Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the bright, bold flavors of Greek cuisine into an easy-to-make grilled chicken dish. The marinade, featuring lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme, ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. The chicken stays juicy and tender, while the grill adds a perfect crispy finish. Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, it's a delicious option that can be paired with a variety of sides, such as a Greek salad, pita bread, or even tzatziki sauce for an extra touch of Mediterranean flair. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or dinner, these chicken tenders are a great choice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until the marinade is well combined.

2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Grill the tenders for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.

6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Optionally, serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 3–4

• Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)

• Marinating Time: At least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor)

• Cooking Time: 10–14 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Greek Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Herb Variations: Swap out the thyme and oregano for fresh herbs like rosemary or basil to create a different flavor profile.

• Grilled Veggies: For a complete Mediterranean meal, grill some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the chicken.

• Marinade Addition: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the marinade for an extra layer of tangy flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken tenders in a skillet over low heat, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes. For best results, reheat on the stove to maintain the crispy texture.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can let it marinate for up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I cook these chicken tenders in the oven?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken tenders. Just make sure to seal them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

What should I serve with these chicken tenders?

Greek salad, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or tzatziki sauce are all great sides to serve with these chicken tenders for a complete meal.

Can I grill these chicken tenders on a charcoal grill?

Yes, you can! A charcoal grill will give the chicken a nice smoky flavor. Just make sure the grill is preheated before adding the chicken.

How can I tell when the chicken tenders are done?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I use fresh garlic instead of minced garlic?

Yes, fresh minced garlic works great in this recipe, giving the marinade even more flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours ahead of time. If you're prepping for a meal later, just refrigerate until ready to cook.

Can I use a grill pan for these chicken tenders?

Yes, a grill pan works perfectly for cooking chicken tenders. Just make sure it is preheated and lightly oiled to avoid sticking.

Conclusion

These Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a simple marinade that combines olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Greek herbs, this recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your table. Whether you’re preparing a light meal or a flavorful dish for a gathering, this recipe is a delicious and versatile choice. Enjoy!

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Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders offer a simple yet flavorful twist on your regular grilled chicken, with Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, and garlic, and a fresh parsley garnish.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–14 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Yield: 3–4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders

2 tbsp olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried thyme

1 tsp paprika

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until the marinade is well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
3. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Grill the tenders for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
6. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Optionally, serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
• Serve with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
• For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Can be cooked on a charcoal grill for an extra smoky flavor.
• If using chicken breasts instead of tenders, they will require a longer cooking time.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 3-4 tenders)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 75mg