If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare, this Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe is just the ticket. Juicy chicken tenders are marinated in a lively blend of olive oil, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs like oregano and garlic, then grilled to perfection with a smoky char. Whether you’re aiming for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping meal for friends, this recipe delivers bright, fresh flavors that will have you coming back for more every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple with fresh, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe stand out. Each component contributes its own delightful note — from the brightness of lemon juice to the warm earthiness of cumin and paprika, creating a harmonious marinade that elevates the chicken.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: Choose tender, evenly sized pieces for quick and uniform grilling.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: This provides moisture and richness while helping the marinade soak into the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds essential citrus brightness that tenderizes the meat.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers a pungent and aromatic kick to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings an earthy, peppery flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: Offers subtle warmth and depth to balance the tanginess.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a lovely reddish hue to the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green color.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (optional, for garnish): Provides an extra zesty fragrance that brightens the final dish.
How to Make Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This vibrant marinade forms the flavor-packed foundation of your dish. Combining these simple ingredients ensures your chicken tenders will be juicy, tender, and infused with those signature Greek notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, although 1-2 hours will maximize the flavor. Marinating not only helps the spices penetrate the meat but also tenderizes it for the perfect grilled texture.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stovetop, make sure to preheat it to medium-high heat, about 375°F or 190°C. A hot grill is key to getting those perfect sear marks and locking in the juices of your chicken tenders.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Tenders
Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the tenders for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. You want them cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), showcasing a beautifully caramelized exterior with tender, flavorful meat inside.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Once off the grill, allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps redistribute the juices inside the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and delicious.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and lemon zest atop your chicken tenders for that final burst of freshness and color that will wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Meal
Serve your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders with traditional accompaniments like tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or tucked inside warm pita bread. The versatility of this dish means it can take center stage in many delightful Mediterranean meals.
How to Serve Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple yet impactful garnishes such as freshly chopped parsley and finely grated lemon zest elevate the dish with bright, herbal, and citrus notes. They add an inviting pop of green and yellow that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.
Side Dishes
Deliciously complement your grilled chicken tenders with classic Greek sides like creamy tzatziki, crisp cucumber and tomato salad, or roasted vegetables. Grain options like fluffy couscous or lemony rice pilaf also pair beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe to the next level by serving them as a protein-packed topping on your favorite salad bowls, tucked inside warmed pita pockets with fresh veggies and sauce, or skewer them for a fun and festive presentation at your next barbecue.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor well and make an easy protein option for salads or wraps later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, cooked tenders freeze wonderfully. Cool completely, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for a quick meal anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy previously cooked chicken tenders, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving when possible to keep the chicken juicy and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts sliced into strips. Just make sure they are pounded evenly to ensure uniform cooking and marinate them as directed for maximum flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?
While 30 minutes is the minimum, 1 to 2 hours of marinating really lets the flavors sink deep into the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. A grill pan or even a hot cast-iron skillet works beautifully. The key is to get a good sear at medium-high heat to replicate that grilled taste.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just be sure to serve with dairy-free sides like hummus or a cucumber salad instead of dairy-based sauces if needed.
What is the best way to check if chicken tenders are cooked through?
The safest and easiest method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Otherwise, cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe that feels both effortless and extraordinary. With simple ingredients coming together to create layers of fresh, vibrant flavor, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table every time. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a casual dinner or to impress guests — it’s destined to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe offers a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, and aromatic spices, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection and can be served with tzatziki, Greek salad, or pita bread for an authentic taste of Greece.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, if using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Place the tenders on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the Chicken: After grilling, remove the chicken tenders from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices and enhance tenderness.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle the grilled chicken with chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness and color before serving.
- Serve: Serve the grilled chicken tenders alongside tzatziki sauce, over a Greek salad, or wrapped in warm pita bread to enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavor.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and to achieve nice grill marks.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Leftover grilled chicken tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and used in salads or wraps.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade.
