Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? Between work, school stuff, and trying to remember if you *actually* fed the dog today, dinner can feel like climbing Mount Everest. That’s why I’m always on the hunt for meals that are not only easy but also taste *amazing*. And let me tell you, these Greek Chicken Tenders are my absolute secret weapon!
I stumbled upon this recipe ages ago when I was desperate for something healthy that my picky eaters would actually devour. The magic is in that simple marinade – lemon and oregano give it this bright, fresh flavor that just screams summer, even in the dead of winter. Plus, a little bit of Greek yogurt makes them unbelievably tender. Seriously, these Greek Chicken Tenders have saved my sanity more times than I can count, and now they’re a permanent fixture on our family’s rotation.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Tenders
Okay, let me count the ways you’re going to adore these! They’re ridiculously:
- Super Easy: Seriously, just toss and bake. Less fuss, more flavor!
- Lightning Fast: Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table ASAP. Prep is minimal, and they bake up quickly.
- Bursting with Flavor: That lemon and oregano combo is just divine, a little taste of Greece right in your kitchen.
- Healthy & Guilt-Free: Baked not fried, and packed with lean protein. It’s a win-win for everyone.
- Family-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters clean their plates with these!
Gather Your Ingredients for Greek Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get down to business! Having everything prepped makes this so much smoother. Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the store or your pantry for these amazing Greek Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast: I like to cut mine into roughly 1-inch strips or tenders. It helps them cook evenly!
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff for the best flavor.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Zest a bit of the lemon first if you want to use it in the marinade too – gives it an extra zing!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This is key for that classic Greek flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that essential garlic punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Or sea salt, whatever you have on hand!
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always great if you have it.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt: This is my little secret for super tender and moist chicken. Don’t use flavored, just plain!
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional): This is purely for looks and a little bit of freshness at the end. Totally optional, but pretty!
Essential Equipment for Making Greek Chicken Tenders
You don’t need a whole fancy kitchen setup for this one, thankfully! To whip up these yummy Greek Chicken Tenders, you’ll mostly just need a few basics that most people already have:
- A baking sheet – any standard-sized one will do.
- Some parchment paper or foil. Trust me, this makes cleanup SO much easier.
- A couple of mixing bowls – one for the marinade and maybe one for the chicken.
- A whisk or even just a fork for getting that marinade all mixed up.
- And of course, you’ll need your trusty measuring cups and spoons to get those ingredients just right.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Greek Chicken Tenders
Alright, buckle up, because this is where the magic happens! Making these Greek Chicken Tenders is honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with takeout. It’s all about a few simple steps that make a huge difference in flavor and texture. Imagine serving these alongside some garlic herb roasted potatoes or fluffy Greek lemon rice – dinner dreams!
- First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with some parchment paper. This is your best friend for easy cleanup – seriously, no one wants to scrub baked-on chicken bits!
- Now, get a medium-sized bowl. We’re going to make our super flavorful marinade. Whisk together the olive oil, that bright lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s all nicely combined.
- Add your chicken strips right into that glorious marinade. Toss them around with a spoon or give the bowl a gentle shake until every single piece is coated. Don’t be shy! Let them hang out and soak up all those yummy Mediterranean flavors for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, even longer is great!
- Time to get them on the baking sheet. Lay the marinated chicken out in a single layer. Try not to let them overlap too much – this helps them bake up nicely and get a little bit of that golden-brown goodness without steaming.
- Pop that sheet into your hot oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked all the way through and you don’t see any pink inside. Easy peasy!
- And there you have it! Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders, ready to be devoured. I love sprinkling a little fresh parsley on top right at the end if I have it, but it’s totally optional.
Marinating Your Greek Chicken Tenders
So, that marinade? It’s not just for flavor, though it’s packed with it! Marinating your chicken strips is super important for making these Greek Chicken Tenders extra tender and juicy. That little bit of Greek yogurt in there works wonders, breaking down the chicken fibers just enough. I usually let mine sit for at least 15 minutes, but honestly, if you’ve got time to let them chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or even an hour, you’ll get an even deeper, more delicious flavor. Just make sure they’re covered!
Baking the Greek Chicken Tenders to Perfection
When it’s time to bake these beauties, preheating your oven is key to getting that perfect texture. We want it nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). Arrange your marinated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet – this is crucial for even cooking and prevents them from getting soggy. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be cooked through, meaning no pink in the center and they should feel firm to the touch. If your tenders are cut a little thicker or thinner, just adjust the time slightly. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of baking, so give them a little space!
Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Tenders
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little things I’ve learned through the *many* batches of these Greek Chicken Tenders I’ve made. These are the tricks that take them from good to *great*, you know? Like how I learned not to cram them all onto one pan – baking them in a single layer, not huddled together, really lets them get that perfect slightly-crispy-on-the-edges texture. If your tenders are cut a bit thicker or thinner than mine, just keep an eye on them; they’re super forgiving!
Another thing that makes a surprising difference is the quality of your chicken breast. Fresher is always better. And don’t skip that marinating time! Even 15 minutes really wakes up the flavors. I’ve even prepped them in the morning and let them marinate all day in the fridge – they were SO good. It really just makes sure that lemon and oregano flavor penetrates everything beautifully. These are almost as easy as my ranch chicken bites, and honestly, as fun to make as my chicken broccoli nuggets!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Greek Chicken Tenders
Okay, let’s chat about the ingredients for these Greek Chicken Tenders for a second. One question I get a lot is about the Greek yogurt. I absolutely love it in this marinade because it adds this lovely subtle tang, and it really helps keep the chicken super tender and moist. It’s way better than just oil alone, trust me! If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you could *try* regular plain yogurt, but it might be a bit thinner. For the lemon juice, if you find yourself out of lemons but have limes, go for it! The flavor will be a bit different, but still delicious. You can totally substitute fresh garlic if you don’t have powder – just mince up about 1-2 cloves and add it in. And if olive oil isn’t your jam, a neutral oil like avocado oil works too, though I think the olive oil really complements that Greek vibe. I also just adore adding fresh parsley at the end for color, but if it’s not in your fridge, no sweat!
This yogurt trick is one I use all the time, like in my flourless Greek yogurt brownies or even my banana bread with Greek yogurt. It just makes baked goods and proteins so much better!
Serving Suggestions for Your Greek Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve got these gorgeous Greek Chicken Tenders, what do you serve them with? Oh, the possibilities are endless and all equally delicious! My absolute go-to is a big ol’ dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce. If you don’t have any handy, a simple lemon-herb yogurt dip is amazing, or even just a classic ranch. They are fantastic alongside some roasted veggies to keep that Mediterranean vibe going strong, or maybe some fluffy rice. I even love pairing them with stuffed zucchini for a complete Greek-inspired meal. Honestly, these tenders are so versatile, they make any meal feel special!
Storing and Reheating Your Greek Chicken Tenders
So, you’ve made a batch of these amazing Greek Chicken Tenders and somehow, *miraculously*, there are leftovers! What do you do? Don’t you worry, they store and reheat like a dream. Just pop any leftover chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. They should stay perfectly delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Next time you need a quick bite, just grab them and reheat!
When it’s time to reheat, I’ve found the oven or an air fryer work best to bring back that lovely texture. Pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If you’re using an air fryer, just a few minutes at the same temp usually does the trick. They taste almost as good as when they were first baked!
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Tenders
Got questions about whipping up these delicious Greek Chicken Tenders? I totally get it! Here are a few things folks often ask me:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super forgiving and actually get even more tender and juicy. Just make sure to trim any excess fat before you cut them and add them to the marinade. They might need a couple of extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on them, but they’ll still be fantastic! They’re as versatile as chicken in recipes like high-protein chicken parm.
How do I make these Greek Chicken Tenders even crispier?
Ooh, good question! If you love a good crunch, try coating your marinated chicken tenders quickly in some panko breadcrumbs before you lay them on the baking sheet. They’ll get wonderfully golden and crispy in the oven. It’s an easy swap that seriously ups the texture game, almost like my nutritious chicken broccoli nuggets!
Can I marinate them for longer than 15 minutes?
Yes, you totally can! Marinating them for longer, even overnight in the fridge, will just deepen that yummy lemon-oregano flavor even more. Just make sure whatever bowl or bag you use is sealed tight. It’s a great way to prep ahead if you know you’ll be rushed later!
Are these Greek Chicken Tenders kid-friendly?
Oh boy, yes! These are a lifesaver in my house for picky eaters. The chicken is always super tender, and the lemon and oregano flavors are vibrant and appealing without being too strong. My little ones gobble them up! They’re honestly a great alternative to fried chicken bites.
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these Greek Chicken Tenders is an estimate, since everyone’s chicken is a little different! But generally, a 4 oz serving is around 200 calories, with about 8g of fat (6g of that’s the good unsaturated kind!), 30g of protein, and only 2g of carbs and 1g of sugar. It’s a pretty lean and mean machine for a healthy meal!
Share Your Greek Chicken Tender Creations!
So, there you have it! My tried-and-true Greek Chicken Tenders recipe. I really hope you give these a try because they’re such a lifesaver for busy nights. If you do make them, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you, or if you added any fun twists. And please, if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – seeing your delicious creations makes my day! You can learn more about my kitchen adventures over on my about page, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
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Greek Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Easy baked Greek chicken tenders with lemon and oregano.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or a lemon-herb dipping sauce.
- For crispier tenders, you can lightly coat them in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: greek chicken tenders, baked chicken, lemon chicken, oregano chicken, healthy chicken, easy chicken recipe