Greek Chicken Tenders

Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly seasoned, tender strips of chicken with a delightful Mediterranean twist. These Greek Chicken Tenders combine the vibrant flavors of lemon, garlic, and classic Greek herbs to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. The exterior develops a beautiful golden crust while the inside remains incredibly juicy and flavorful. Whether served as an appetizer, in a wrap, or as part of a larger meal, these Greek Chicken Tenders will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality chicken tenders with authentic Greek flavors using simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Greek Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe for several compelling reasons. First, they offer the perfect balance of flavors—zesty lemon brightens the dish while garlic and herbs provide depth and complexity that keeps you coming back for more. The exterior develops a satisfying crispness while the inside remains remarkably tender and juicy, creating that irresistible textural contrast we all crave.

What truly sets these tenders apart is their versatility. They cook up in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights, yet they’re impressive enough to serve guests. The Greek-inspired marinade infuses the chicken with flavor quickly, eliminating the need for hours of preparation. Plus, these tenders work equally well served hot, at room temperature, or even cold the next day.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that these Greek Chicken Tenders deliver maximum flavor while remaining relatively light—they’re baked rather than fried, and the Mediterranean flavor profile relies on herbs and spices rather than heavy sauces for impact.

Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 tablespoon Greek seasoning blend (or additional oregano and thyme)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup (60g) plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for a subtle sweetness)

The heart of this recipe is quality chicken—fresh, never frozen tenders will yield the juiciest results. The combination of oregano, thyme, and rosemary creates that authentic Greek flavor profile, while the Greek yogurt tenderizes the meat and helps the seasonings adhere. Use the best extra virgin olive oil you can afford, as its flavor will shine through in the final dish.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Greek Chicken Tenders from good to extraordinary, focus on these three critical techniques:

Marinating Magic: While you can cook these tenders after just 30 minutes of marination, allowing them to marinate for 2-4 hours will transform them completely. The acid in the lemon juice and the enzymes in the yogurt work together to break down the protein fibers, resulting in incredibly tender chicken. For maximum flavor penetration, make small shallow cuts in thicker pieces of chicken before marinating.

Temperature Control: The difference between dry, overcooked chicken and perfectly juicy tenders often comes down to temperature. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven once it reaches 160°F (71°C). The residual heat will bring it to the safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) while resting. This prevents the dreaded dry, rubbery texture that comes from overcooking.

The Rest is Best: After cooking, resist the urge to serve immediately. Instead, tent the Greek Chicken Tenders loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than spilling out when cut, resulting in significantly juicier chicken. This simple 5-minute wait makes all the difference in the final texture.

Instructions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the marinade for your Greek Chicken Tenders. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, Greek seasoning, salt, pepper, lemon zest, Greek yogurt, and honey (if using). Whisk everything together until well blended and the mixture looks uniform. The yogurt may appear slightly curdled due to the lemon juice—this is perfectly normal and will not affect the final result.

Step 2

Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is well-coated. If you’re using chicken breasts instead of tenders, slice them against the grain into strips about 1-inch wide. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a large ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2-4 hours will yield the most flavorful results. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes at room temperature will infuse some flavor.

Step 3

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching each other. This spacing promotes even cooking and helps achieve a better exterior texture.

Step 4

Bake the Greek Chicken Tenders in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside has developed a golden brown color. If you’d like a more caramelized exterior, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 5

Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for maintaining juiciness. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese if desired. Your perfectly cooked Greek Chicken Tenders are now ready to enjoy!

Variations

Greek Chicken Tender Wraps: Transform these Greek Chicken Tenders into a handheld meal by wrapping them in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and crisp lettuce. This makes for a perfect lunch option that’s both satisfying and portable. The cool, creamy tzatziki provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken.

Lemon-Garlic Greek Chicken Tenders: For an even more pronounced citrus flavor, double the lemon zest and add an additional tablespoon of lemon juice to the marinade. After cooking, toss the hot tenders with 1-2 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a bright, aromatic variation that pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad.

Gluten-Free Greek Chicken Tender Bowls: Create a nutritious, Mediterranean-inspired bowl by serving these tenders over cauliflower rice or quinoa, alongside roasted vegetables, olives, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a dollop of hummus. This variation is perfect for those following gluten-free or low-carb eating plans while still enjoying the full flavor profile of Greek cuisine.

Storage and Serving

These Greek Chicken Tenders store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Once cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

For an impressive presentation, serve these tenders on a large platter surrounded by lemon wedges, with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs on top. A side of tzatziki sauce makes the perfect dipping companion. For a complete meal, pair with a traditional Greek salad and warm pita bread. These tenders also make excellent appetizers when served with toothpicks and a variety of Mediterranean dips like hummus, baba ganoush, or skordalia.

For a family-friendly dinner, create a Greek chicken tender bowl with cucumber-tomato salad, olives, and warm rice pilaf seasoned with lemon and dill.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch wide. Cut against the grain for the most tender results. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your strips, so use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).

How can I make these Greek Chicken Tenders spicy?
To add heat, incorporate 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the marinade. Alternatively, a teaspoon of harissa paste will add a North African-inspired heat that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.

Can I grill these instead of baking?
Yes! These Greek Chicken Tenders are excellent when grilled. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/204°C), and grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Is there a dairy-free option for the marinade?
You can replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or coconut cream. Alternatively, simply omit it and add an extra tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice to maintain moisture.

How can I tell when the chicken tenders are done without a thermometer?
When properly cooked, the Greek Chicken Tenders will be firm to the touch but still slightly springy. Cut into the thickest part of a tender—the meat should be opaque and white throughout with no pink areas, and the juices should run clear.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Tenders are Mediterranean magic on a plate — juicy, aromatic, and bursting with the sunny flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs that transport you straight to a seaside taverna. They’re the kind of dish that proves extraordinary flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner, packing them in lunch boxes, or presenting them as part of a larger Mediterranean feast, these versatile tenders deliver restaurant-quality results every time. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ve mastered a recipe that will become a treasured part of your cooking repertoire for years to come.

Print