Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe
If your heart skips a beat at the mention of tender, juicy chicken marinated in Mediterranean flavors, you are in for a real treat! These Greek Chicken Tenders pack every bite with the bold essence of oregano, thyme, tangy balsamic vinegar, and a hint of garlic. It’s the kind of easy weeknight recipe that tastes like you’ve wandered into a bustling Greek taverna, yet it comes together right at home with minimal fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just craving a flavorful protein, these Greek Chicken Tenders are about to become your new go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s hard to believe such a short ingredient list can produce so much flavor, but here’s the secret: every item plays a big part. Choose good-quality staples, and you’ll enjoy that authentic, sun-kissed Greek essence in every forkful.
- Boneless chicken breasts or tenders (12 oz): Go for fresh, lean cuts so the marinade can fully infuse every piece and keep the texture tender.
- Olive oil (1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon): The base of any good Mediterranean marinade, it ensures juiciness and adds a silky finish.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 Tablespoon): Provides a tangy-sweet depth that perfectly balances the herb-forward flavors.
- Crushed dried oregano (½ teaspoon): This is the earthy backbone, so choose dried Greek oregano if you can for the most authentic taste.
- Thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle, woodsy aroma that really complements the chicken and other herbs.
- Minced garlic (½ teaspoon): Fresh or jarred garlic brings a gentle kick and savory base note to the marinade.
- Salt (⅛ teaspoon, optional): Brightens all the other flavors; adjust to taste or leave out for a lower-sodium option.
- Black pepper (dash, optional): A little heat, just enough to awaken your palate and round out the dish.
How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Slice the Chicken
Start with the freshest chicken you can find, and slice it into thin, even pieces. This helps the marinade soak in fully, ensuring your Greek Chicken Tenders turn out extra flavorful and cook up evenly in the skillet. Thin pieces also mean faster cooking and tender bites every time!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Grab a large reclosable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and combine all your ingredients except for that reserved teaspoon of olive oil. Add the chicken, seal it up, and massage the marinade into every nook and cranny. Slide this into the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to a full day for max flavor). The oregano, thyme, and balsamic work their magic, transforming each piece into a Mediterranean masterpiece.
Step 3: Cook Your Greek Chicken Tenders
When you’re ready to cook, heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Gently shake off any excess marinade (discard the marinade itself), then lay the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sauté until both sides are gloriously golden and the inside is cooked through (about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway). Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly—it’s hard not to sneak a bite straight from the pan!
Step 4: Serve or Store
Once all the chicken is cooked, serve it right away or cool to room temperature if you’re planning for later. Leftovers can be stashed in the fridge or freezer—see below for all the handy storage tips.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Bright garnishes make Greek Chicken Tenders even more enticing! Try a scatter of fresh parsley or dill, a generous squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of crumbled feta for creamy, salty contrast. Those little touches turn a simple skillet meal into something extra-special.
Side Dishes
Greek Chicken Tenders are wonderfully versatile and pair with just about anything. For a classic pairing, serve over fluffy rice pilaf or tucked into warm pita with cool cucumber-tomato salad on the side. Roasted potatoes, Greek-style pasta salad, or a quick tzatziki dip are all favorites at my dinner table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try threading cooked tenders onto skewers, serving over greens for a hearty salad, or layering into a wrap with pickled onions and olives. These Greek Chicken Tenders are fantastic atop grain bowls, stuffed into lettuce wraps, or even diced and tossed with pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired meal prep lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Greek Chicken Tenders fresh, allow leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re just as delicious the next day, perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners!
Freezing
If you want to stock up, Greek Chicken Tenders freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months—just label with the date so you never lose track!
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the tenders in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them juicy, or microwave in short bursts until warmed through. For that fresh-cooked finish, a quick zap in the air fryer brings back a bit of their crispy edges.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Greek Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and stay extra juicy, so they’re a fantastic substitute and still soak up all those Greek flavors. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same steps.
How long should I marinate Greek Chicken Tenders?
Minimum 30 minutes for decent flavor, but I highly recommend marinating for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight if you’re planning ahead. The longer soak lets every bite burst with zesty, herby brilliance!
Is there a dairy-free option for serving Greek Chicken Tenders?
Definitely! The tenders themselves are naturally dairy-free. When serving, you can skip the feta garnish and pair with dairy-free sauces or simple veggies for a completely lactose-free meal everyone will love.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Arrange marinated chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with a bit of oil, and bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway until cooked through. You’ll miss a touch of that skillet sear, but the tenders will still be full of flavor and super convenient to make in big batches.
What’s the best way to use leftover Greek Chicken Tenders?
Leftovers are gold! Try them cold in salads, sliced into wraps or sandwiches, or chopped and stirred into pasta or grain bowls. They even make a simple, kid-approved filling for pita pockets or homemade snack plates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a new staple that’s as easy as it is mouthwatering, give these Greek Chicken Tenders a spot in your weekly rotation. The marinade does the heavy lifting, the prep is a breeze, and the results taste fresh from the Mediterranean coast. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how delicious and versatile this recipe can be!
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Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek chicken tenders are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and easy meal. Marinated in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs, these chicken tenders are savory and delicious.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 12 oz boneless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅛ salt (optional)
- dash black pepper (optional)
Cooking:
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Slice chicken into thin pieces.
Cut the chicken into thin, even pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken.
Combine all marinade ingredients in a large resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
- Cook the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a skillet or pan. Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 7-10 minutes. Discard the marinade.
- Store leftovers.
Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Greek, Chicken Tenders, Marinated Chicken
