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Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 84 reviews

Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy, tender strips of chicken marinated in a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt and lemon blend with garlic and oregano, then grilled, pan-seared, or baked to perfection. This easy Mediterranean-inspired dish bursts with bright lemon flavors and earthy herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressive party platter.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

For Serving (Optional)

  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Greek salad (cucumber, tomato, onion, olives, feta)
  • Rice or orzo
  • Tzatziki or hummus
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cumin until creamy and fragrant with a slightly tangy aroma.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade bowl and toss until all pieces are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours for best flavor and tenderness. A minimum of 30 minutes also improves texture.
  3. Choose your cooking method:
    – Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and grill chicken tenders 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
    – Pan-sear: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook tenders 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked.
    – Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
  4. Rest and serve: Let the cooked tenders rest for 3 to 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired and serve alongside pita bread, Greek salad, rice or orzo, and dips like tzatziki or hummus.

Notes

  • Use even-sized chicken pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Do not marinate longer than 12 hours to avoid mushy texture due to lemon acid.
  • When grilling, avoid moving tenders too often to develop nice char marks.
  • In pan-searing, do not overcrowd pan to prevent steaming.
  • Line baking pan with parchment paper or use a wire rack for best airflow and browning.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free; pair with gluten-free sides for a gluten-free meal.
  • Can be made dairy-free by substituting Greek yogurt with plain non-dairy yogurt.
  • Freezer friendly: Freeze marinated raw tenders up to 2 months or cooked tenders for later reheating.
  • Air fryer method: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, brushing lightly with oil for color.

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, yogurt marinated chicken, Mediterranean chicken recipe, grilled chicken tenders, easy chicken marinade, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://liamjayne.com/greek-chicken-tenders-recipe/