Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders recipe brings a zesty, herb-infused twist to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Perfectly marinated and pan-seared, these tenders are juicy, tender, and bursting with bright lemon and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped, and lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan.
4. Step 4: Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side, until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken tenders and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

• For even browning, avoid overcrowding the pan and cook the tenders in batches if needed.
• Swap dried oregano for fresh for a brighter herb flavor if available.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a mild spicy kick.
• Serve over a bed of couscous or with a side salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use thinly sliced chicken breasts, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through without drying out.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 15 minutes for good flavor, but marinating up to 2 hours in the fridge will deepen the taste without compromising texture.

Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 118 reviews

This Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders recipe delivers a quick and easy dinner option packed with vibrant herbs and spices. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and paprika, these tender chicken pieces are pan-seared to golden perfection, making for a juicy and aromatic meal ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until fully blended to form the flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders into the marinade bowl, tossing them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
3. Preheat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and aid in browning the chicken.
4. Cook the First Side: Once the skillet is hot, lay the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
5. Cook the Other Side: Flip the chicken tenders carefully and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest on a plate for 2 minutes. This resting period helps preserve the juices and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, zesty finish.

Notes

• Allow the chicken to rest for 2 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices for maximum tenderness.
• Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking to ensure even browning and proper cooking.
• Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the Mediterranean flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken tenders, easy dinner, quick recipe, garlic chicken, lemon chicken, stovetop chicken