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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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