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These juicy Greek chicken tenders pack Mediterranean punch in every mouthful, turning regular chicken into a taste sensation. The blend of herbs with citrus brings that genuine Greek flavor while keeping the chicken super moist inside with a satisfying crunch outside.
I whipped these tenders up when I needed something better than regular fried chicken. At first my family wasn't sure about them, but now we grab them whenever we want a fast dinner with tons of flavor that nobody complains about.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: They're just the right size to cook fast and soak up flavors evenly
- Olive oil: Brings depth and helps make that gorgeous golden outside
- Lemon juice: Adds zing and softens the meat
- Garlic: You can't skip this for real Mediterranean taste
- Dried oregano: The star herb in Greek cooking; grab Greek oregano if you can find it
- Dried thyme: Works wonderfully with the oregano
- Paprika: Gives nice color and a hint of smokiness
- Salt: Brings out all the other tastes
- Black pepper: Adds mild warmth
- Fresh parsley: Gives bright color and freshness at the end
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Stir it all together until everything's blended well. This fragrant mix is what gives your chicken that special Greek flavor kick, so don't rush - make sure all those spices get evenly spread through the oil and lemon.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Toss in the chicken tenders, making sure they all get coated with the flavorful mix. Flip them around a few times with tongs so they're covered everywhere. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though letting it sit for 2 hours will make them taste even better. The lemon's acid works on making the chicken tender while the herbs soak in.
- Get Ready to Cook:
- Heat up your grill or pan on medium-high. If you're using a pan, add a little olive oil so nothing sticks. Let your cooking surface get properly hot before adding the chicken - this helps get that nice crispy outside.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders:
- Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting extra drip off. Put them on your hot cooking surface with some room between each piece so they cook evenly. Let them cook about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they look golden and crispy. Check they've hit 165°F inside with a meat thermometer to be safe. Don't crowd too many in the pan at once or they'll steam instead of getting crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Put your cooked tenders on a plate and let them sit for 3 to 5 minutes. This rest time lets the juices spread back through the meat so they stay super juicy. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top right before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
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What really makes these Greek chicken tenders stand out is using top-notch olive oil. I always go for extra virgin with a bold flavor from Greek or Spanish brands. It might seem tiny, but this switch really pumps up the authentic Mediterranean vibe of your finished meal.
Storage Tips
These Greek chicken tenders keep their flavor really well when stored right. Let them cool all the way, then pop them in a sealed container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To warm them up, put them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until they're heated through. Try not to use the microwave if you can help it, as it'll make the outside go soft instead of staying crispy.
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Serving Suggestions
Turn these tenders into a full Greek feast by adding tzatziki sauce for dipping, a Greek salad loaded with feta cheese, and some warm pita bread. For something lighter, wrap them in lettuce leaves with cucumber, tomato, and a spoonful of yogurt. They're also great sliced up and tossed into grain bowls with quinoa, roasted veggies, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Make It Your Own
This recipe nails traditional Greek flavors, but you can tweak it to fit what you like. Throw in some red pepper flakes if you want heat, add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness, or mix in fresh herbs like dill or mint for brightness. Want a creamier coating? Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt to your marinade - it'll also help make the chicken even more tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How much time should the chicken marinate?
At least 30 minutes is good, but letting it sit up to 2 hours makes the flavors even stronger.
- → Can I swap chicken tenders for breasts?
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into strips to cook them evenly, then follow the same method.
- → How should I cook these chicken strips?
Grill them or sear them in a pan. Just make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally before serving.
- → Is baking an option for this dish?
Sure, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Flip halfway through and use a rack for extra crunch.
- → What should I serve alongside these strips?
Tzatziki dip, roasted potatoes, a Greek salad, or even sautéed veggies pair wonderfully with these tenders.
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to a day before cooking. For best results, cook close to serving time to keep the crunch.