Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you want to transport your tastebuds to a sunny Aegean patio, Greek Chicken Tenders are just the ticket! This dish is bursting with zesty Mediterranean flavors, thanks to a tangy marinade of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It’s amazing how these everyday ingredients can turn simple chicken into an irresistible weeknight dinner or a fabulous lunch. Whether you’re making them for a family meal, a friendly gathering, or healthy meal prep, Greek Chicken Tenders never disappoint. Let’s dive into the magic of this beloved recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Greek Chicken Tenders is that you need just a handful of ingredients—most of them probably already in your kitchen! Each component plays a crucial role, bringing out bold flavors, juicy texture, and that famously golden color.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! Slice them into tenders for quicker cooking and lots of surface area for all those flavors to cling to.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade hug every piece of chicken, locking in moisture during cooking.
• Fresh garlic, minced: The garlic infuses deep, aromatic flavor—fresh is definitely best here.
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice: This brings brightness and a little tang, balancing the richness of the chicken and oil.
• Dried oregano: Classic in Greek cuisine, oregano gives that herby lift that makes these tenders truly Mediterranean.
• Salt: Essential for unlocking all the other flavors and ensuring the chicken is well seasoned.
• Black pepper: Adds just a hint of heat and complexity without overpowering the other flavors.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous golden color when cooked—don’t skip this!

How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and that lovely smoked paprika. This quick marinade comes together in just a minute, but the aroma alone will have you excited for dinner!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Sliced chicken breast strips go straight into the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to make sure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly and let these beauties soak up those flavors in the fridge—give them at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you’ve got the time. The longer they marinate, the more deliciously tender and flavorful they become.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill or Oven

Fire up your grill to medium-high, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using the oven, line a tray with parchment for easy clean up. For that summery, gently-charred flavor, nothing beats the grill, but baked Greek Chicken Tenders are just as fabulous and fuss-free.

Step 4: Cook the Tenders

Arrange the chicken tenders on your hot grill grates or baking tray. Grill or bake for about 6 to 7 minutes per side—watch for that gorgeous golden brown color and be sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. You want them juicy, cooked through, and deeply flavorful.

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps every bite juicy and lets the flavors settle in. Serve your Greek Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, tossed into a salad, or alongside fresh veggies—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can make Greek Chicken Tenders truly pop! A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill adds color and herbaceous flair, while crumbled feta brings a creamy, salty finish. Squeeze extra lemon juice over the top for that final, bright zing.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair beautifully with a crisp Greek salad, roasted veggies, or a pile of fluffy lemon rice. Warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce are classic choices that bring extra Mediterranean flavor to the table—you can even tuck the tenders into a wrap for an easy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get a little playful! Serve Greek Chicken Tenders on skewers at your next cookout, or top a big platter of rice with the sliced chicken for a party-ready sharing plate. For lunch, pile tenders into a pita with fresh tomato and cucumber. The possibilities are endless and always crowd-pleasing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Tenders keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re perfect for salads, sandwiches, or healthy snacking throughout the week—and the flavors even get better overnight!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these tenders freeze well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for speedy meals.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the tenders in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a skillet over medium heat until piping hot. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave will do—just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist and juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and are just as delicious in this recipe. Simply slice into strips, marinate, and cook as directed for equally tasty Greek Chicken Tenders.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes—this lets the flavors really penetrate the meat. If you have more time, a few hours is even better, but avoid going much longer than 4 hours, as the lemon can start to change the texture.

Can I cook Greek Chicken Tenders on the stovetop?

Yes! Sear them in a hot skillet with a splash of oil, cooking for 6–8 minutes per side. You’ll get lovely caramelization and the same fantastic flavor as grilling or baking.

What sauces go well with these tenders?

You can’t go wrong with creamy tzatziki, hummus, or even a simple squeeze of extra lemon. Greek-style yogurt mixed with cucumbers and mint also makes a refreshing dip.

Are Greek Chicken Tenders good for meal prep?

They’re a dream for meal preppers! Make a big batch and enjoy them in salads, grain bowls, or wraps all week long. They stay flavorful and moist, even after reheating.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bright, bold, and totally satisfying, Greek Chicken Tenders will quickly become a new favorite. They’re so easy to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to win over everyone at the table. Give them a try—you might find yourself making extra just for leftovers!

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