Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon and Oregano Recipe
This Greek Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken marinated in a vibrant blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Perfectly grilled or oven-baked, these flavorful tenders make a healthy and satisfying meal inspired by Mediterranean cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, or for up to 2 hours for enhanced taste.
- Preheat Cooking Equipment: If grilling, preheat a grill pan over medium heat. Alternatively, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking the chicken tenders.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Grill the tenders for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and nicely charred, or place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes to retain their juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- Marinating for longer than 2 hours can intensify the lemony flavor but may change the chicken’s texture slightly.
- If you prefer a milder garlic taste, reduce the amount of garlic cloves used.
- This recipe can be paired with a Greek salad or served alongside rice or pita bread for a complete meal.
- Ground cumin is optional but adds a subtle earthy depth to the marinade.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, Greek yogurt marinade, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean chicken