Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders

I love making these Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders when I want something flavorful, juicy, and easy to prepare. The chicken is marinated in a blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs that gives it a bright, Mediterranean-inspired taste. I find this recipe perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or even serving at casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the marinade infuses the chicken with fresh, zesty flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. I get a wonderful balance of citrus, garlic, and classic Greek herbs in every bite. I also appreciate how versatile these tenders are. I can serve them in wraps, over salads, alongside rice, or with roasted vegetables. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor without complicated steps.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)

• Fresh parsley for garnish

• Lemon wedges for serving

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt if using in a bowl.

2. I add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. I let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.

3. I heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly grease it if needed.

4. I cook the chicken tenders for about 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

5. I remove them from heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

6. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 50 minutes (including minimum marinating time)

Variations

I sometimes bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–20 minutes instead of pan-cooking. If I want extra char, I grill them outdoors. I also like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. For a creamy touch, I serve them with tzatziki sauce or a drizzle of garlic yogurt sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to prevent drying out. I sometimes slice the leftovers and use them in wraps or salads the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

I can slice chicken breasts into strips and use them in place of tenders with the same marinade and cooking method.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and that the juices run clear.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

I often freeze the chicken directly in the marinade for up to 2 months. I thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

What should I serve with Greek chicken tenders?

I like serving them with rice, roasted potatoes, a Greek salad, or tucked into pita bread.

Can I cook these in an air fryer?

I cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and lightly golden.

Conclusion

I find these Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders to be a simple yet flavorful meal that I can rely on anytime. The bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and juicy chicken create a dish that feels fresh and satisfying. I enjoy how adaptable this recipe is, and it’s one I come back to whenever I want an easy, Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders

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Juicy, flavorful chicken tenders marinated in lemon, garlic, and classic Mediterranean herbs. These Greek-inspired tenders are bright, zesty, and perfect for quick dinners, wraps, salads, or meal prep.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Greek yogurt if using.
2. Add chicken tenders to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat and lightly grease if needed.
4. Cook the chicken tenders for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts into strips if tenders are unavailable.
• Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes as an alternative method.
• Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
• Serve with rice, roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or pita bread.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze marinated chicken for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Approximately 4–5 tenders
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg