Greek Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Greek Chicken Tenders: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean! Imagine biting into juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, bursting with the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and oregano. These aren’t your average, run-of-the-mill chicken tenders; they’re a taste of Greece, right in your own kitchen.

While chicken tenders themselves might not have ancient roots, the flavors that define these Greek Chicken Tenders are deeply intertwined with Greek culinary tradition. For centuries, Greeks have celebrated simple, fresh ingredients, transforming them into dishes that are both nourishing and incredibly delicious. The combination of lemon, herbs, and olive oil is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine, reflecting the region’s abundant sunshine and fertile land.

What makes these tenders so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors! The tangy lemon brightens the savory chicken, while the aromatic herbs add a layer of complexity that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile. Serve them as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, pack them in lunchboxes, or offer them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. The crispy exterior and tender interior create a delightful textural contrast that everyone will adore. Get ready to experience a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Greek Yogurt Marinade:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Breadcrumb Coating:
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional Garnishes:
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Tzatziki sauce (for dipping)

Preparing the Greek Yogurt Marinade:

This marinade is the key to incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. The Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken while the herbs and spices infuse it with that classic Greek taste. Don’t skip this step!

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, fresh parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The marinade should be smooth and creamy.
2. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more lemon juice for extra tang, or a pinch more salt to enhance the flavors.

Marinating the Chicken:

Now it’s time to let the chicken soak up all that delicious flavor. The longer you marinate it, the better it will taste, but even a short marinade will make a difference.

1. Place the chicken strips in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the Greek yogurt marinade over the chicken, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure it’s fully covered.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.

Preparing the Breadcrumb Coating:

This breadcrumb coating is what gives the chicken tenders their crispy, golden-brown exterior. The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs creates a wonderful texture and flavor.

1. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and toss with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.

Coating the Chicken:

This is where the magic happens! We’re transforming those marinated chicken strips into crispy, flavorful tenders.

1. Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off.
2. One at a time, dredge each chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely coated on all sides.
3. Place the breaded chicken strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Baking the Chicken Tenders:

Baking is a healthier way to cook these chicken tenders, but you can also pan-fry them if you prefer. Baking ensures they’re cooked through without being greasy.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly spray the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil cooking spray. This will help them brown evenly and become extra crispy.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. If you want the chicken tenders to be even crispier, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from burning.

Pan-Frying the Chicken Tenders (Alternative Method):

If you prefer a quicker cooking method and don’t mind a little extra oil, pan-frying is a great option. Just be sure to monitor the heat carefully to prevent burning.

1. Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

These Greek chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many different ways. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:

• As an appetizer: Serve them with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
• In a salad: Top a Greek salad with the chicken tenders for a complete meal.
• In a wrap: Wrap them in a pita bread with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
• With a side of roasted vegetables: Serve them with roasted potatoes, carrots, or broccoli.
• With rice or quinoa: Pair them with a side of rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Tips and Tricks:

Here are a few extra tips to help you make the best Greek chicken tenders ever:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor to the marinade. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the marinade and breadcrumb coating to suit your taste.
• Make ahead: You can prepare the marinade and breadcrumb coating ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking or pan-frying.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely before freezing. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Variations:

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Greek Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat.
• Lemon Herb Greek Chicken Tenders: Add the zest of one lemon to the marinade and breadcrumb coating for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Garlic Parmesan Greek Chicken Tenders: Add more Parmesan cheese and garlic powder to the breadcrumb coating for an extra cheesy and garlicky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Greek Chicken Tenders: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs.

Serving with Tzatziki Sauce:

Tzatziki sauce is the perfect accompaniment to these Greek chicken tenders. Its cool, creamy, and refreshing flavor complements

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another chicken tender recipe; it’s a passport to the sun-drenched shores of Greece, delivered straight to your dinner table. The vibrant flavors, the ease of preparation, and the sheer deliciousness of these Greek Chicken Tenders make them an absolute must-try. Seriously, you’re missing out if you don’t give these a whirl!

But why are they so special? It’s the perfect balance of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic that elevates these tenders beyond the ordinary. The marinade works its magic, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor and ensuring they stay juicy and tender, even when cooked to perfection. Forget dry, bland chicken – these are bursting with Mediterranean goodness!

And the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! Serve them as a quick and easy weeknight dinner with a side of roasted vegetables and fluffy couscous. Or, transform them into a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next party. Imagine platters piled high with these golden-brown tenders, alongside bowls of creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping. Your guests will be raving about them!

Speaking of serving suggestions, the possibilities are truly endless. For a lighter meal, try serving them over a vibrant Greek salad with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. You could also wrap them in warm pita bread with hummus, tomatoes, and cucumbers for a delicious and satisfying lunch.

Feeling adventurous? Why not experiment with different variations? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat. Or, try using different herbs, such as oregano or thyme, to create your own unique flavor profile. You could even bread the tenders in panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! That’s the beauty of cooking – it’s all about experimenting and discovering new flavors that you love.

I’m confident that once you try these Greek Chicken Tenders, they’ll become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They’re quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for?

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the taste of Greece. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And once you’ve made them, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #GreekChickenTenders and let me know what you think. Did you try any variations? What did you serve them with? I’m always eager to hear your feedback and see your culinary creations. Happy cooking!

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June 20, 2025 by Melissa