Name: Greek Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-488075H51M40S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika

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I created this vibrant Mediterranean dish—Greek Chicken Tenders—for its juicy, herb-infused flavor and simplicity. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika, these tenders are grilled or baked to golden perfection and promise a bright, savory experience every time.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe simplifies meal prep with a flavorful marinade that I can easily customize with what I have on hand. The aromatic blend of lemon and herbs makes it visually stunning and delightful to serve, whether I’m grilling for a warm-weather gathering or baking for a cozy night in.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

I use the following ingredients to deliver that signature Greek flair and tender juiciness:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fresh garlic cloves, minced
Extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika

directions

I follow these steps to bring the dish together:

In a bowl, I whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
I add the chicken breasts, coating them thoroughly in the marinade. Then I cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—up to 4 hours—for deeper flavor.
I preheat the grill to medium-high heat or the oven to 400°F (200°C).
I cook the chicken tenders by grilling or baking for about 6–7 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
I let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes, plus marinade time (30 minutes to 4 hours)

Variations

I love putting my own twist on this dish by:

Swapping in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill
Adding crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy boost
Including lemon zest to elevate the citrus flavor even more

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet to restore some crispiness while keeping the inside moist and tender. A microwave works in a pinch but may dry the meat slightly.

FAQs

What is the best way to marinate Greek chicken tenders?

I like marinating them overnight in the fridge when possible—it lets the herbs and citrus fully infuse the meat.

Can I bake the tenders instead of grilling?

Absolutely. I bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

How do I know when they’re done cooking?

I use a meat thermometer and make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part to guarantee they're fully cooked and juicy.

How long should I let them rest before serving?

I let them rest for at least 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute and keep every bite moist.

Can I substitute chicken breasts for another cut?

Yes. While I typically use chicken breasts, chicken thighs or drumsticks work great too—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Tenders bring bold Mediterranean flavors to my table with ease. With just a handful of ingredients and flexible cooking methods, this recipe has become one of my go-tos for a quick, satisfying meal that always impresses.

Greek Chicken Tenders

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled or Baked
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Greek Chicken Tenders are marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then grilled or baked to golden perfection. They offer bold Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Add the chicken breasts and coat thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat or oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the chicken tenders by grilling or baking for 6–7 minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with dipping sauces or fresh vegetables.