Name: 7 Irresistible Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders You’ll Love to Make
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or breast fillets; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; Juice and zest of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp paprika; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup flour; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper (to taste)

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A Mediterranean Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Picture this: tender strips of chicken, marinated in a delicious blend of Greek spices, coated in a crispy golden crust, and bursting with flavor. Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are the comfort food you didn’t know you needed! Combining the beloved crunch of classic chicken tenders with the vibrant, herb-infused taste of the Mediterranean, Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders is the perfect way to spice up your dinner table (literally!).

Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or simply want to treat your family to an exciting twist on chicken, these tenders are bound to wow. The best part? Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders is quick, versatile, and can suit a variety of diets and preferences. Think zesty Greek flavors like oregano, garlic, lemon, and a touch of paprika, paired with a crispy coating that delivers that satisfying crunch everyone craves.

These easy homemade chicken tenders aren’t just about taste they’re also packed with lean protein and can be baked or fried, depending on your preference. Get ready to take your taste buds on a culinary trip to Greece with these irresistible tenders!

Why You’ll Love this Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or a seasoned fan, this dish brings something special to the table every time.

Burst of Flavor: These tenders are seasoned with a traditional Greek-inspired spice blend featuring oregano, garlic, lemon zest, and paprika. With every bite, you’ll taste a delightful balance of zesty, earthy, and savory notes.
Crispy and Golden Perfection: The secret to that extra crunch? A blend of breadcrumbs and flour along with olive oil for frying or baking. It creates an irresistible texture that’s sure to convert even the pickiest eaters.
Kid-Friendly: If you’re trying to introduce your kids to new flavors, Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders is the perfect gateway. The tenders feel familiar (hello, chicken fingers!) yet offer a subtle Mediterranean twist they’ll love.
Quick and Easy: Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders requires basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and the prep time is minimal perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Options: Want to skip frying? Bake or air-fry these tenders for a healthier meal that doesn’t skimp on crunch.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken tenders taste just as amazing the next day, making them ideal for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Whether you’re a fan of Greek food, crispy chicken recipes, or simply want to try something new, these tenders are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

To make the best Greek chicken tenders, you’ll need just a handful of pantry and fridge staples. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips to get the best results.

For the Chicken Marinade:

Chicken tenders or breast fillets (1.5 pounds): Choose high-quality, fresh chicken to achieve juicy tenders. You can also slice chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have pre-cut tenders.
Greek yogurt (1/2 cup): Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Lemon juice and zest (1 lemon): Fresh lemon brightens the marinade, giving it that authentic Mediterranean vibe.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic provides bold, aromatic flavor.
Oregano (1 tsp): A key Greek herb that infuses the chicken with earthy notes.
Paprika (1 tsp): Adds a touch of smoky warmth.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for coating and as part of the marinade.

For the Coating:

Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Panko creates a light and airy crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
Flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the breading.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp seasoning is key for a flavorful crust!
Eggs (2, beaten): Helps the coating stick to the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the most delicious homemade Greek chicken tenders in no time. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into evenly sized strips to ensure they cook evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, and olive oil.
Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In one shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Beat the eggs in a second shallow dish.
Create an assembly line with the marinated chicken, the beaten eggs, and the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the beaten egg, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat for all tenders.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

You can choose from three methods:

1. Pan-Frying:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
Cook the chicken tenders in batches, about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

2. Baking:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the tenders in a single layer and spray them with cooking oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.

3. Air-Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the tenders in the basket in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches). Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Expert Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons, garlic, and herbs make all the difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re frying, cook in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature. Overcrowding can make the tenders soggy.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If you have the time, marinate the chicken overnight for the best results.
Keep an Eye on Cooking Time: Chicken tenders cook quickly, so avoid overcooking them to prevent dryness.
Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Variations

Want to get creative? Here are several twists you can try:

Spicy Greek Tenders: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the panko breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly dish.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh dill, parsley, or thyme to the marinade for extra herbal notes.
Cheesy Delight: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating for a cheesy crust.
Vegan Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets and use plant-based yogurt in the marinade.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders means they can be paired with a variety of sides and dips:

Classic Dips: Serve with creamy tzatziki sauce, hummus, or garlic aioli.
Light Salads: Pair with a simple Greek salad featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
Hearty Sides: Serve with roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or pita bread.
In Wraps and Bowls: Add these tenders to Mediterranean wraps, grain bowls, or alongside quinoa and veggies.

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare these tenders ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken the day before and either bread and cook them immediately or store the uncooked breaded tenders in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Place cooked tenders in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

Q: Can I skip the marinade?
A: While you can skip it, the marinade enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, so we highly recommend it.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great! Just cut

them into strips to match the size of chicken tenders. The thighs will give you a slightly richer flavor and a juicier bite, which is perfect for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders.

Conclusion

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders bring the perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors and classic comfort food crunch to your table. Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, these tenders will be the star of your meal. With their tangy marinade, crispy coating, and endless serving possibilities, they’re bound to become a family favorite in no time.

From their versatility to their simple yet vibrant ingredients, these tenders offer something for everyone whether you’re craving a healthy meal, an easy weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer to share with friends. So next time you’re in the mood for something a little different, try giving your classic chicken tenders a Mediterranean twist you won’t regret it!

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love this Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

For the Coating:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Pan-Frying:

2. Baking:

3. Air-Frying:

Expert Tips

Variations

Serving Suggestions

FAQ

7 Irresistible Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders You’ll Love to Make

Description

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

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