Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Tenders

This juicy Greek chicken tender recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece with minimal effort. The fragrant blend of herbs and lemon creates chicken so flavorful that it's become my go-to for both everyday meals and entertaining guests.

I developed this recipe during a particularly busy season when I needed nutritious meals that wouldn't keep me in the kitchen for hours. Now it's in regular rotation because my family requests it at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts create the perfect tender texture while absorbing all the marinade flavors
• Olive oil provides authentic Mediterranean flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking
• Fresh garlic cloves offer far superior flavor than pre-minced options look for firm bulbs without sprouting
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish store lemons at room temperature and roll before juicing for maximum yield
• Dried oregano adds classic Greek flavor use Mediterranean oregano if available for the most authentic taste
• Sea salt enhances all the flavors without overpowering
• Black pepper provides subtle heat that balances the brightness of lemon
• Smoked paprika gives unexpected depth and subtle smokiness even when baking instead of grilling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the marinade

Whisk together olive oil lemon juice minced garlic oregano salt pepper and paprika until well blended. This aromatic base infuses the chicken with Mediterranean flavor while the acid from the lemon begins tenderizing the meat.

Marinate the chicken

Place chicken breasts in the marinade ensuring they're completely covered on all sides. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes but ideally up to 4 hours. The longer marinating time allows flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat for the most flavorful result.

Heat cooking surface

Preheat your grill to medium high heat approximately 375400°F or if baking preheat oven to 400°F. Proper preheating ensures beautiful caramelization on the outside while locking moisture inside.

Cook to perfection

Grill or bake the tenders for 67 minutes per side monitoring closely to avoid overcooking. Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internal temperature and develops a gorgeous golden exterior. Look for clear juices when pierced with a fork.

Rest and serve

Allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 5 full minutes before slicing. This critical step allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring each bite remains moist. Serve with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over top.

Bookmark

The dried oregano in this recipe is my absolute favorite ingredient. I discovered its importance while traveling through Greece where I noticed how generously locals use it in cooking. The earthy fragrance it imparts to the chicken instantly transports me back to little tavernas overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Serving Suggestions

These Greek chicken tenders pair beautifully with so many sides. For an authentic Mediterranean meal serve alongside a simple Greek salad with cucumber tomatoes red onion and feta cheese. Add warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for dipping to create a complete feast. For a lighter option serve over a bed of lemony orzo or with grilled vegetables drizzled with olive oil.

Make Ahead Instructions

This recipe works wonderfully for busy weeknight planning. You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The chicken can be marinated overnight for maximum flavor infusion. After cooking any leftover tenders can be refrigerated for up to 4 days making them perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick protein additions to salads and grain bowls.

Flavor Variations

While this recipe is delicious as written several simple variations can create entirely new meals. Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that children especially enjoy. For a spicier version include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne. Replace the lemon juice with lime and add cilantro instead of oregano for a different citrus profile that pairs beautifully with avocado and black beans.

Recipe Q&A

→ How long should I marinate the chicken tenders?

For best results, marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You can marinate them for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, but avoid going longer as the lemon juice may start to break down the chicken texture.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work excellently with this marinade and often result in even juicier tenders. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs typically take a few minutes longer than breasts to cook through.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with Greek chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, roasted vegetables, couscous, or warm pita bread. For a complete Mediterranean meal, consider adding hummus, olives, and feta cheese to your spread.

→ How can I tell when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Visually, properly cooked chicken tenders should be golden brown on the outside with clear (not pink) juices when cut.

→ Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the marinade and chicken up to a day in advance and keep refrigerated. You can also fully cook the tenders, refrigerate them for up to 3 days, and reheat when needed. For best texture, reheat in an oven at 350°F until warmed through rather than using a microwave.

→ Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for heat. Another option is to include a finely diced hot pepper like jalapeño or serrano in the marinade. For a different spicy flavor profile, try adding harissa paste for a North African twist.