My Grandma's Secret to Tender, Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders
These Greek Chicken Tenders are a timeless classic, incredibly easy to make, and perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight meal that tastes like sunshine and takes you back to lazy summer evenings.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Grill
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts tenders or full breasts sliced thin work great for quick cooking
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until beautifully combined.
- Step 2: Add chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow flavors to develop.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking.
- Step 4: Lay marinated chicken tenders on the grill grates or a baking sheet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden-brown and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing to ensure juiciness.
Notes
This recipe is wonderfully versatile; consider adding grilled bell peppers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes, or using chicken thighs for an even juicier bite. For a kick, add red pepper flakes. Fresh parsley or dill makes a great garnish, and a drizzle of tzatziki or creamy garlic sauce elevates the dish. For best results, don't marinate chicken for more than 4 hours due to the lemon juice, and avoid overcrowding the pan/grill for a better sear. Cooked Greek Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.