1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breast sliced into uniform strips)
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Pat chicken dry with paper towels, then add to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and no longer than 2 hours.
Preheat grill pan over medium heat or oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade.
For grilling: cook 5 to 7 minutes per side until golden with light char marks and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. For baking: arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through and lightly golden.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Notes
Do not marinate longer than 2 hours – the yogurt acidity makes the chicken mushy if left too long.
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest marinade and best texture.
Pat chicken dry before marinating to help the coating stick better.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture changes significantly after thawing.
Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy.