Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re craving a vibrant, healthy meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor, you’ll fall head-over-heels for these Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders. This dish is a personal staple for busy weeknights and relaxed weekend gatherings alike, delivering tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a zesty marinade of lemon, herbs, and creamy Greek yogurt. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine Main Course.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders lies in how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component brings something unique: brightness, tenderness, aroma, or that unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- Chicken Tenders: These cook up quickly and stay succulent, making them ideal for fast, flavorful grilling.
- Olive Oil: The foundation of the marinade, it adds richness and helps the chicken stay moist on the grill.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon gives the dish its signature tang, while the zest amps up the fragrance.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with an irresistible aromatic kick.
- Greek Yogurt: This secret ingredient tenderizes the meat and lends a creamy tang to the marinade.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of vinegar brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
- Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings earthiness—use fresh if you have it, but dried works beautifully.
- Dried Thyme: Adds depth and subtle herbal warmth to the marinade.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the flavors of every ingredient.
- Black Pepper: Just the right touch of heat to round out the marinade.
How to Make Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This becomes your magical marinade, infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring each bite is juicy and bright. Don’t skimp on whisking—it helps blend the yogurt into the oil and citrus, creating a creamy, aromatic base.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Tenders
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing them until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and slide it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer if you have time, up to 4 hours). This is when all those Mediterranean flavors soak in, and the yogurt works its magic tenderizing the meat.
Step 3: Prep Your Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. If you’re using a grill pan indoors, allow it to get nice and hot so you can achieve those beautiful char marks that make Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders so tempting.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Tenders
Lay the marinated chicken tenders onto the hot grill. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is gorgeously golden with a slight char and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Flip only once to keep them juicy. The aroma of lemon, garlic, and herbs sizzling away is pure happiness!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer the grilled chicken tenders to a plate and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This quick pause lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is as tender and flavorful as possible. Now, you’re ready to serve up your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
For a true Greek finish, sprinkle the chicken with a handful of fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of crumbled feta cheese. A little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving adds an inviting sheen and a final layer of richness.
Side Dishes
These Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders pair beautifully with all your favorite Mediterranean sides. Serve them alongside fluffy pita bread, a classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, or a bowl of cool, creamy tzatziki. Roasted potatoes or a simple rice pilaf are also fantastic options for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your chicken tenders into a vibrant platter by arranging them atop a bed of greens, or stuff them into warm pita with lettuce, tomatoes, and a dollop of tzatziki for a quick gyro-style wrap. For parties, slice the tenders into bite-sized pieces and skewer them with cherry tomatoes and cucumber for a fun, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve their juiciness and prevent them from drying out. They’re perfect for tossing onto salads, grain bowls, or wraps throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, these chicken tenders freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months, making future meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the tenders gently in a skillet over medium heat, or pop them in the oven at 325°F until heated through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can dry out the chicken. A splash of broth or a squeeze of fresh lemon can help revive the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Simply slice chicken breasts or thighs into strips similar in size to tenders. Adjust the cooking time as needed, since thicker pieces may take a bit longer on the grill.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! You can cook the Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders on a stovetop grill pan or skillet, or even bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt in the marinade?
Yes, you can substitute a dairy-free yogurt or simply add a bit more olive oil and lemon juice for a delicious marinade. The yogurt helps tenderize, but the flavors will still shine without it.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
While you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours, it’s best not to go overnight. The acid in the marinade can start to break down the chicken too much, affecting the texture. For best results, stick to the recommended marinating times.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is ready when it’s golden with a nice char on the outside and registers 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear and the inside should be opaque.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the fresh, bright flavors of Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re grilling for a casual family dinner or prepping meals for the week, this recipe brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table—effortlessly. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for healthy, crave-worthy chicken!
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Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, Greek yogurt, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. It’s a healthy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld, or up to 4 hours for best results.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the chicken develops nice char marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving. Enjoy with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a fresh Greek salad.
Notes
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, or a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.
- For meal prep, grill a double batch and refrigerate cooked chicken tenders for up to 4 days.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the tenders on a stovetop skillet over medium-high heat or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 3 tenders)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
