Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders offer a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken infused with bright lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin if using. The marinade should be creamy and fragrant with a slight tang.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for best flavor. Even 30 minutes will help.
3. Step 3: Choose your cooking method:
   1. Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Grill tenders 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
   2. Pan-sear: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
   3. Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Step 4: Let the tenders rest for 3–5 minutes after cooking. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired. Serve with pita, salad, rice, or tzatziki for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, marinate chicken overnight but not longer than 24 hours to prevent texture changes.
• Swap ground cumin with smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle heat.
• Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more vibrant herb flavor.
• Serve with a dollop of homemade or store-bought tzatziki for authentic Greek taste.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, sliced chicken breasts work well. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces to cook evenly.

Do I need to use Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Greek yogurt adds tenderness and tang, but you can substitute with regular plain yogurt if needed. Avoid flavored yogurts.

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

These Greek Chicken Tenders are tender and flavorful, marinated in a creamy mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano. They can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked to perfection, making them a versatile and healthy option perfect for an easy dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Pan-Searing, or Baking (Primary method depends on choice, but baking is detailed as the default in instructions)
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for depth)

For Garnish

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and cumin if using. This will create a creamy, fragrant, and slightly tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with flavor.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor absorption. Even 30 minutes will improve taste if short on time.
3. Choose your cooking method: You can grill, pan-sear, or bake the chicken tenders. For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and grill tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. For pan-searing, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook tenders for 3–4 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, bake for 18–20 minutes flipping halfway.
4. Rest and serve: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for 3–5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve alongside Greek-inspired sides like pita bread, salad, rice, or tzatziki sauce for a delicious meal.

Notes

• Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
• Ground cumin is optional but adds a subtle depth and warmth to the marinade.
• Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste before cooking.
• Ensure chicken tenders are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
• For a gluten-free meal, confirm all sides and ingredients used are gluten-free.

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, baked chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe