Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Greek chicken tenders are a flavorful and tender meal that’s easy to prepare. Marinated in a tangy blend of yogurt, lemon, and herbs, these tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and ensure they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill pan over medium heat or oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
- Step 4: Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked or bake on a parchment-lined tray for about 20-25 minutes.
- Step 5: Allow to rest briefly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
- For extra moisture, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad to enhance the flavors.
- If you don’t have dried oregano, fresh oregano can be used but add it just before cooking to preserve its flavor.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick texture and tangy flavor, but plain regular yogurt can be used as a substitute. It might make the marinade a bit thinner, so you may want to reduce any added liquids slightly.
What if I don’t have a grill pan or oven?
You can cook the chicken tenders in a regular non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, ensuring the chicken is not overcrowded in the pan.
PrintGreek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Greek Chicken Tenders are marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled or baked to juicy perfection. A simple and healthy meal inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (grilling) or 25 minutes (baking)
- Total Time: 40 minutes (with minimum marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This creates a flavorful base that tenderizes and infuses the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or your hands to coat each piece evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to permeate, or for up to 2 hours for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat cooking equipment: If grilling, preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer baking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a nice crust or roast.
- Cook the chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. For grilling, place the tenders on the hot grill pan and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and nicely charred. For baking, arrange the chicken on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving to enhance presentation and add a fresh herbaceous note.
Notes
- For more flavor depth, include the optional ground cumin in the marinade.
- Marinating for longer than 2 hours can make the chicken too soft due to yogurt’s acidity.
- Use chicken breasts cut into tender-sized strips if chicken tenders are unavailable.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad, pita bread, or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, yogurt marinated chicken, grilled chicken, Greek recipe, healthy chicken recipe

