Introduction

These Greek Chicken Tenders are bursting with bright, Mediterranean flavors thanks to a simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfectly juicy and tender, they make a quick and delicious meal for any night of the week.

A close-up view of a white plate stacked with crispy golden-brown fried fish fillets, each piece showing a rough, crunchy texture with small green herb sprinkles on top. The fillets are glistening with a shiny, sticky-looking sauce that pools slightly at the base of the pile. The fish pieces are irregular but mostly oval and rectangular shapes, layered unevenly to create a small mound. The background includes a kitchen setting with blurred elements and the plate rests on 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 until well combined.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat them fully. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develop a nice golden-brown color.
Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra tenderness, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating.
Try adding fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill after cooking for a fresh finish.
Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad to enhance the Mediterranean vibe.
If you don’t have a grill, baking is a perfect alternative that keeps the chicken juicy.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven to prevent drying out. These also freeze well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with several pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken tenders. Each tender has a crispy, slightly charred outer layer with visible black pepper and herbs seasoning. The chicken pieces are garnished with chopped green parsley sprinkled on top, adding fresh color contrast to the warm, cooked meat. The tenders are arranged in a casual pile, with light reflecting off their juicy, textured surface. There is a lemon wedge partially visible in the top right corner of the plate. The background features a clean white marbled texture. 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 can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

A minimum of 30 minutes is enough to infuse flavor, but marinating for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator will give you a more pronounced taste without affecting the texture negatively.

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

Greek Chicken Tenders marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled or baked to juicy perfection. This quick and easy recipe brings the Mediterranean flavors to your table, perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling/Baking
Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean
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 well combined.
Marinate the chicken: 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 to enhance flavor.
Preheat cooking equipment: If using a grill, heat to medium-high. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking.
Cook the chicken: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and develops a golden brown exterior.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with dipping sauces or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

Marinating longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
If grilling, oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Serve with sides like Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables for an authentic Greek meal.

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