Name: Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re ready to awaken your taste buds with the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean, Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders deserve a top spot on your weeknight dinner rotation. Tender but juicy, and perfumed with lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs, these chicken tenders are quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from your plate. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a great meal-prep protein, this recipe checks every box for flavor, versatility, and pure eating joy. Let’s bring a little Greek sunshine to your table!

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders keep things refreshingly simple, but every single ingredient has a role to play. From the bright pop of lemon juice to the earthy hit of oregano and thyme, here’s what makes these tenders truly unforgettable.

Chicken Tenders: Using chicken tenders ensures juicy results and fast cooking — perfect for busy nights.
Olive Oil: The heart-healthy foundation of the marinade, olive oil also adds richness and helps lock in that Mediterranean flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice: For zing and brightness that balances the richness of the chicken and oil.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with robust, savory depth — a Greek staple.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that wakes up all the flavors and helps tenderize the chicken.
Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb, bringing earthy, slightly minty notes to the dish.
Dried Thyme: Pairs beautifully with oregano for that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor in the marinade.
Black Pepper: A little bite to balance the fresh and savory notes.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of bright color and freshness if you love a finishing touch.

How to Make Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Make the Marinade

First, grab a large bowl or a sturdy zip-top bag for effortless cleanup. Whisk together your olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The marinade should already smell incredible — fresh, zesty, and deeply inviting. This is where all the Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders start to get their signature flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Drop in those chicken tenders and toss everything together until each piece is glistening and perfectly coated. Don’t rush this step — the longer the tenders marinate (30 minutes at minimum, but up to 4 hours), the more flavor they’ll soak up. Slide the bowl or bag into the fridge, and let the magic happen while you prep your sides or just kick back and relax.

Step 3: Prep the Grill

When it’s time to cook, heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking — no one wants to lose any of that golden, herby crust. This is when you start to feel like you’re on a Greek island, with the sizzle and aroma filling your kitchen or backyard.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Tenders

Lifting each tenderlet from its marinade (let the excess drip off to prevent flare-ups), lay them on the hot grill. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until there are beautiful grill marks and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C). The vibrant marinade caramelizes into a savory, slightly charred crust — completely irresistible.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. This keeps the juices where you want them — inside the chicken! Finish with a shower of fresh parsley if you like a burst of color and garden-fresh flavor.

How to Serve Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley ties together both taste and presentation. Squeeze a little extra lemon over the top if you crave extra brightness, or add a dusting of crumbled feta for a creamy, salty punch. Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders also shine next to a dollop of cool, herby tzatziki.

Side Dishes

Pair these juicy chicken tenders with classic Greek sides: a fresh cucumber-tomato salad, fluffy pita bread, or a simple orzo pilaf. They’re fantastic with roasted vegetables, olives, or even atop a green salad for a lighter meal. No matter your sides, you’re guaranteed a delicious, well-balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are as versatile as they are flavorful. Stuff them in pita with crunchy veggies for a quick lunch wrap, slice them over a Greek-style rice bowl, or add them to a bountiful mezze platter for easy entertaining. Don’t be surprised if guests ask for seconds — or the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a terrific grab-and-go protein for salads, wraps, or lunchboxes all week long, proving that a little meal prep can go a long way.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and defrost quickly, maintaining both texture and flavor for future meals.

Reheating

When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the tenders in a skillet over medium-low heat or warm them in a 325°F oven, covered with foil. Microwaving works in a pinch, but rewarming on the stove or oven helps maintain that just-grilled goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking. The marinade works beautifully for both breasts and thighs, but the cooking time may vary slightly.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. If you have time, going up to 4 hours makes the Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders even more flavorful and aromatic.

Can I cook these chicken tenders indoors if I don’t have a grill?

Yes! A grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop works great. You’ll still get that beautiful caramelization and juicy texture right from your kitchen.

Are Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders suitable for meal prep?

They’re perfect for meal prep! Make a batch early in the week and enjoy them on salads, in wraps, or paired with quick veggies for satisfying lunches or dinners.

What are some kid-friendly ways to serve these tenders?

Serve them with tzatziki as a dipping sauce or sliced into bite-sized pieces for little hands. They also work wonderfully in wraps or as a protein-packed addition to lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

With their vibrant lemon-herb flavor and unbeatable versatility, Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders promise to be an instant classic at your table. Fire up your grill and invite some Mediterranean magic into your next meal — I can’t wait for you to taste just how good (and easy) homemade Greek can be!

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 18 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Greek-inspired grilled chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve them with tzatziki and a fresh salad for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders

Marinade:

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 3–4 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest before serving.