Name: Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490152H45M53S
Total time: PT-490152H45M53S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika

Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, these tender chicken pieces are juicy and packed with Mediterranean goodness.

A close-up view of several golden-brown cooked chicken tenders, arranged stacked and overlapping on a white plate, each piece showing a crispy, slightly oily texture with dark grill marks and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top, with a small part of a lemon wedge visible in the background, all set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to create the marinade.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for 6-7 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a golden brown color.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Swap smoked paprika with sweet paprika if you prefer a milder smoky flavor.
Add fresh chopped parsley or mint after cooking for a fresh herbal note.
Serve with tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad to keep the theme authentic.

Storage

Store leftover Greek chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown, crispy fish fillets stacked on a white plate. Each fillet has a crunchy, textured coating with visible herbs like parsley sprinkled on top, adding green color contrasts. The fillets have charred spots where they have been cooked well, and they sit in a light pool of melted butter or oil, which gives a shiny surface. A wedge of lemon with a bright yellow color is placed at the edge of the plate in the background, slightly out of focus, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well with this marinade and tend to stay juicier, but adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken?

No, you can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) if you don’t have a grill. Both methods yield delicious results.

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

This Greek Chicken Tenders recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and smoked paprika. Quick to prepare and versatile, these chicken tenders can be grilled or baked to perfection, making them a healthy, protein-packed choice ideal for a family dinner or casual gathering.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

Marinade

3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
Preheat Cooking Equipment: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat if grilling, or your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill or on a baking sheet if baking. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the surface is golden brown and slightly charred if grilled.
Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh vegetables for a wholesome meal.

Notes

Marinate the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) for more intense flavor and tenderness.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Can be served with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a fresh Greek salad for authentic flavor.
Substitute chicken breasts with chicken tenders for a smaller, quicker-cooking option.
For a gluten-free meal, ensure dipping sauces used are gluten-free.

Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, marinated chicken, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken, lemon garlic chicken