These Greek chicken tenders are tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor. I marinate them in a bright blend of lemon, herbs, and garlic, then bake or grill them until perfectly cooked. They’re great on their own, in wraps, or over a salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these chicken tenders are both healthy and full of flavor. The marinade keeps the meat juicy and gives it that classic Greek taste without much effort. They’re quick to prepare and work for dinners, lunches, or meal prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
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olive oil
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lemon juice
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garlic, minced
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dried oregano
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dried thyme
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salt and pepper
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optional: lemon zest, fresh parsley
Directions
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I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make the marinade.
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I add the chicken tenders and coat them well. I let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours for more flavor).
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I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high.
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I arrange the tenders on a baking sheet or grill and cook for about 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re cooked through and lightly browned.
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I squeeze a bit more fresh lemon juice and sprinkle parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: About 30–45 minutes
Variations
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I sometimes add a bit of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for extra depth.
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Swapping Greek yogurt into the marinade makes the chicken even more tender.
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For a grill‑smoky flavor, I grill outdoors and finish with a squeeze of grilled lemon.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I reheat in the microwave or a warm skillet. These also freeze well — I thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes — I just cut them into strips or small pieces so they cook evenly.
How do I know when they’re done?
I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Can I make these ahead?
Definitely. I marinate ahead of time and cook when ready.
What do they pair well with?
I love them with Greek salad, rice, pita, or roasted veggies.
Can I bake and then broil?
Yes — I bake them first, then broil for a minute or two to get edges slightly crisp.
Conclusion
These Greek chicken tenders are simple, flavorful, and versatile — perfect for quick dinners or meal prep. The lemon‑herb marinade gives them a classic Mediterranean taste that I always go back to.
Print
Greek Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30–45 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Greek chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare with a zesty lemon-herb marinade. Perfect for weeknight meals, wraps, or salads.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp lemon zest
- Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
- Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a grill to medium-high.
- Arrange the chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet or grill. Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly golden.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for crispier edges.
- Drizzle with more lemon juice and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cut chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenders.
- Greek yogurt in the marinade adds tenderness and creaminess.
- Serve with pita, rice, or Greek salad for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
