Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, these tenders are juicy and infused with Mediterranean goodness. Whether grilled or baked, they promise a delicious and healthy meal.

The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown grilled fish fillets stacked on a white plate. Each fillet has a crispy texture with a mix of light and dark brown spots from the grilling. The top layer of the fillets is sprinkled with small green herb pieces, adding a fresh touch. There is a light shine of oil on the surface of the fish, making it look juicy and tender. In the background, there is a blurred slice of lemon, adding a pop of yellow color. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 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

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Step 4: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra tenderness, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
  • Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade if you like a bit of heat.
  • Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek touch.
  • Oven baking is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying them out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be served cold in salads.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with a stack of golden brown, crispy fried chicken tenders covered in a shiny glaze of honey or syrup, with finely chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly on top and around the tenders. There are about two layers of tenders, some laying flat on the plate and others piled on top in a loose mound. The sauce pools around the bottom layer, reflecting light to highlight the crispy texture. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours to prevent the lemon juice from “cooking” the meat.

Print

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

This Greek Chicken Tenders recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and smoked paprika. Perfectly grilled or baked to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are a healthy and delicious Mediterranean-inspired main dish that pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies or your favorite dipping sauces.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Marinade

  • 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

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined. This mixture will infuse the chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
  3. Preheat the cooking method: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cook and a nicely browned exterior.
  4. Cook the chicken tenders: Grill or bake the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a golden brown color on the outside.
  5. Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance tenderness. Slice the tenders and serve with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Notes

  • Marinating longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor but do not exceed to avoid texture changes.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken tenders for quicker cooking time.
  • Pair with tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad to complete the Mediterranean experience.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipes, easy chicken marinade, baked chicken, grilled chicken breast

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