Greek Chicken Tenders
Enjoy a Mediterranean twist on classic chicken tenders! These Greek Chicken Tenders are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano, then baked until crispy and golden. Paired with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, they make for a perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish!
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minute
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut 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 red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild spicy kick)
For the Breading:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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 chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Breading:
In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the bowl. Dip each chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere evenly.
4. Bake the Chicken Tenders:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
5. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, grated cucumber, and garlic in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and serve them with the refreshing tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Make Ahead: You can marinate the chicken the night before for extra flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
Grilling Option: 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 about 4-5 minutes per side.
Serving Ideas: These tenders are delicious served with a side of Greek salad, wrapped in pita bread with fresh veggies, or alongside roasted potatoes.
Keywords: Greek Chicken Tenders
Find it online: https://mirayamsrecipe.com/greek-chicken-tenders/