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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
