Get ready to transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with these Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders! This dish is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: it’s juicy, packed with flavor from a tangy yogurt marinade, and cooks up in under ten minutes. Whether you’re cooking up a healthy lunch, planning a picnic, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders deliver big, bold flavors with minimal fuss. They’re also naturally gluten-free, making them a crowd pleaser for just about any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes these Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders truly shine? It’s all about using just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that bring vibrant, classic Greek flavors together in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chicken tenders (1 ½ pounds): These are naturally tender and quick-cooking, so you get juicy, flavorful bites every single time.
- Plain Greek yogurt (¼ cup): The secret weapon! Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and creates a luxurious marinade that keeps things moist and tangy.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the marinade hug each piece of chicken beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): For a bright, citrusy zing that highlights all the savory flavors.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Garlic brings aromatic depth—don’t skimp on it!
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): A splash of vinegar sharpens the marinade, balancing richness with just the right amount of tang.
- Chopped fresh oregano (1 tablespoon, or 1 teaspoon dried): Herbaceous and classic, oregano is the unmistakable backbone of Greek marinades.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Just the right amount to bring out all the flavors; adjust to your liking.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For a subtle kick and extra savory balance.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds color and a gentle smokiness that’s absolutely irresistible.
How to Make Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Grab a medium bowl and toss in the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Give it all a whisk until it’s creamy, smooth, and combined. This is where the magic begins—the marinade not only flavors your chicken but also tenderizes it for maximum juiciness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Tenders
Add your chicken tenders right to the bowl, turning and tossing until each piece is coated in that luscious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—though if you have the time, letting it soak for up to 8 hours will give you gloriously tender and tasty results.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. If using an outdoor grill, give the grates a quick brush with oil to help prevent sticking. This step ensures your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders cook evenly and get those gorgeous grill marks.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Arrange the tenders directly on the hot grates. Grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side, turning once, until they are beautifully charred and cooked through (the internal temp should reach 165°F). Watch them closely—they cook fast!
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer your sizzling Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite succulent and flavorful. Now you’re ready to plate up and enjoy!
How to Serve Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra oregano, or a flurry of crumbled feta are all excellent ways to add color and a final burst of flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten every bite and look lovely on the plate.
Side Dishes
Nothing beats classic pairings like fluffy Greek lemon rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or warm grilled pita bread. For a more substantial meal, serve your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders with creamy tzatziki and a simple Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, olives, and cucumber. These sides bring out the best in the chicken and lend a true Mediterranean flair to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try threading the marinated chicken onto skewers before grilling for a festive, party-ready look (just soak wooden skewers if using). Or, slice the cooked tenders and pile them into pita pockets with roasted veggies and sauce for a quick gyro-style wrap. Over a big platter of greens, these chicken tenders make a fabulous protein-packed salad centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re just as fantastic cold as they are hot—perfect for lunchboxes or quick salads!
Freezing
If you want to save some for another day, freeze the grilled chicken tenders in a zip-top bag or tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For best flavor and texture, let them cool first and consider wrapping them individually for easy grab-and-go reheating.
Reheating
Warm chilled or thawed Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders gently in a skillet over medium heat, or wrap in foil and heat in the oven at 350°F until heated through. A quick splash of water or broth in the pan will help keep them moist. They’re also delicious at room temperature, making them a star for easy meal prep!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips about the same thickness as tenders so they cook evenly and stay juicy. The marinade will work its magic whether you use tenders or breast.
Do I have to use fresh oregano?
While fresh oregano is wonderfully aromatic, you can easily swap in dried oregano. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third as much—1 teaspoon dried instead of 1 tablespoon fresh.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly, or you can even broil the chicken tenders on a lightly greased baking sheet for similar results. The flavors of Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders will still shine.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the marinade together a day or two ahead. Just store it tightly covered in the fridge (without the chicken) until you’re ready to prep. This makes dinnertime even quicker and easier.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—look for 165°F in the thickest part. Otherwise, your Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are ready when they’re firm to the touch, lightly charred, and juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to Greek flavors or a longtime fan, making Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders brings a fresh, satisfying meal to your table in almost no time. Give them a try and enjoy a little taste of the Mediterranean right at home—your family and friends are sure to love them just as much as you will!
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Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Tender, juicy chicken tenders marinated in a flavorful Greek-inspired blend of Greek yogurt, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. This easy and delicious recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, tossing until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, grill for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and charred.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the grilled tenders to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- You can substitute chicken breast cut into strips if chicken tenders are unavailable.
- For extra flavor, serve with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
