Description
Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders marinated in a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then cooked by grilling, pan-searing, or baking for a healthy and delicious meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Substitute with non-dairy yogurt for a dairy-free option.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Can replace with lemon juice for a lighter version.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Use lime for a twist.)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic is preferred.)
- 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano (Substitute with thyme or Italian herb blends if desired.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (White pepper can be used for a milder taste.)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin (Optional.)
Main Ingredient
- 1 pound Chicken Tenders (Can substitute with sliced chicken breast or thighs.)
Garnish
- Fresh Parsley or Dill (Optional, for color and freshness.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and ensure chicken tenders are trimmed and ready for marinating.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them thoroughly in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your preferred cooking method: grill the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side over medium-high heat, pan-sear them in a skillet with olive oil for 3-4 minutes each side until cooked through, or bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 18-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes to lock in juices. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness, then serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute plain Greek yogurt with non-dairy yogurt.
- For a lighter marinade, replace olive oil with additional lemon juice.
- You can substitute dried oregano with thyme or Italian herb blends for a different flavor profile.
- If you prefer a milder pepper flavor, white pepper can be used instead of black pepper.
- Ground cumin is optional but adds a distinctive warmth and depth to the marinade.
- Marinating longer (up to 8 hours) improves the tenderness and flavor of the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps retain moisture for juicier tenders.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, healthy chicken recipe, yogurt marinated chicken, grilled chicken, easy chicken recipes, Mediterranean chicken
