Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Packed with Flavor: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and thyme infuse the chicken with a vibrant Greek-inspired taste.
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Healthy & Light: These tenders are a lighter alternative to fried options, thanks to the healthy olive oil marinade.
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Quick & Easy: Prep and cook in under 45 minutes—ideal for busy nights or meal prep.
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Versatile: Pair with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, salad, or pita bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb chicken tenders
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure each tender is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
3. Cook the Chicken Tenders
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer.
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Grill or Bake: These tenders can be grilled or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer to cook them in the oven.
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Extra Spice: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Storage
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may take a little longer to cook. Slice them into strips for faster cooking.
How can I make these tenders spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the marinade to give these chicken tenders some extra heat.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Conclusion
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are full of Mediterranean flavor, healthy, and easy to make. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a delicious dish for a crowd. Serve them with your favorite sides, and don’t forget the tzatziki sauce for dipping!

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Herbs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are packed with vibrant Greek-inspired flavors from fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. Seared to golden perfection, they make a healthy, flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare. Serve with creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious dip!
Ingredients
-
For the Chicken Tenders:
-
1 lb chicken tenders
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
Juice of 1 lemon
-
2 cloves garlic (minced)
-
1 tsp dried oregano
-
1 tsp dried thyme
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/4 tsp black pepper
-
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well. -
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure each tender is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor. -
Cook the Chicken Tenders:
Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, drizzle a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). -
Serve and Garnish:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer. Slice them into strips for faster cooking.Grill or Bake: These tenders can be grilled or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer to cook them in the oven.Extra Spice: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat if you like spicy food.