Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These Mediterranean Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight. Marinated with herbs, garlic, and lemon, they bring a fresh and zesty taste to your dinner table.

A stack of four pieces of golden-brown, crispy fried chicken with visible herbs and spices is placed on a white plate. The top layer shows richly textured chicken skin with green parsley leaves garnished on and around it. On the plate, there are also two bright yellow lemon wedges, one on the left side near the bottom and another on the right edge. The background has a soft focus suggesting a window and indoor setting with some natural light. The whole scene rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional garnish: lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Season the chicken tenders with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken tenders to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Serve these tenders alongside a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Swap paprika for smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky note.
  • If you prefer, grill the chicken tenders instead of cooking them in a skillet for a charred, outdoor flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep them moist and flavorful.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of four layers of golden-brown grilled chicken breasts, each piece richly coated with finely chopped green herbs and scattered red chili flakes, creating a textured surface with a mix of crispy and moist spots. The top layer is decorated with fresh flat green parsley leaves, adding a touch of color contrast. On the side of the plate, two bright yellow lemon wedges with visible juicy segments provide a fresh accent. The dish is set against a softly blurred background with a white marbled texture surface partially visible underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into strips, but adjust the cooking time as breasts may take slightly longer to cook through.

How can I tell when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Chicken tenders are fully cooked when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear without any pink.

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken cooked in a fragrant blend of garlic, lemon, and classic herbs like oregano and paprika, delivering a flavorful and healthy main dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Total Time: 22-24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering and hot.
  2. Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
  3. Season the chicken: While the garlic cooks, season the chicken tenders evenly with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Cook the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have a golden brown exterior.
  5. Add lemon juice: Just before serving, drizzle the chicken with fresh lemon juice to add brightness and enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
  6. Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken tenders with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Notes

  • You can adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more or less paprika or oregano.
  • Serve these chicken tenders alongside a fresh side salad or cooked rice for a complete meal.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

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

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