Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Your Next Meal
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for a quick dinner or entertaining guests. Marinated in a tangy blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs, then coated with crunchy panko and Parmesan, they bake up golden and crispy without frying. Serve with your favorite dips and a fresh salad for a complete, healthy meal.
- Author: zara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken & Marinade
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Baking
- Cooking spray or additional olive oil for baking
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are ready to be marinated.
- Mix the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken tenders, coating each piece thoroughly by hand. Mix well to ensure even coverage.
- Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing them thoroughly.
- Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it sit for about 10 minutes to reduce chill and promote even cooking.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it using cooking spray or olive oil.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each marinated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. Shake off any excess and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil to enhance crispiness.
- Bake: Bake the tenders in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Flip Halfway: Halfway through baking, flip the tenders to ensure even cooking and browning on both sides.
- Rest: Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rests for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Serve: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as tzatziki, honey mustard, or spicy aioli. Complement with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store Leftovers: Cool leftover tenders completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but a minimum of 1 hour still works well.
- Using panko breadcrumbs ensures extra crunchiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust spices according to your preference by adding more paprika or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- This recipe can be easily doubled to serve more people.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be repurposed in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 2 tenders)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, crispy chicken, baked chicken tenders, healthy chicken recipe, Greek yogurt marinade, panko chicken