore further, feel free to make larger burgers instead of sliders. Use traditional burger buns and simply increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through evenly. This adaptation makes for a delightful dinner option while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.

Scaling and Adjustments

This recipe is easily scalable, perfect for large gatherings. Simply double or triple the marinade ingredients while keeping the proportions the same. Just ensure that you have enough grill space or cook the chicken in batches to avoid crowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing.

For those looking for a gluten-free option, substituting the slider buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns works beautifully. This maintains the recipe's structural integrity while catering to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor, ensuring everybody can enjoy these delightful sliders.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different protein?

Yes, these sliders work well with grilled vegetables or shrimp if you're looking for a vegetarian or seafood option!

→ How spicy are these sliders?

The spice level is adjustable! Use less tandoori masala for a milder flavor or add more for an extra kick.

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ What other toppings can I add?

Feel free to add pickles, onions, or even avocado for a unique twist to your sliders.