Name: Greek Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-491241H39M5S
Total time: PT-491241H39M5S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips); 3 tbsp olive oil; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional, for tenderness)

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Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful strips of chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection. I love how these tenders soak up all the Mediterranean-inspired flavors and stay incredibly tender on the inside with just the right touch of char or crisp on the outside. They’re simple, fast, and bursting with fresh flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s light, healthy, and packed with bold Greek flavors. The marinade does all the heavy lifting—lemon, garlic, olive oil, and oregano create a bright, savory base that turns plain chicken into something crave-worthy. Whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner, tossing them in a salad, or wrapping them in pita, these chicken tenders are always a hit.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
Olive oil
Lemon juice and zest
Garlic, minced
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Optional: plain Greek yogurt (for extra tenderizing)
Optional toppings or sides: tzatziki, pita bread, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta

Directions

In a bowl, I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. I sometimes stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for extra tenderness.
I add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure they’re well-coated, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
I preheat a grill, grill pan, or oven to medium-high heat.
I cook the tenders for about 3–4 minutes per side on the grill or 18–20 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C), until golden and cooked through.
I let them rest briefly before serving with my favorite Greek sides or sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes 30–40 minutes total, including marinating and cooking. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired meal prep.

Variations

I add chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
I use the tenders in wraps, bowls, or on top of Greek salads.
I spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika in the marinade.
I serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of olive oil for even more flavor.

storage/reheating

I store cooked tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet or microwave, or enjoy them cold in wraps and salads. They also freeze well for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead?

Yes, I cut them into strips or chunks to keep cooking time short and even.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes is enough to boost flavor, but up to 2 hours gives even better results. I avoid marinating overnight, especially with lemon juice, to prevent the chicken from getting mushy.

Can I cook these in the air fryer?

Yes, I air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the chicken and marinade are naturally gluten-free—just double-check any store-bought sauces or sides.

What should I serve with these tenders?

I like to serve them with Greek salad, lemon rice, pita, or tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Tenders are easy, delicious, and full of fresh Mediterranean flavor. I love how versatile they are—I can serve them in so many ways and they always come out juicy and flavorful. Whether I’m grilling them for a quick dinner or adding them to a meal prep bowl, these tenders are a healthy, go-to favorite that never gets old.