Greek Marinated Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and tender dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. Marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano, these chicken tenders bring the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate.

The image shows a white plate with five golden brown, crispy fish sticks arranged in a slightly overlapping line. The fish sticks have a crunchy texture with visible small seeds and herbs in the coating. Scattered around the fish sticks are bright red cherry tomato halves, some with juice shining, adding a fresh contrast. A green herb garnish is sprinkled over the fish sticks and tomatoes, adding a touch of color and freshness. A small dollop of white creamy sauce with bits of green herbs is placed near the center of the fish sticks. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your grill pan over medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked or bake on a parchment-lined tray for about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Allow to rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For more intense flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh oregano if available for a brighter herb taste.
  • Add a pinch of ground cumin for a subtle earthy warmth.
  • Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying them out. The marinade does not store well once raw chicken has been added, so discard any unused marinade.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with several golden-brown, crispy fried chicken strips stacked in layers. Each strip is thick and covered with crunchy, textured breading with some green herbs sprinkled on top. Around the chicken strips, there are bright red, juicy cherry tomato halves adding a pop of color. A smooth, creamy white sauce with green herb bits is drizzled and dolloped over some of the chicken pieces. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface, making the colors of the food stand out vividly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to use in place of tenders. Just make sure to adjust cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds creaminess, but you can substitute plain yogurt if needed. Avoid flavored or sweetened yogurts for best results.

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Greek Marinated Chicken Tenders Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 45 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes (including marinating)
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Greek Chicken Tenders are tender, juicy chicken strips marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano. This easy recipe infuses the chicken with bright citrus and herbaceous notes for a quick and healthy meal that can be grilled or baked to perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate, or up to 2 hours for a more intense taste.
  3. Preheat Cooking Equipment: For grilling, preheat your grill pan over medium heat. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, bake the chicken on the prepared tray for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken tenders to rest briefly to retain their juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve hot for a delicious Greek-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer than 2 hours is not recommended as the acid in the lemon juice can start to break down the texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor impact.
  • Optional ground cumin adds a warm, earthy undertone that complements the oregano.
  • Serve with a side of Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-25 minutes depending on cooking method
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling and Baking
  • Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, baked chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe

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