Light, vibrant, and full of zesty goodness, these Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a quick and healthy meal. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, the chicken turns out juicy, tender, and packed with bright Mediterranean flavor. It’s a simple dish that feels like sunshine on a plate — perfect for summer grilling, meal prep, or weeknight dinners. I first made this recipe for a backyard cookout, and the aroma alone had everyone hovering by the grill. Serve them with tzatziki, pita bread, and a fresh Greek salad for the perfect wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders are quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and versatile. The Greek-inspired marinade infuses the chicken with lemony brightness, herbal notes, and a subtle smoky char from the grill. They’re naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and pair beautifully with all kinds of sides — from roasted vegetables to couscous or even wrapped in a pita. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors on a stovetop grill pan, these tenders deliver authentic Mediterranean flavor with minimal effort.
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Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders – Fresh, Juicy, and Bursting with Mediterranean Flavor
- Total Time: 40 mins (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are juicy, marinated strips of chicken infused with the bright and zesty flavors of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Grilled to perfection, they’re light, flavorful, and perfect for pairing with rice, salads, or warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until well blended.
- Add chicken tenders to the marinade, coating each piece thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Optional: Serve with tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a full Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, add 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt to the marinade.
- Can also be cooked in a skillet or baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Leftovers make excellent wraps or salad toppings.
- Marinate overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips) – Tender and quick-cooking, ideal for marinating and grilling.
Olive oil – The foundation of the marinade, adding richness and helping the herbs and spices cling to the chicken.
Lemon juice and zest – Brightens the dish with citrusy freshness and tenderizes the chicken.
Garlic cloves – Minced for that signature Greek flavor base.
Greek yogurt (optional) – Helps tenderize the chicken and adds creamy depth to the marinade.
Dried oregano – Classic Greek herb that adds savory, earthy notes.
Dried thyme – Complements the oregano and enhances the marinade’s aroma.
Paprika – Adds color and a hint of warmth to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor.
Fresh parsley – For garnish, adding a final touch of color and freshness.
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. If using Greek yogurt, whisk it in to create a creamy marinade.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, turning them to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to allow the flavors to absorb.
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
Grill the chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
Transfer to a platter and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or your favorite Greek sides.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 35 minutes total — 10 minutes for prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 10 minutes for grilling.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute. These also taste great cold, sliced into salads or wraps. You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months — thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Greek Chicken
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat.
Garlic-Herb Yogurt Chicken
Use a full cup of Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra tenderness and a creamy flavor profile.
Mediterranean Veggie Skewers
Thread the chicken onto skewers with bell peppers, red onions, and zucchini for a colorful presentation.
Feta-Topped Greek Chicken
Crumble feta cheese over the grilled chicken for a salty, tangy finish.
Olive and Tomato Garnish
Top with sliced kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes for added Mediterranean flair.
Lemon-Herb Butter Drizzle
Drizzle a bit of melted butter mixed with lemon juice and herbs over the chicken before serving.
Greek Chicken Bowls
Serve over rice or quinoa with cucumber, tomato, olives, and tzatziki for a balanced meal.
Pita Wraps
Wrap the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with lettuce, red onion, and tzatziki sauce for a quick gyro-inspired wrap.
Fresh Mint Addition
Add chopped mint to the marinade for a cooling, aromatic twist.
Sheet Pan Option
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes if you don’t have access to a grill.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice them into strips or pound them to even thickness for quicker cooking.
Can I grill these indoors?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours gives the best flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the yogurt and increase the olive oil slightly.
What can I serve with these tenders?
Greek salad, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or pita with hummus all pair beautifully.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes or until fully cooked.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer — it should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
Can I freeze the marinade?
Yes, combine the marinade and chicken in a freezer bag, freeze up to 2 months, and thaw before grilling.
Can I make this spicy?
Yes — add cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a spoon of harissa for extra heat.
What dipping sauces work best?
Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or even hummus complement the flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are the perfect mix of bright, fresh, and savory — a simple dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with everyday ingredients. The marinade ensures every bite is tender and bursting with Mediterranean zest, while the char from the grill adds that irresistible smokiness. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a backyard barbecue, these chicken tenders bring a taste of Greece straight to your plate — healthy, flavorful, and unforgettable.
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