Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders offer a deliciously tangy and aromatic twist on classic chicken. Marinated in a blend of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano, this dish is tender, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

The image shows a white plate with five golden-brown crispy sticks stacked slightly on top of each other. Each stick is textured with a crunchy coating and topped with small dollops of white creamy sauce speckled with green herbs. Around the sticks, there are several bright red tomato halves adding a pop of color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the marinade is well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill pan over medium heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, or bake on a parchment-lined tray in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until done.
  5. Step 5: Let the chicken rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin to the marinade.
  • Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
  • If you prefer, substitute chicken tenders with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
  • Marinate overnight for a more intense lemon and garlic flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the chicken tender and moist. Avoid microwaving directly, as it may dry out the meat.

How to Serve

The image shows five golden-brown, crispy fried sticks placed in a slightly stacked arrangement on a white plate. Each stick has a crunchy, crumbly texture with small green herbs sprinkled on top. Drizzled over the sticks are dollops of creamy white sauce with visible green herb bits. Around the sticks, bright red cherry tomato halves add a fresh pop of color. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute regular plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt helps create a thicker marinade that clings better to the chicken.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken, or can I bake it instead?

Baking is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill. Just bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Print

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Tender and flavorful Greek Chicken Tenders marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, fresh lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled or baked to juicy perfection. This dish is a healthy, protein-packed meal with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes grilling or 25 minutes baking
  • Total Time: 40 minutes including marinating
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, or for up to 2 hours for a deeper taste.
  3. Preheat cooking equipment: Heat a grill pan over medium heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), depending on your preferred cooking method.
  4. Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the leftover marinade. If grilling, cook the tenders for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If baking, arrange the chicken on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Rest and serve: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to rest briefly to retain their juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired before serving.

Notes

  • Marinating time can be extended up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
  • Ground cumin adds a subtle earthy warmth, but is optional.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Serving suggestion: Serve with a side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for an authentic meal.

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, yogurt marinated chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, lemon oregano chicken

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