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Effortless Greek Chicken Tenders

Whip up these incredibly flavorful and simple Greek Chicken Tenders in under 30 minutes of active time, perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors from fresh garlic, zingy lemon, and earthy oregano, they promise a comforting meal that's easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Marinating 30 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4 breasts
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Medium-sized bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Outdoor grill
  • Baking Sheet
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until beautifully combined.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. If chicken breasts are thick, slice them lengthwise to create thinner tenders. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
  3. Step 3: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking indoors.
  4. Step 4: Place marinated chicken tenders directly on the preheated grill grates or on a baking sheet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden-brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
  5. Step 5: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chicken. Slice into strips or serve whole.

Notes

Make this recipe your own by swapping chicken with pork tenderloin, firm white fish, or sturdy veggies for a vegetarian option. Experiment with other herbs like fresh dill, parsley, or marjoram. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tender chicken. Serve over rice, with a Greek salad, in pita bread with tzatziki, or with roasted vegetables. To ensure perfect results, avoid over-marinating (stick to 30 minutes to 4 hours), pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning, and don't overcrowd the pan or grill to achieve a golden crust. Always rest the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking. You can prep the marinade ahead and store it in the fridge. Store leftover cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze completely cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a microwave, skillet, or oven at 350°F (175°C), being careful not to overcook.