Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

These Greek-inspired chicken tenders are packed with lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme, giving them a bright Mediterranean flavor while staying juicy and tender.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

2. Marinate the Chicken

• Add chicken tenders to the bowl.
• Toss until evenly coated.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Chicken

Skillet Method

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a small drizzle of olive oil.
3. Remove chicken from the marinade and let excess drip off.
4. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange tenders in a single layer.
3. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Finish & Serve

• Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes.
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
• Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce.

Creamy Tzatziki Dip (Optional)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and chill for 15 minutes before serving.

Serving Ideas

• Greek salad
• Warm pita bread
• Rice pilaf
• Roasted vegetables
• Tzatziki sauce
• Feta cheese crumbles

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 11g

Q&A

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips of similar size.

How long can I marinate the chicken?
30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Longer than 8 hours may make the texture slightly mushy because of the lemon juice.

Can I meal-prep these?
Absolutely. Store cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze cooked tenders for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven or air fryer.

How do I make them extra crispy?
Coat the marinated chicken with panko breadcrumbs and a little grated Parmesan before air frying or baking.

Enjoy these juicy, zesty Greek chicken tenders with a side of cool tzatziki for an easy Mediterranean-inspired meal!