Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are a simple and tasty meal that brings the fresh flavors of Greece right into your kitchen. This recipe uses juicy chicken strips coated with herbs, spices, and a light crispy layer. The outside is golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and full of flavor. It is a perfect mix of comfort food and fresh Mediterranean taste. Even if you are new to cooking, you can make this dish with confidence. The steps are easy, and the ingredients are simple to find in any grocery store.

People love this recipe because it is full of flavor without being heavy. The Greek style seasoning uses garlic, lemon, oregano, and olive oil, which gives the chicken a bright and fresh taste. The crispy coating makes every bite satisfying and fun to eat. It is great for both kids and adults. You can serve these tenders as a snack, in a sandwich, on top of a salad, or as a main meal with rice or roasted vegetables. It is one of those dishes that feels special but is actually very easy to prepare.

This recipe is perfect when you want something comforting but still healthy. It is great for busy weeknights, weekend family dinners, or even meal prep for the week. If you are trying to eat more protein or follow a balanced diet, these chicken tenders are a smart choice. They are baked instead of deep fried, which keeps them lighter. When you crave something crispy but do not want fast food, this homemade version will make you feel happy and satisfied. It is also a wonderful recipe to share with friends and family because it brings warmth and joy to the table.

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Ingredients You Will Need

Here is everything you need to make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders. These amounts serve about 4 people.

• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 half cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 half teaspoon onion powder

• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil for baking tray

Optional for serving:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon wedges

• Tzatziki sauce

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Step by Step Method

First, prepare the chicken. Wash the chicken breasts under cold water and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into even strips. Try to make them similar in size so they cook evenly.

Next, make the Greek style marinade. In a large bowl, add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until smooth. The yogurt will help make the chicken soft and juicy. The lemon and herbs will give it that fresh Greek flavor.

Add the chicken strips into the bowl with the marinade. Use a spoon or clean hands to coat each piece well. Make sure all the chicken is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours for even better flavor.

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the crispy coating. In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and onion powder. Stir well so all the spices are evenly spread.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.

Now take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator. One by one, remove each chicken strip from the yogurt mixture. Let the extra marinade drip off gently. Then roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs stick well on all sides. Place each coated strip on the prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between each piece.

Once all the chicken strips are coated and placed on the tray, lightly spray the top with cooking spray or brush a small amount of olive oil over them. This helps them become golden and crispy in the oven.

Place the tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, you can carefully turn the chicken strips to help them cook evenly. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and the inside temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

After baking, remove the tray from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges or tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.

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Why This Recipe Is Special

This Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders recipe is special because it combines taste and health in one dish. Instead of deep frying, the chicken is baked in the oven. This means less oil and fewer calories. You still get that crispy texture, but in a lighter way.

The use of Greek yogurt is another great benefit. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and helps make the chicken tender. It also adds a creamy texture without using heavy cream or butter. The herbs and lemon juice bring natural flavor, so you do not need too much salt.

This recipe is also high in protein, which helps support muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer. It is perfect for people who want to maintain a balanced diet. You can pair it with a fresh salad or whole grain rice for a complete meal.

The taste is bright, fresh, and slightly tangy. The crispy outside and juicy inside create a perfect balance. It feels like comfort food but with a Mediterranean twist. Every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

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Extra Tips for Better Taste

If you want even more flavor, try adding a little lemon zest to the marinade. Lemon zest gives a stronger citrus aroma and makes the dish taste even fresher.

You can also mix some crushed cornflakes with the breadcrumbs for extra crunch. This will make the chicken even more crispy without frying.

For a spicy touch, add a small pinch of chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture. It will give a gentle heat that pairs well with the Greek herbs.

If you have fresh herbs like dill or parsley, add them to the marinade or sprinkle them on top before serving. Fresh herbs always enhance the taste.

You can also cook these chicken tenders in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway. This method makes them even more crispy with less oil.

Serve the chicken in a warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki sauce for a homemade Greek style wrap. It is perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Final Thoughts

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are a simple and delicious recipe that anyone can make at home. The flavors are fresh and comforting at the same time. The recipe uses basic ingredients but creates a meal that feels special. It is great for family dinners, meal prep, or even small gatherings with friends. Once you try this recipe, it may become one of your favorite ways to enjoy chicken. Cooking at home can be easy and fun, and this dish proves that healthy food can also be very tasty.

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Nutrition Details

Here is an estimated nutrition breakdown for the whole recipe and per serving. This may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.

Nutrition for Whole Recipe

Nutrition Per Serving

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

These values are estimates and can change based on portion size and ingredient brands.