Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

This Mediterranean-inspired Greek Chicken Tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a flavor-packed meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare—when it actually requires just minutes of hands-on time! The simple marinade infuses the chicken with classic Greek flavors, creating juicy, tender pieces that can be the star of countless meals throughout your week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts or Tenders: The star of the show, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Choose organic or free-range for the best flavor if budget allows.
• Olive Oil: Provides moisture and helps carry the flavors into the chicken. Use a good quality one for best results—this is where flavor begins!
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tanginess and depth while helping to tenderize the chicken. The slight sweetness balances perfectly with the herbs.
• Oregano: Dried oregano brings that quintessential Greek flavor profile. It’s aromatic and slightly bitter, perfect for Mediterranean dishes.
• Thyme: Adds earthy, slightly lemony notes that complement the oregano beautifully.
• Minced Garlic: Provides that unmistakable punchy flavor that makes these tenders irresistible. Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip these, even though they’re marked optional!
• Additional Olive Oil: Used for cooking the marinated chicken to golden perfection.

Variations

Mediterranean Lemon Twist

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the marinade for a brighter, citrusy flavor that really screams “Greek summer!”

Spicy Greek

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to give these tenders a kick that pairs wonderfully with cool tzatziki sauce.

Herb Lover’s Version

Double the herbs and add fresh mint and dill to the finished chicken for an herb-forward variation that’s incredible in summer.

Yogurt Marinade

Replace the oil and vinegar with 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt for an even more tender result with a slight tanginess.

How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into thin, tender-sized pieces. Aim for uniform thickness so they’ll cook evenly. If using pre-cut tenders, you can skip this step!

Step 2: Create the Marinade

In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Squish the bag gently to mix all ingredients together.

Step 3: Marinate

Add the sliced chicken to the bag, seal it up, and massage the marinade into the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re all well-coated. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight works wonderfully for deeper flavor.

If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will give some flavor, but the longer it marinates, the more flavorful your chicken will be!

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

When ready to cook, heat the additional teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken pieces (discard the remaining marinade). Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This usually takes 7-10 minutes total, depending on the thickness of your tenders.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.

How to Serve

These Greek Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can transform ordinary dishes into spectacular meals:

As a Main Dish

Serve with a Greek salad and some warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal that feels like you’re dining on a Greek island.

In a Wrap

Wrap in warm pita with tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion for a quick lunch that puts ordinary sandwiches to shame.

On a Salad

Top a bed of romaine with these tenders, feta, olives, cucumbers, and a simple lemon-olive oil dressing for a restaurant-worthy salad.

Mezze Platter

Create a Greek appetizer platter with these tenders, hummus, olives, feta, stuffed grape leaves, and pita triangles for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop!

Freezing

These tenders freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them in meal-sized portions so you can thaw only what you need.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to restore moisture. Microwave reheating works too, but cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out, and use 50% power in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Tenders have become my go-to recipe when I need something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The Mediterranean flavors transform ordinary chicken into something special, and the versatility means you’ll never get bored. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week ahead or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, give these tenders a try—I promise they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!

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