Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Greek chicken tenders are a fresh and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated in a tangy blend of yogurt, lemon, and herbs, these tender chicken pieces are juicy and packed with Mediterranean zest.
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
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and ground cumin if using. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
- Step 3: Choose your cooking method:
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Pan-sear: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Step 4: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad for a full Mediterranean meal.
- Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano leaves for a brighter herb flavor.
- Adjust garlic quantity to taste for a milder or stronger garlic presence.
Storage
Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain juiciness.
How to Serve
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 gives a thicker marinade and adds creaminess that helps tenderize the chicken better.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
If fresh lemon juice isn’t available, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, although fresh juice offers a brighter, fresher flavor.
PrintGreek Chicken Tenders Recipe
Greek Chicken Tenders are tender and flavorful chicken strips marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs. This versatile dish can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked to perfection, delivering juicy chicken infused with Mediterranean flavors perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Grilling, Frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 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)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin if using. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the chicken.
- Choose Your Cooking Method: Decide if you want to grill, pan-sear, or bake your chicken tenders based on your preference and equipment.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the tenders on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has slight char marks. Remove once done and let rest for a couple of minutes.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated tenders and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Check for doneness before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the cooked chicken tenders to add a fresh herbaceous note and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor, but longer (up to 2 hours) will yield more tender and flavorful chicken.
- You can substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano if available; use about 1 tablespoon fresh.
- The optional ground cumin adds a subtle earthy depth to the marinade but can be omitted if preferred.
- If grilling, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For a crispier exterior when pan-searing, avoid overcrowding the pan and let the chicken develop a golden crust before flipping.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or stovetop to maintain texture.
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, Marinated chicken, Greek yogurt chicken, Easy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, Healthy chicken tenders
