Name: Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 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

If you’re after a chicken dish that’s bursting with bright, fresh flavors yet super simple to put together, this Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe is where it’s at. I’ve made it countless times when I want something quick, healthy, and just a little bit special — the tanginess of lemon combined with aromatic oregano never fails to bring that Mediterranean sunshine to my plate.

What I love most is how versatile it is: whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or baking for a weekend gathering, the tender, juicy chicken instantly feels elevated. Plus, with yogurt in the marinade, the chicken stays incredibly moist, and the flavors sneak in deep without any fuss. Trust me, you’ll keep this Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe bookmarked for all your chicken cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but work beautifully together, creating a marinade that’s both tangy and herbaceous. When shopping, I always go for fresh lemon and good-quality Greek yogurt because they really make a difference in flavor and texture.

Chicken tenders: Using tenders or thinly sliced breasts makes cooking faster and ensures tender bites every time.
Plain Greek yogurt: This adds creaminess and tenderizes the meat while keeping things light and healthy.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to marinade soak in. Extra virgin is best for a bright flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Provides that fresh, zesty punch that makes this recipe shine.
Lemon zest: Adds extra lemon flavor without more acidity—don’t skip it!
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic amps up the savory notes perfectly.
Dried oregano: The star herb of Greek cooking—use good quality, and you’ll taste the difference.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the marinade.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
Optional ground cumin: I sometimes add a small pinch for a warm, earthy undertone if I’m feeling adventurous.

Variations

I love how flexible this Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe can be. You can tweak it a bit to suit your mood or dietary needs, and it almost always turns out fantastic.

Variation: For a dairy-free option, swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and adjust the lemon slightly to balance flavors—I’ve done this for friends with allergies and it still tasted great.
Variation: Add fresh minced rosemary or thyme along with oregano in the marinade if you want an herbaceous twist based on what you have fresh in the garden.
Variation: For a spicier kick, sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade before cooking.
Variation: If you don’t have a grill pan, baking works perfectly, and I’ve also broiled them toward the end for a crispier exterior—keep an eye so they don’t burn!

How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Marinade

Start by mixing Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it well until all the ingredients come together smoothly. This is the magic sauce that’ll infuse your chicken with flavor and tenderness. If you have time, let it sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before adding your chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated. I like to use my hands here—it’s the best way to really work that marinade into every nook and cranny. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more the flavors penetrate, but even a quick marinade works wonders.

Step 3: Cook Your Chicken Perfectly

Preheat a grill pan over medium heat—or your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking. Remove excess marinade from chicken (don’t rinse, just shake it off) to avoid flare-ups if grilling. Grill the tenders for about 5-7 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through. If baking, arrange them on a parchment-lined tray and let them bake for roughly 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—165°F is the safe internal temp.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Once cooked, let your chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This simple step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping each bite juicy and delicious.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe

The image shows four grilled pieces of chicken arranged in a close line on a white plate. Each piece has a crispy, browned surface with dark grill marks and is topped with small dollops of white sauce and sprinkled with chopped green herbs. To the right of the chicken, there are five bright red cherry tomatoes and a wedge of lemon with a yellow rind and juicy interior. The background surface is white marble with soft natural light shining on the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for fresh parsley or dill to sprinkle over my chicken. They add a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the lemon and oregano beautifully. Sometimes I’ll also add thin lemon slices or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving—it makes it feel so vibrant.

Side Dishes

Greek chicken isn’t complete without some classic sides. My favorites are a crisp cucumber and tomato salad, a scoop of creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread. If you want to round it out, some roasted or grilled veggies and a light rice pilaf work great too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, toss these tenders into a pita wrap with your favorite Greek toppings. I’ve also served them as a main on a mezze platter alongside olives, feta, and dolmas for an easy Mediterranean feast during summer parties. Presentation is half the fun, and this recipe plays nicely with all kinds of colorful, fresh accents!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge and they usually last about 3 days. They still taste great cold or at room temperature if you’re packing lunch, but I highly recommend reheating for the best experience.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, these chicken tenders freeze really well. I place them on a baking sheet first to flash freeze so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep nicely up to 3 months—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Reheating

To reheat, I like popping the chicken in a hot skillet for a few minutes or warming in the oven to keep that crisp exterior. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some texture that way. Avoid reheating too long, or the tenders can dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for this Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe?

Absolutely! If you don’t have chicken tenders, slicing chicken breasts into strips works perfectly. Just slightly undercook on one side before flipping to keep them juicy. Make sure the pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?

Marinating for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours gives the best flavor and tenderness. I wouldn’t recommend going longer than 4 hours because the acid from lemon can start to “cook” the chicken and change the texture.
Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Greek yogurt works best because it’s thick and creamy, which helps tenderize the chicken without making the marinade too runny. You can substitute with regular yogurt, but drain some whey off first for a similar texture.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and refrigerate overnight for a deeper flavor. Just don’t marinate longer than about 8 hours to maintain tender texture.
What sides pair well with these Greek chicken tenders?

Classic sides include Greek salad, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or warm pita bread. These sides balance the fresh lemony flavors of the chicken perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen because it’s just that satisfying blend of simplicity, freshness, and comfort. I always feel like I’m treating myself without spending hours cooking, and friends and family always ask for seconds. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it brightens up your dinner routine with zesty flavors that feel a little like a Mediterranean vacation. Plus, it’s so easy, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!