Greek Chicken Tenders: Juicy, Easy Mediterranean Recipe

Craving something flavorful, healthy, and ridiculously easy to make? Greek Chicken Tenders check all the boxes. These juicy strips of chicken are soaked in a tangy Greek yogurt marinade loaded with garlic, lemon, and herbs, then cooked to golden perfection. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, they deliver big Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep, lunch bowls, or weeknight dinners, this dish offers a delicious twist on classic chicken. In this guide, you’ll learn everything — from ingredients to cooking methods and FAQs — to help you make the best Greek-style chicken tenders at home. Let’s get started!

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Ingredients for Greek Chicken Tenders

One of the best things about making Greek Chicken Tenders is how simple the ingredient list is — no fancy spices or hard-to-pronounce sauces here. Just real, fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients that pack a punch.

These pantry and fridge staples come together to create a flavor that’s zesty, savory, and slightly tangy — all thanks to the magic of the Greek-style marinade.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these juicy, herby Greek chicken strips at home:

✅ Boneless Chicken Tenders (1.5 to 2 pounds)

• You can also use sliced chicken breasts or thighs if that’s what you have. Just make sure they’re cut into strips for even cooking.

✅ Plain Greek Yogurt (1 cup)

• This is the star of the marinade. It tenderizes the meat and adds a creamy, tangy base that clings to every bite. For dairy-free options, try coconut yogurt (unsweetened).

✅ Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, minced)

• Garlic brings the boldness. You can reduce it to 2 cloves for a milder flavor.

✅ Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

• A Mediterranean staple! Helps lock in moisture and adds richness to the marinade.

✅ Lemon Juice + Zest (from 1 medium lemon)

• Brightens up the flavor with acidity and zing. Don’t skip the zest — it’s loaded with aromatic oils.

✅ Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon)

• A classic Greek herb that gives this dish its signature earthy flavor.

✅ Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

• Just enough to balance the tang and enhance the flavor.

✅ Optional Add-ons (but highly recommended):

• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped — for extra freshness
• Paprika or chili flakes — if you like a bit of a kick
• Crumbled feta cheese — for topping after cooking
• Cucumber yogurt dip (tzatziki) — as a cooling sauce

How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders Step by Step

So, you’ve got your ingredients ready — now it’s time to let them shine. Whether you’re baking, grilling, or pan-searing, these Greek Chicken Tenders follow a simple prep-and-cook process that delivers BIG flavor in very little time.

Below is the full walk-through, bursting with tips, tricks, and pro secrets to help you nail it on the first try.

Step 1: Make the Greek Marinade

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the following:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Add a pinch of chili flakes or paprika for heat, and a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for that herby freshness.

Mix everything well until it forms a smooth, creamy marinade. The texture should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly pasty.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Place your chicken tenders (or strips) into a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Use your hands (or massage through the bag) to work the marinade into every crevice. That’s how the flavor gets in deep.

Seal the bag or cover the bowl, then place it in the refrigerator.

⏱️ Marinating time:

• Minimum: 30 minutes
• Best: 2–4 hours
• Maximum: Overnight

Why wait? Because the longer the chicken soaks, the more flavorful and tender it gets — thanks to the enzymes in the yogurt.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

You’ve got options here. Let’s break them down:

🍗 Bake the Greek Chicken Tenders (Easy & Juicy)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it.
3. Place the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer.
4. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Check that the internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).

They’ll come out golden on the outside, juicy on the inside — chef’s kiss.

🔥 Grill the Chicken Tenders (Smoky & Summery)

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
3. Grill tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Pro tip: If using a charcoal grill, go for indirect heat and cover for a smokier flavor.

🍳 Pan-Sear on the Stove (Crispy Edges!)

1. Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add a little olive oil.
3. Sear the tenders for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
4. Don’t crowd the pan — work in batches if needed.

🌬️ Air Fryer Method (Crispy, Fast, No Oil)

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. Place tenders in a single layer.
3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once at the halfway mark.

Essential Tools to Make Greek Chicken Tenders Like a Pro

You don’t need a gourmet kitchen or fancy gadgets to whip up delicious Greek Chicken Tenders. In fact, this recipe thrives on simplicity. That said, having the right tools will make your prep smoother, cleaner, and more efficient — so you can focus on flavor, not frustration.

Below are the must-haves and a few nice-to-haves that’ll elevate your cooking game.

🥣 Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a medium or large bowl to whisk up the marinade. Choose one that’s deep enough to prevent splashing when stirring the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.

🧄 Garlic Press (Optional)

Sure, you can mince garlic by hand, but a garlic press makes it faster, easier, and way less messy — especially if you’re doubling the recipe or love that extra garlicky punch.

🥄 Citrus Zester or Microplane

Lemon zest is a secret flavor weapon. Don’t skip it! A fine grater or zester ensures you extract those fragrant citrus oils without the bitter pith.

🔪 Sharp Chef’s Knife + Cutting Board

For trimming the chicken and chopping any fresh herbs like parsley or dill. A dull knife? That’s a no-go — it’ll shred the meat instead of slicing cleanly.

🛍️ Zip-Top Bag or Airtight Container

For marinating your chicken. Zip-top bags make cleanup a breeze, while containers are great for stacking in the fridge.

🔥 Your Chosen Cooking Tool

Here’s where it depends on your preferred cooking method:

• Baking sheet + parchment paper (for oven baking)
• Outdoor or stovetop grill (for grilling)
• Cast-iron or nonstick skillet (for stovetop searing)
• Air fryer (for the crispy, oil-free option)

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Tenders

Got questions? You’re not alone! Below, we’ve rounded up the most common FAQs people ask about making Greek Chicken Tenders — from marinating tips to storage hacks and everything in between.

Each answer is crafted to help you feel more confident and creative in the kitchen.

❓ What cut of chicken is best for Greek chicken tenders?

The best choice is boneless, skinless chicken tenders because they’re already portioned, cook quickly, and absorb marinade evenly. However, you can also use sliced chicken breasts or chicken thighs — just make sure to cut them into strips for even cooking.

Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, while breasts are leaner. Either way, the Greek yogurt marinade keeps the meat juicy.

❓ Can you make Greek chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic way to make crispy Greek chicken tenders without deep frying or drying them out.

• Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C)
• Spray the basket lightly with oil
• Cook tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway

They come out golden, juicy, and full of that Mediterranean flavor — no sogginess, no fuss.

❓ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. But for deeper flavor, aim for 2–4 hours. If you’ve got time, overnight is even better.

However, don’t go beyond 24 hours. The acidity in the lemon and yogurt can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy.

❓ What kind of yogurt works best in the marinade?

Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt. It’s thick, tangy, and full of probiotics — perfect for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.

Avoid flavored or sweetened varieties. If you’re dairy-free, try using unsweetened coconut yogurt or a plant-based Greek-style yogurt alternative.

❓ Can I freeze Greek chicken tenders?

Yes — both before and after cooking!

• Before cooking: Freeze the chicken in the marinade in a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as usual.
• After cooking: Let the tenders cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

To reheat, use the oven or air fryer for best texture — microwaving may make them rubbery.

❓ Are Greek chicken tenders healthy?

Definitely! These tenders are high in protein, low in carbs, and baked or grilled — not fried. Plus, the yogurt adds calcium and gut-friendly probiotics. Skip the greasy takeout and serve these up with a fresh Greek salad or roasted veggies.

For more insights into Mediterranean-style eating, check out the Oldways Mediterranean Diet guide.

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