Description
This Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then cooked to perfection by grilling, pan-searing, baking, or air frying. It’s an easy, versatile dish with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ½ cup Plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Lemon zest
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- ½ tsp Ground cumin (optional)
Main
- 1.5 lbs Chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prep the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional ground cumin until you achieve a smooth, fragrant mixture.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss well to ensure each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for 4 to 8 hours, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help.
- Choose cooking method and cook: You can grill the tenders over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through; alternatively, pan-sear them in a skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Baking is also an option—preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. For a quicker method, air fry at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, let the chicken tenders rest for 3 to 5 minutes to retain their juices. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill and serve alongside pita bread, a refreshing Greek salad, rice, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor and more tender chicken.
- Ground cumin is optional but adds an extra warm note to the marinade.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to your preference.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Use fresh herbs at the end for the brightest flavor.
