BEST GREEK CHICKEN TENDERS

Tired of boring weeknight dinners? Yearning for a taste of the Mediterranean that’s both healthy and satisfying? These Greek Chicken Tenders are your answer – bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and savory garlic, they’re a flavor explosion in every bite! I promise, you’ll never look at chicken tenders the same way again, and this recipe is simple enough to make even on your busiest evenings.

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s make sure we have everything we need to create these delicious Greek Chicken Tenders. Don’t worry if you need to make a quick substitution or two – cooking is all about having fun and making it your own!

Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenders, trimmed

Greek Marinade:

• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 1/4 cup Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little heat!)

Coating:

• 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Optional for Serving:

• Tzatziki Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Alright, friend, are you ready to transform simple chicken tenders into a Greek masterpiece? Don’t be intimidated – I’ll walk you through each step. Let’s get cooking!

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken (Flavor Power!)

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Place the chicken tenders in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each tender is well coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful they’ll be!

Step 2: Preparing the Coating (Crispy Goodness)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken (The Fun Part!)

1. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
2. One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
3. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to ensure even baking.

Step 4: Baking to Perfection (Golden Brown Delight)

1. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning!

Step 5: Serving and Enjoying (The Best Part!)

1. Remove the Greek Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
2. Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping, lemon wedges for extra zest, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
3. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips & Tricks for the BEST Greek Chicken Tenders

Okay, let’s talk about some insider tips to make your Greek Chicken Tenders truly exceptional. These are the little things that elevate a good recipe to a GREAT recipe!

Marinade Magic

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: Seriously, this is where the magic happens! The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to keep it moist during baking.
• Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
• Garlic Love: Don’t be shy with the garlic! It adds a wonderful savory depth to the marinade.

Coating Confidence

• Panko Power: Panko breadcrumbs are the key to achieving that extra-crispy texture. They’re lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which means they get wonderfully crunchy in the oven.
• Parmesan Perfection: The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the coating. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
• Press Gently: When coating the chicken tenders, gently press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure they adhere well.

Baking Brilliance

• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure to bake the chicken tenders in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of baking it, resulting in soggy tenders.
• Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Broil with Caution: If you want to broil the chicken tenders for extra crispiness, watch them closely to prevent burning. They can go from golden brown to burnt in a matter of seconds!

Variations and Substitutions

Want to mix things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try to customize this recipe to your liking.

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicier kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Herb Garden: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade and coating. Fresh herbs like dill, mint, or rosemary would be delicious.
• Cheese Please: Try using a different type of cheese in the coating, such as feta or Romano.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken tenders for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

These Greek Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

• Tzatziki Sauce: This creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the Greek Chicken Tenders.
• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese is a refreshing and healthy side dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are a flavorful and nutritious addition to the meal.
• Lemon Rice: Fluffy lemon rice is a simple and delicious side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken.
• Pita Bread: Serve the chicken tenders in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and your favorite toppings for a Greek-inspired sandwich.

Other Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Greek Chicken Tenders, you might also enjoy these other delicious chicken recipes:

• Try these Honey Garlic Chicken for an easy and flavorful weeknight meal.
• For a healthier option, check out these Baked Chicken Tenders.
• These Garlic Parmesan Chicken are a family favorite.
• These Parmesan Crust Chicken Tenders are a great alternative.
• For crispy results, try these Crispy Chicken Tenders (baked version).
• Or, for something similar, try these Crispy Chicken Tenders.

Conclusion: Time to Dig In!

There you have it – the most flavorful, perfectly crispy, and utterly irresistible Greek Chicken Tenders you’ll ever make! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Until next time, happy cooking!

BEST Greek Chicken Tenders

Alice Yowell

These Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal. Marinated in zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, then coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs, they offer a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 22 minutes mins

Total Time 42 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large zip-top bag or bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment paper
• Shallow Dish
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Chicken tenders, trimmed
• ¼ cup Olive oil
• ¼ cup Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Tzatziki sauce for serving
• Lemon wedges for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped for serving

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Place the chicken tenders in a large zip-top bag or a bowl. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each tender is well coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
• One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
• Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
• For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch them closely to prevent burning!
• Remove the Greek Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
• Serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping, lemon wedges for extra zest, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure the chicken tenders bake evenly. Marinade can be adjusted to your liking. For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Gluten-free panko breadcrumbs can be used for a gluten-free option. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.