Greek Chicken Tenders

Greek Chicken Tenders transformed my weeknight dinner routine after I tasted them at a small taverna in Athens. The owner shared her secret: a simple marinade that does all the work while you go about your day. What makes these special is how the lemon juice tenderizes the meat while garlic and oregano infuse every bite with bold Mediterranean character.

Making these tenders at home brought back memories of that warm Greek evening, sitting near the harbor with the smell of grilled meat and fresh herbs filling the air. The marinade is deceptively simple, but it creates layers of flavor that make even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds. These Greek chicken tenders work beautifully for meal prep since they reheat without drying out, and they’re naturally high in protein with about 38 grams per serving. Whether you grill them for that authentic char or bake them for convenience, the results are consistently juicy and packed with flavor.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Greek Chicken Tenders

You’ll need a large mixing bowl, baking sheet or grill, parchment paper if baking, and a meat thermometer for best results.

For the best flavor, I always use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled because it makes a noticeable difference in how tender the chicken becomes. When I’m in a hurry, I’ll marinate for just 30 minutes, but when time allows, I go for the full 4 hours.

• 2 lbs chicken tenders (about 8-10 tenders)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed from 1-2 lemons)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional but adds authentic Greek flavor)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Ingredient tip: Greek oregano has a stronger, more aromatic flavor than regular oregano. If you can find it at specialty stores or Mediterranean markets, it’s worth seeking out for these Greek chicken tenders.

How to Make These Mediterranean-Style Tenders

I recommend setting up your workspace before you start because the actual hands-on time is minimal. The marinade comes together in minutes.

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The mixture should look emulsified with a pale yellow color and smell wonderfully aromatic.

Step 2: Add chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat every piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. Note: this marinating time is separate from the active prep time, so plan accordingly. Flip the chicken once halfway through marinating to ensure even coating on all sides.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill, oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 4 (Baking method): Arrange marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart so they cook evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through at the 10-minute mark. The tenders are done when they reach 165°F internally and juices run clear. The exterior should be golden with slightly crispy edges. Watch carefully after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking, which can make them dry.

Step 4 (Grilling method): Place chicken tenders on the preheated grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until beautiful grill marks appear and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Avoid moving them too much during the first few minutes to get those perfect char lines.

Step 5: Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if using. The residual heat will slightly soften the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Best Sides to Serve with Greek Chicken Tenders

These tenders pair wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides that complement their bright, herby flavors.

Tzatziki Sauce: The cool, creamy cucumber-yogurt sauce balances the zesty marinade perfectly and adds authentic Greek flair to every bite.

Greek Salad: Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta create a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory Greek chicken tenders.

Lemon Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice cooked with chicken broth and lemon zest soaks up the flavorful juices and keeps the Mediterranean theme going strong.

Roasted Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions roasted with olive oil and oregano echo the Greek chicken tenders’ seasoning profile beautifully.

Pita Bread with Hummus: Warm pita wedges and creamy hummus make this meal feel like an authentic Mediterranean feast your family will love.

More Delicious Mediterranean and Chicken Recipes

These Greek chicken tenders pair perfectly with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes that bring bold flavors to your table. For another Greek-inspired option, try the hearty Greek Meatballs in Lemon Sauce which shares similar bright citrus notes and herbs. The Best Chicken Shawarma with Garlic Sauce offers another marinated chicken option with Middle Eastern spices that complement Greek flavors beautifully.

When serving Greek chicken tenders for gatherings, round out the meal with protein-packed sides like Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken for variety, or keep it simple with Sheet Pan Chicken Pitas with Herby Ranch. For a complete Mediterranean feast, serve alongside Chicken and Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce which offers a complementary flavor profile that guests will love.

Keeping Your Greek Chicken Tenders Fresh

Store leftover Greek chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight.

For reheating, place tenders in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make them rubbery and dry. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice before reheating to refresh the bright Mediterranean flavors.

These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture.

Your Greek Chicken Tenders Questions Answered

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