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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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