Greek 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
Scale
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
