Amazing Greek Chicken Tenders in 35 Minutes

Oh, Greek food! Just thinking about those bright lemon, herbaceous oregano, and garlicky flavors makes my mouth water. And when it comes to weeknight dinners, sometimes you just want something delicious, relatively quick, and that doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed and sluggish. That’s exactly why I dreamt up these Greek Chicken Tenders! Seriously, they’re my go-to when I’m craving something satisfying but still want something good for me. Forget those greasy fried versions; these little beauties are baked to perfection and packed with so much Mediterranean goodness, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else. They’ve become a staple in my kitchen, and I bet they’ll be in yours too!

Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Tenders

You’re going to adore these Greek Chicken Tenders for so many reasons!

• Super Speedy: They’re ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for those busy nights.
• Bursting with Flavor: That marinade? Pure Mediterranean magic with lemon, oregano, and garlic.
• Healthy & Delicious: Baked, not fried, so you can feel good about serving them. More flavor, less guilt!
• Crazy Versatile: Serve them up as is, with a salad, or stuffed into a pita. They’re always a win!

Gather Your Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for these fantastic Greek Chicken Tenders. It’s pretty straightforward, and I promise, the marinade is where all the deliciousness happens.

First up, you’ll need about 1.5 pounds of chicken breast. I always slice mine into strips yourself, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. That way, you know they’ll cook evenly. No pre-cut stuff for me!

For that signature Greek marinade, you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup of good olive oil – don’t skimp here, it really makes a difference!
• 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Zesty and bright, just how I like it.
• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano. This is the heart of the Greek flavor for me.
• 2 cloves of garlic, which you’ll want to mince really fine. Garlic lovers, feel free to add an extra clove if you dare!
• 1 teaspoon of salt, and
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

That’s it! Simple, right? All these amazing flavors come together to make the chicken so incredibly tender and tasty.

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Essential Equipment for Making Greek Chicken Tenders

You don’t need a whole lot of fancy gadgets for these Greek Chicken Tenders, thankfully! I like to keep things simple in the kitchen. You’ll definitely need a baking sheet – I prefer one with a lip so nothing drips anywhere. Lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze, just like when I make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Oh, and a large bowl is a must for all that yummy marinating. Easy peasy!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Greek Chicken Tenders

Alright, let’s get these amazing Greek Chicken Tenders made! It’s a pretty simple process, and honestly, the marinating step is where all the magic really starts to happen. Trust me, a little patience here makes all the difference! It’s similar to how I prepare my Lemon Chicken Romano, where the marinade is key.

1. First things first, get that oven preheating! You want it nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab your baking sheet and line it with some parchment paper. This makes cleanup an absolute dream. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver after cooking! If you’re ever looking for other easy chicken recipes, my Slow Cooker Chicken Shawarma is another winner for minimal cleanup.

2. Now, grab your big bowl. It’s time to get that delicious marinade mixed up. You’re going to whisk together the olive oil, that bright lemon juice, the dried oregano (use a good two tablespoons, really pack it in there!), your minced garlic, and of course, the salt and pepper. Just give it a good whisk until it’s all combined. It should smell fantastic already!

Marinating for Maximum Flavor

This is where the real flavor infusion happens for your Greek Chicken Tenders! Toss those chicken strips right into that beautiful marinade you just whipped up. Make sure every single piece gets coated. I like to let mine hang out for at least 15 minutes. If you have a little extra time, letting it go for 30 minutes in the fridge is even better. Don’t marinate it for too long though, or the lemon juice can start to cook the chicken – we want to bake it, not cure it!

3. Once your chicken has had its flavor bath, arrange those marinated strips in a single layer on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Whatever you do, don’t crowd them! Give them a little space so they can brown up nicely. If they’re all piled on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of bake, and we definitely don’t want that.

Achieving Golden Brown Perfection

Now, slide that baking sheet into your preheated oven. You’re going to bake them for about 18 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for them to be cooked all the way through and get these lovely golden-brown edges. If you’re unsure, you can always snip into one of the thicker pieces to make sure there’s no pink inside. They should feel firm to the touch and spring back a little. They’ll smell absolutely amazing when they’re ready!

5. And that’s it! Take them out of the oven, and they are ready to go. They’re best served hot, straight off the baking sheet. Seriously, you won’t regret making these!

Tips for Success with Your Greek Chicken Tenders

I’ve made these Greek Chicken Tenders more times than I can count, and a few little tricks really make them shine. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients! Fresh lemon juice and good olive oil make a world of difference in the marinade. Also, while 15 minutes of marinating is good, if you can swing 30 minutes, go for it! It really deepens that yummy flavor.

Another thing: make sure your oven is fully preheated. It’s crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking the inside. It’s a trick I learned when making chicken dishes like my Rosemary Apple Cider Chicken. Oh, and resist the urge to overcrowd the baking sheet! Giving each tender space helps them bake up beautifully, not steam.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Tenders

These Greek Chicken Tenders are so versatile, you can serve them with almost anything! I love pairing them with a fresh, crunchy Mango Cucumber Salad for a burst of coolness. Or, really lean into the Mediterranean theme with some fluffy pita bread and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. A simple side of roasted veggies, maybe with my Roasted Veggie Yogurt Sauce, also works wonderfully. They’re honestly perfect for a light dinner or even a hearty appetizer!

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Tenders

Got questions about these tasty little Greek Chicken Tenders? I’ve got answers!

Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?

Yes, you totally can! These chicken tenders are pretty forgiving. You can marinate them for up to a few hours (or even overnight!) and bake them right before serving. If you have leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm them through without drying them out.

What are some good dipping sauces for Greek Chicken Tenders?

Oh, the dipping sauce possibilities are endless! My absolute favorite is a classic, cooling tzatziki sauce. A simple Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and a squeeze of lemon is perfection. Hummus also works wonderfully, or even a simple lemon-herb vinaigrette. For a bit of a kick, you could try a spicy feta dip!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! If you prefer darker meat, chicken thighs will work beautifully here. They tend to stay even more moist because they have a bit more fat. Just trim away any excess fat and cut them into strips, just like you would with the breast. You might need to bake them a minute or two longer, but keep an eye on them just in case!

Is there a way to make these even healthier?

These are already a pretty healthy option since they’re baked! But if you want to go even healthier, you could reduce the olive oil in the marinade slightly or opt for a low-sodium salt alternative. Serving them with a huge Greek salad or some steamed veggies instead of pita bread will also boost the health factor.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Okay, so these Greek Chicken Tenders are a fantastic option if you’re watching what you eat, but remember these numbers are just estimates! They can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use. Think lean protein and bright Mediterranean flavors. For a more in-depth look at healthy eating, you might find some great ideas in my recipes for weight loss category. I’d peg a serving to be around 250-300 calories, with about 30-35g of protein, just a few carbs, and maybe 10-15g of healthy fats. Pretty darn good, right?

Share Your Greek Chicken Tenders Creation!

I really hope you love making and eating these Greek Chicken Tenders as much as I do! Did you try them? I’d be absolutely thrilled if you left a comment below with your thoughts or even gave them a star rating. And if you snapped a picture, you HAVE to share it with me on social media – I love seeing your kitchen creations!