Oh, how I just love anything with that bright, zesty Greek flair! You know, the kind that just transports you straight to a sunny Mediterranean coast? Well, get ready, because these Greek Chicken Tenders are about to become your new best friend. Forget the greasy fried stuff; these are baked to golden perfection, packed with lemon, garlic, and all those amazing herbs. Seriously, making them is a breeze, and they’re just as satisfying as the classic version, but a whole lot healthier. I remember the first time I made these for a family dinner, and they were gone in minutes!
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Tenders
Seriously, why wouldn’t you love these? They’re a total win-win:
- Super Easy to Make: Most of the magic happens in the bowl and then the oven. You’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
- Packed with Flavor: That lemon-garlic-herb combo? *Chef’s kiss*. It’s way more exciting than plain old chicken.
- Healthier Choice: We’re baking these beauties, not frying them, so you can feel great about serving them. Less oil, same deliciousness!
- So Versatile: Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, packed lunches, or even as an appetizer. They’re always a crowd-pleaser.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters tend to love chicken tenders, and these are just as fun but taste way more grown-up (if you know what I mean!).
Ingredients for Delicious Greek Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff – what you actually need for these flavor-packed Greek Chicken Tenders! Don’t worry, it’s all super simple pantry staples, plus that amazing chicken. I like to keep things organized, so I usually group my ingredients.
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch strips (make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly!)
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup good quality olive oil (extra virgin is best here!)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (seriously, fresh makes all the difference!)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (I like to go a little heavy on the garlic, oops!)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste, of course!)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
How to Make Greek Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step
Here’s the best part! Making these Greek Chicken Tenders is actually ridiculously easy. It feels fancy with all that Mediterranean flavor, but trust me, it’s totally doable on a weeknight. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying golden, tender chicken in no time. Don’t forget to give yourself that little bit of extra marinating time if you can; it really makes a difference! If you love baked chicken, you should definitely check out these crispy baked chicken tenders too!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze, and nobody wants stuck-on chicken, right?
Mix the Flavorful Marinade
Now for the zing! Grab a large bowl – this is where all the flavor magic happens. Pour in your olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Then, toss in that minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Get your whisk out and give it all a good whisk together until it’s all combined and looks beautifully emulsified. It should smell amazing already!
Marinate the Chicken
Alright, time to get that chicken tasting like Greece! Add your cut chicken strips right into that bowl of gorgeous marinade. Use a spoon or your (clean!) hands to make sure every single piece is coated beautifully. Let it sit there and soak up all those yummy flavors for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This step is key for infusing that Greek taste deep into the chicken!
Arrange and Bake
Once your chicken has had its flavor bath, it’s time to bake! Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Try not to let them overlap too much; we want them to get nice and golden on all sides. Pop them into the hot oven for about 18-20 minutes. A really good tip: flip the tenders halfway through baking – around the 9-10 minute mark. This helps them cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown sear on both sides. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked all the way through and have a nice color. Stick a fork in one to be sure; the juices should run clear.
Serve Your Greek Chicken Tenders
And there you have it! Perfectly baked Greek Chicken Tenders, ready to be gobbled up. I love serving these hot, right off the baking sheet. They’re fantastic on their own, but you can totally serve them with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Tenders
Okay, so these Greek chicken tenders are already pretty amazing, right? But if you want to take them from “really good” to “OMG, I need the recipe NOW,” here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up. It’s all about the little things!
First off, use the freshest ingredients you can find. Fresh lemon juice really does make a difference – it’s way brighter than bottled. And good olive oil? It’s worth it for that lovely Mediterranean flavor. For marinating, while 15 minutes is great, if you have an extra 30 minutes, let them go! Just don’t let them sit for *too* long, or the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken, making them a bit mushy. My go-to trick for that perfect golden sear on both sides, even when baking, is to use a hot oven and make sure the chicken isn’t crowded on the pan. Crowding makes them steam instead of bake beautifully. And if you’re really obsessed with chicken, you’ve GOT to check out the other chicken recipes over at everydaykravings!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you just don’t have everything on hand, or maybe you want to tweak things a bit! That’s totally normal. For these Greek chicken tenders, the quality of your olive oil and lemon juice really shines through, so try to use a good extra virgin olive oil and definitely fresh lemon juice if you can. The bottled stuff just doesn’t have that bright, zesty punch.
If you happen to be out of fresh lemon juice, a good quality bottled one will work in a pinch, but you might want to add a tiny bit more zest if you have a lemon on hand to boost the flavor. And for the herbs? Dried oregano and thyme are fantastic, but if you have fresh, just use a little more – about a tablespoon of fresh for every teaspoon of dried. Feel free to swap them out for other Mediterranean herbs like rosemary or marjoram if that’s what you have! And about the chicken, while breasts are lean and quick-cooking, chicken thighs are also a great option for extra juicy tenders, they just might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Tenders
So, you’ve got these fabulous Greek Chicken Tenders all ready to go, and now you’re thinking, ‘What else should I put on the plate?’ Oh, let me tell you, there are so many delicious ways to complete this meal! I absolutely adore serving these with a big, fresh cucumber feta salad – the cool, crisp veggies and salty feta are just heavenly with the warm chicken. Or, for something even heartier, a simple Mediterranean chickpea salad is a winner. Honestly, though, my absolute go-to is a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce for dipping; it just ties all those amazing Greek flavors together perfectly!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Greek chicken tenders are a treasure! If you happen to have any (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container once they’ve cooled down a bit. They’ll stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Reheating them is super easy and ensures they stay nice and tasty. My favorite way? Pop them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, just until they’re warmed through. This keeps them from getting soggy. A microwave works too if you’re in a real hurry, but they might lose a little of their crispness. An air fryer is also fantastic for reviving them!
Frequently Asked Questions about Greek Chicken Tenders
Got questions about these yummy Greek Chicken Tenders? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about making little tweaks or planning ahead, so let’s dive into some common queries.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for Greek Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious and tend to stay extra moist. If you use them, just know they might need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through properly compared to chicken breast. They’re a fantastic alternative!
How long can I marinate the Greek Chicken Tenders?
You can marinate them for up to 4 hours in the fridge, or for about 15-30 minutes at room temperature. Any longer than that, especially with the lemon juice, and the chicken can start to get a bit mushy. So, stick to those times for the best texture!
Can I make these Greek Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
You sure can! You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge. Once they’re baked, they store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just reheat them according to the instructions to enjoy them again!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Okay, so let’s talk numbers! While every kitchen is a little bit different, and the exact brands you use can change things up, here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per serving for these glorious Greek Chicken Tenders. We’re aiming for around 4 servings here. Think roughly 250-300 calories, about 30-35g of protein, and around 10-15g of fat per serving. Remember, these are just estimates to give you a ballpark!
Greek Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
- Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.