Description
These Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders are juicy, pan-seared chicken strips coated in a bright lemon-garlic marinade with oregano and paprika. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy one-skillet dinner delivers bold Mediterranean flavor using simple pantry ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed
- 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
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper infusion of flavors.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan evenly and prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Place marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and nicely seared.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Turn the chicken tenders over and cook for another 4–5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired for an extra zesty touch.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure better browning and even cooking.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best bright flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- For more vibrant color and smoky depth, add a pinch more paprika to the marinade.
- Store leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- If preferred, you can bake the chicken tenders at 425°F for 12–15 minutes instead of pan-searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tenders, lemon garlic chicken, pan-seared chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken tenders
