Greek Chicken Tenders

Looking for a fun and flavorful way to spice up your dinner routine? These Greek Chicken Tenders are just what you need! With tender, juicy chicken coated in a zesty blend of Mediterranean herbs, spices, and tangy tzatziki sauce, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your table. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Greek Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to satisfy.

If you love crispy chicken tenders but want something with more flavor and a healthier twist, this is the recipe for you. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistibly delicious Greek Chicken Tenders!

Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Tenders

If you’re on the hunt for a lighter, more flavorful alternative to traditional chicken tenders, look no further. Here’s why these Greek Chicken Tenders will quickly become a favorite:

• Bold Mediterranean Flavors: The Greek-inspired marinade infuses the chicken with bold and fresh flavors from oregano, lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It’s like taking a flavor trip to Greece!
• Healthy and Light: Instead of deep frying, these chicken tenders are baked, making them a healthier option while still being crispy and delicious.
• Versatile and Easy: Whether you serve them as a main dish, a snack, or as part of a Greek salad, these tenders are versatile enough for any occasion.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Tenders

Making Greek Chicken Tenders at home is incredibly easy! Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds of chicken tenders (or you can cut chicken breasts into strips)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (Greek oregano works best)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, add for a mild spicy kick)

For the Breading:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crispy texture)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Tzatziki Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon of dried dill)
• 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders

Now that we have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making these tasty Greek Chicken Tenders. Follow these simple steps for perfectly seasoned and crispy chicken tenders.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.

Place the chicken tenders in the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For even better flavor, marinate the chicken for 2–4 hours in the fridge. The longer, the better!

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the breading mixture. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The Parmesan will give the tenders a lovely crisp and savory coating when baked.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat the tenders. Dip each marinated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to ensure the crumbs adhere. Lay the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken tenders for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. The tenders should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.

Step 5: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is baking, you can whip up the refreshing tzatziki sauce to go with your Greek Chicken Tenders. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, grated cucumber, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed, and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can add a little more lemon juice or garlic.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Greek Chicken Tenders are baked to perfection, serve them hot with the creamy tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. These tenders go great with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or even in a pita for a quick Greek wrap.

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Tenders

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The key to juicy, flavorful tenders is in the marinade. Don’t rush this step—allowing the chicken to soak in the lemony, herbaceous flavors for a few hours will make all the difference.
• Crispy Coating: Panko breadcrumbs are essential for a light, crispy coating. If you’re out of panko, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give you the best texture.
• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, don’t skip the red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also add hot sauce to the tzatziki sauce for an extra spicy kick.
• Grill Instead of Bake: For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken tenders instead of baking them. Just preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the tenders for 4–5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
• Make Extra Tzatziki: This sauce is so delicious, you’ll want to have extra on hand. It’s perfect as a dip for veggies, crackers, or even as a topping for sandwiches.

Why These Greek Chicken Tenders Are So Good for You

These Greek Chicken Tenders are not only delicious, but they also offer several health benefits:

• High in Protein: With chicken being the primary ingredient, this recipe is packed with lean protein, which helps support muscle growth and overall body function.
• Low in Carbs: By using panko breadcrumbs, this recipe keeps the carbs relatively low while still providing a satisfying crunch.
• Packed with Healthy Fats: Olive oil and the natural fats in the chicken provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that are good for you in moderation.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Tenders

These tenders are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve with a side of tzatziki for dipping as an appetizer or party snack.
• In a Salad: Top a fresh Greek salad with these tenders for a complete meal.
• In a Wrap: Stuff the tenders, tzatziki, lettuce, and tomatoes into a pita or tortilla for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
• With Veggies: Pair them with roasted vegetables or sautéed spinach for a wholesome dinner.

FAQs About Greek Chicken Tenders

Can I make Greek Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and coat it in breadcrumbs a day ahead. When you’re ready, just bake them off in the oven. You can also store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just cut them into strips to mimic the tenders.

Can I make these Greek Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

To make these tenders gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular panko breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. With their juicy chicken, crispy coating, and zesty tzatziki sauce, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve them as a main dish, a snack, or an appetizer, these tenders are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try and experience the bold, fresh flavors of Greece in every bite!

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