Description
Crispy greek chicken tenders bring Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table, delivering a zesty twist that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement. Marinated in herbs, lemon, and garlic, these tender bites deliver a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680 grams)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Liquid and Oil:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika in a mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the marinade becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Place 4 chicken breasts into the marinade, massaging each piece to ensure complete coverage. Seal the container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Heat your grill to medium-high or preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your cooking surface with a light oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Position the chicken pieces on the grill grates or baking sheet, maintaining even spacing.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on the first side, watching for golden-brown caramelization. Flip carefully and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer chicken to a clean cutting board. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Slice chicken into strips or serve whole. Accompany with your preferred dipping sauce or fresh vegetable sides.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the refrigerator for the full 4 hours if time permits.
- Check chicken’s doneness using a meat thermometer to ensure safe cooking without drying out the meat.
- Toss chicken in extra dried oregano just before serving for a more intense Greek flavor profile.
- For a low-carb or gluten-free option, serve these tenders over a Greek salad instead of with traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg