Sink your fork into these greek chicken tenders and you’ll instantly feel whisked away to the sunny streets of Athens. This vibrant main dish is effortlessly packed with Mediterranean flavors from a punchy marinade bursting with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. Whether you’re grilling for friends or throwing together a speedy weeknight meal, greek chicken tenders promise juicy, aromatic bites that deliver sunshine in every mouthful. If you’re looking for an easy yet mouthwatering recipe with bold flavors, this is the one you’ll make on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of greek chicken tenders lies in how just a handful of well-chosen, fresh ingredients can combine to create standout flavor. Every item in this recipe is essential, balancing Mediterranean zippiness and comfort in every bite. Here’s what you need and why each ingredient matters:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Go for fresh, plump chicken breasts to ensure your tenders are juicy and tender after cooking.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps infuse the marinade flavors deep into the chicken.
- Fresh garlic: Adds punchy, warm notes that define Greek cuisine—don’t skip it!
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: The acid brightens and tenderizes your chicken, enhancing every other flavor.
- Dried oregano: Delivers signature Greek herby depth, making the tenders unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.
- Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the other herbs and spices perfectly.
- Smoked paprika: Introduces a lingering smokiness and deep color that gives the tenders irresistible appeal.
How to Make greek chicken tenders
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Whip up your marinade easily by whisking together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. Make sure every ingredient gets incorporated, as this zesty mixture is the key to giving your greek chicken tenders their signature zing and tenderness.
Step 2: Coat and Chill
Place the chicken breasts into the bowl with the marinade, turning them so every side is generously coated. For best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have a little more time, letting them soak up the marinade for up to 4 hours will deepen the flavor even further.
Step 3: Fire up the Grill or Oven
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high, or set your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer grilling, you’ll get a charred, smoky flavor; oven baking promises a golden, juicy finish. Either way, line the chicken tenders spaced apart for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Grill or bake the chicken tenders for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are beautifully golden brown. The tempting aroma will let you know they’re almost done!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the hot greek chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This quick pause locks in all those marinated juices, so every bite stays moist and bursting with flavor. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces or a spread of fresh veggies.
How to Serve greek chicken tenders
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or a scattering of sliced olives over the top adds freshness and a pop of color. For a citrusy lift, tuck a few lemon wedges alongside your platter—everyone loves the option to squeeze a little more brightness over their greek chicken tenders!
Side Dishes
Pair your tenders with classic Mediterranean sides for a complete meal. Try a vibrant Greek salad, fluffy seasoned rice, or roasted vegetables. Warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki are never out of place, soaking up those extra juices and making every plate more inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the plate! Pile the greek chicken tenders into wraps with fresh veggies and a dollop of yogurt sauce, or slice them over a grain bowl. They’re fantastic skewered and served party-style for easy, casual entertaining. Even tossed atop salads, these tenders steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover greek chicken tenders, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep or grab-and-go lunches a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the cooked tenders in a single layer on a tray until solid, then store them in freezer bags or containers. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to label with the date for easy meal planning!
Reheating
The best way to keep leftovers juicy is to reheat them gently. Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 10–12 minutes, or microwave in quick bursts with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Either way, your greek chicken tenders will taste just as delicious as when first made!
FAQs
Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Swap in pre-cut chicken tenders to save a little prep time. They’ll cook even faster—just check them a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to get that perfect char on the tenders?
For that lovely grilled look and flavor, make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated and lightly oiled. Space out the tenders so they sear, not steam, and flip just once during cooking.
Is there a dairy-free way to garnish these greek chicken tenders?
Definitely! Skip any cheese, and pile on fresh herbs, diced tomatoes, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, finishing touch. Classic olive tapenade also works beautifully as a topping.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! The marinade easily stretches to accommodate more chicken. You can batch-cook on a grill or two trays in the oven—just be sure not to overcrowd, so everything gets golden and flavorful.
Do I have to marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours?
Not at all! Even just 30 minutes makes a big difference. However, the longer the marination (up to 4 hours), the deeper the flavor, so adjust to your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Once you bring greek chicken tenders to your dinner table, you’ll see just how easy it is to make Mediterranean magic at home. Whether you serve them for a casual family meal or show them off at your next gathering, these tenders are sure to earn rave reviews and plenty of requests for the recipe. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with their vibrant, lemony-herb flavors!
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greek chicken tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling/Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that brings the essence of the Mediterranean right to your table. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, these tenders are grilled or baked to perfection, ensuring every bite is juicy and aromatic. Ideal for summer gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, they promise to be a hit with family and friends alike.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Marinate Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Cook Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high or oven to 400°F (200°C). Grill or bake chicken tenders for 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender (approximately 113g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
