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Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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