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