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Greek Chicken Tenders
Indulging in Greek cuisine can transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Aegean Sea. One dish that captures the essence of Greece is Greek Chicken Tenders. Juicy, packed with flavor from the fragrant herbs and a tangy lemon marinade, this recipe brings quick and delicious comfort to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tenders are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love Making It
What sets Greek Chicken Tenders apart from regular chicken dishes? First off, the quick marinade translates to a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create something authentic and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is also incredibly versatile; serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal or alongside roasted veggies for a hearty feast.
"These Greek Chicken Tenders are a game-changer! Simple to make and bursting with flavor, they have quickly become a family favorite." – A Happy Home Cook
Your Easy Cooking Guide
Making Greek Chicken Tenders is straightforward. You’ll start with a flavorful marinade that brings a delightful twist to chicken. The process consists of marinating the chicken, cooking it to perfection, and serving it with your favorite sides. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s involved: you’ll whisk up a simple marinade, coat your chicken, and let it soak up all that deliciousness before grilling or baking.
Gather Your Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty tenders:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Feel free to substitute fresh herbs if you want to elevate the flavor even further. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works too!
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Step-by-Step Directions
Now let’s dive into how to make these delicious Greek Chicken Tenders:
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Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly.
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Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade. Make sure they’re fully coated! Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
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Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Cook the Chicken: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
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Rest and Slice: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices for a moist finish.
Perfect Pairings for Greek Chicken Tenders
When it comes to side dishes, the options are limitless! Consider serving your tenders with:
- A refreshing Greek salad with feta and olives.
- Quinoa or couscous, tossed with herbs and veggies.
- Tzatziki sauce for dipping—yogurt mixed with cucumber, garlic, and dill adds a delightful contrast.
- Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for a wholesome meal.
Best Way to Store Greek Chicken Tenders
To keep your Greek Chicken Tenders fresh, here are some handy storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.
Pro Chef Tips
Here are some expert tips for achieving the best results with this recipe:
- Allow time for marinating: Letting the chicken marinate for longer than 30 minutes dramatically improves flavor—up to 4 hours is ideal.
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure it’s cooked perfectly, an instant-read thermometer is a great tool for checking the internal temperature.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking keeps it juicy and tender.
Creative Twists
Consider these variations to add a personal touch to your Greek Chicken Tenders:
- Add spice: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the marinade for heat.
- Herb swaps: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or parsley instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
- BBQ twist: Brush the tenders with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet and smoky flavor.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to cook Greek Chicken Tenders?
Cooking time is approximately 12-14 minutes total, depending on thickness, so be sure to check that they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture, cooking in the same time frame.
How should I store leftovers? Can they be reheated?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for best results.
With this delectable recipe, you’ll have a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that will make your dinner table sing with Mediterranean flair. Enjoy making—and eating—these Greek Chicken Tenders!
Print
Greek Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders marinated in fragrant herbs and tangy lemon, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Chicken: Grill or bake the chicken tenders for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Notes
Consider adding red pepper flakes for spice or using fresh herbs like dill. Serve with tzatziki or a Greek salad for a refreshing meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Chicken, Greek, Quick Dinner, Marinade, Grilled Chicken
