Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders (Print-Friendly Version)

Crispy tenders marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, perfect for quick Mediterranean-inspired meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 500 g fresh chicken tenders

→ Marinade

02 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
07 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
09 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

10 - Fresh parsley, chopped
11 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper to create a well-blended marinade.
02 - Add chicken tenders to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
03 - Preheat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. For skillet cooking, drizzle lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
04 - Remove chicken tenders from marinade and allow excess marinade to drip off. Arrange the tenders on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 75°C.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a plate and allow them to rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination yields the best results.
02 - Use only high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the richest Mediterranean taste.
03 - Do not overcook the chicken tenders; medium-high heat and 3–4 minutes per side ensure juicy results.
04 - Preheating the pan or grill fully before cooking will give a crisp sear and proper caramelization.
05 - Fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving enhance authentic Greek flavor.
06 - Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick of heat if desired.
07 - These tenders are versatile and pair well with Greek salad, tzatziki, pita, or pilaf.

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