As I unwrapped the bright burst of Mediterranean flavors from my marinated Greek Chicken Tenders, the aroma filled my kitchen with sunshine. Each tender, infused with olive oil, lemon juice, and fragrant herbs, is a vibrant nod to summery days spent in Greece. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, these zesty chicken tenders offer a quick prep solution for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Plus, they’re customizable, making them a fantastic fit for all palates, even when your pantry is running low. Ready to dive into a flavorful experience that’ll have your family asking for seconds? Grab your ingredients and let’s get cooking! Why are Greek Chicken Tenders irresistible? Zesty Flavor: Infused with vibrant lemon juice and aromatic herbs, these chicken tenders bring the sunny Mediterranean right to your dinner table. Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to grill, bake, or pan-sear, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit your style and equipment. Quick Prep Time: With minimal marination time, dinner can be on the table in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Crowd-Pleasing Option: Serve these tenders at family gatherings or summer cookouts, paired with a refreshing Greek salad or homemade tzatziki sauce for a delightful experience. Don’t miss out on other great dishes like Honey Bbq Chicken and Grilled Chicken Broccoli that also deliver on flavor and ease! Customizable Recipe: Feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or add feta to the marinade for an extra flavor boost! Greek Chicken Tenders Ingredients • Prepare to make delicious Greek Chicken Tenders that will excite your taste buds! For the Marinade Olive Oil – The heart of the marinade, use extra virgin for richer flavor. Fresh Lemon Juice – Squeezed from ripe lemons, it adds a bright, zesty punch. Fresh Garlic – Minced to amplify and elevate every bite. Dried Oregano – A staple in Mediterranean cooking, it offers authentic flavor. Paprika – Adds a mild sweetness and beautiful color; try smoked for depth. Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing overall taste; adjust to your liking. For the Chicken Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein, customized based on your serving needs. Feel free to experiment with this adaptable recipe for Greek Chicken Tenders that can be baked, grilled, or pan-seared! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Chicken Tenders Step 1: Marinate Chicken In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the marinade until well blended. Coat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered, and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinate for up to 4 hours for optimal flavor. Step 2: Preheat Equipment While your chicken is marinating, prepare your cooking equipment. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). If opting for the oven, set it to 400°F (200°C) as well. Give your grill or oven enough time to reach the right temperature so that your Greek Chicken Tenders cook evenly and develop a beautiful golden color. Step 3: Cook Chicken Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the fridge and let excess marinade drip off. Place the tenders on the preheated grill or in a baking dish. Grill or bake for about 6-7 minutes per side. The tenders should turn golden brown and register an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer, ensuring they are cooked through without drying out. Step 4: Rest and Serve Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the tenders juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips, and serve your delicious Greek Chicken Tenders with your choice of dipping sauces or alongside fresh vegetables for a delightful meal. Expert Tips for Greek Chicken Tenders Marinate Longer: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if possible, allowing the spices to fully penetrate the meat. Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking, ensure the tenders have enough space in the pan or on the grill to achieve a nice, crispy exterior. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked Greek Chicken Tenders. Add a Twist: Customize the marinade with fresh herbs like dill or basil for a unique flavor profile, or toss in crumbled feta for creaminess. Rest Before Cutting: Always let the cooked chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps it moist. Make Ahead Options These Greek Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful mixture for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the tender meat to soak up all the zesty goodness. Once marinated, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also chop any veggies or prepare dipping sauces ahead of time, which can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken, cooking it until golden and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). These prep steps ensure you have delicious Greek Chicken Tenders ready with minimal fuss, just as tasty as if you made them the same day! Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Tenders Fridge: Store leftover Greek Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a skillet over medium heat for optimal crispiness, ensuring they’re warmed through to minimum 165°F (75°C). Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before cooking for a flavorful meal on a busy day! Greek Chicken Tenders Variations & Substitutions Feel free to tweak these Greek Chicken Tenders to suit your taste buds and pantry! Herb Swap: Replace oregano with fresh basil or thyme for a different herbaceous touch. These variations will make each bite unique and fresh. Cheesy Addition: Stir in crumbled feta cheese to the marinade for a creamy and tangy twist that complements the flavors beautifully. Thigh Swap: Experiment with chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and juicier texture. You’ll find the tenderness irresistible! Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a zesty heat that will wake up your taste buds. Zesty Twist: Incorporate lemon zest into the marinade for an extra layer of citrus flavor that brightens up the dish magnificently. Veggie Infusion: Toss in diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on the grill alongside your tenders for added flavor, color, and nutritional goodness. Whole30 Friendly: Substitute honey or sugar with coconut aminos for a Whole30-approved sweetness that pairs well with the marinade’s flavors. Serve with Style: Pair your Greek Chicken Tenders with a tangy tzatziki sauce or alongside a refreshing Greek salad. For even more delightful options, check out Bbq Chicken Skewer salads or Hawaiian Chicken Sheet for an exciting twist on dinner! What to Serve with Greek Chicken Tenders Pair your meal with vibrant sides and dipping sauces that enhance the zesty experience of Greek Chicken Tenders. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese creates a crisp and colorful counterpart. Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy yogurt-based dip, infused with dill and cucumber, adds a cooling contrast to the zesty chicken. Pita Bread: Serve warm, fluffy pita with your tenders, perfect for scooping up sauces or wrapping around tender morsels. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned and roasted seasonal veggies offer a delightful sweetness and a satisfying texture contrast. Lemon Rice: Light and fluffy lemon-infused rice complements the chicken’s flavors while adding a comforting base to your plate. Grilled Corn on the Cob: The smoky sweetness of grilled corn is an irresistible summer addition that pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean notes of the dish. Herbed Quinoa: This protein-packed option with fresh herbs provides a nutty flavor and cheerful texture, rounding out your meal nicely. White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors of the chicken while elevating your dining experience with its refreshing notes. Mediterranean Couscous: Serve fluffy couscous mixed with olive oil and herbs for a delightful, flavorful accompaniment. Create a gathering that celebrates Mediterranean delights by selecting any of these flavorful companions for your Greek Chicken Tenders! Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe ingredients for Greek Chicken Tenders? Absolutely! Choosing ripe ingredients elevates your dish. For lemon juice, pick lemons that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Fresh garlic should be plump with no dark spots; choose heads that feel solid. And for olive oil, always opt for high-quality extra virgin for the best flavor. How should I store leftover Greek Chicken Tenders? After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the tenders cool completely before sealing them up to maintain their texture and flavor. Can I freeze Greek Chicken Tenders? If so, how? Very! To freeze your Greek Chicken Tenders, start by allowing them to cool completely. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. They will hold up well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. What should I do if my chicken tends to dry out during cooking? One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. To prevent dryness, ensure you’re checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F (75°C). Additionally, using a marinade rich in olive oil helps retain moisture. If you find that your chicken tends to dry out, consider marinating it longer or adding a bit more olive oil to your marinade. Are Greek Chicken Tenders safe for people with allergies? The recipe is quite versatile but be cautious of substitutions. For those with garlic allergies, you could leave out the minced garlic or use garlic-infused oil to keep some flavor. Additionally, ensure that your olive oil and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if needed for your guests, as labeled products will provide more assurance. Can I modify the recipe for specific dietary restrictions? Of course! If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, the recipe is already compatible as long as you use gluten-free marinade ingredients. If you want to add a twist in flavor, try substituting feta cheese for a rich, creamy texture or using fresh herbs like basil or cilantro, depending on your dietary preferences. Enjoy experimenting! Greek Chicken Tenders: Juicy, Zesty Flavor for All Occasions These Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to prepare and sure to please everyone. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 tendersCourse: ChickenCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Marinade1/4 cup olive oil use extra virgin for richer flavor1/4 cup fresh lemon juice squeezed from ripe lemons3 cloves fresh garlic minced2 teaspoons dried oregano a staple in Mediterranean cooking1 teaspoon paprika adds sweetness and colorto taste salt essential for enhancing overall tasteto taste pepper essential for enhancing overall tasteFor the Chicken4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts the main protein Equipment grillBaking dishMixing Bowlmeat thermometer Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the marinade until well blended. Coat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they are fully covered, and then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinate for up to 4 hours for optimal flavor.While your chicken is marinating, prepare your cooking equipment. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). If opting for the oven, set it to 400°F (200°C) as well.Remove the marinated chicken tenders from the fridge and let excess marinade drip off. Place the tenders on the preheated grill or in a baking dish. Grill or bake for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and registering an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer.Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the chicken into strips, and serve with your choice of dipping sauces or alongside fresh vegetables. Nutrition Serving: 1pieceCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight if possible. Customize the marinade with fresh herbs or crumbled feta for added flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
