Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: Flavorful, Easy & Healthy!

this Recipe

First off, thank you so much for stopping by! I’m genuinely thrilled to share this recipe for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders with you today. The moment you taste the zesty, herby crunch, you’ll see why it’s been on repeat in my kitchen lately! If you love fresh Mediterranean flavors and easy, healthy meals, this one’s going to be your new weeknight hero.

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What Are Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders?

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy strips of chicken marinated in a bright, herb-packed yogurt mixture, then baked or air-fried until golden and crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside. Think all the bold flavors of Greece—lemon, garlic, oregano—wrapped up in a perfectly crunchy bite! These are not your average chicken tenders; they’re a flavor-packed, adult-approved upgrade that kids will love too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy yet satisfying: No deep frying here! Baking or air-frying keeps things light without sacrificing that crave-worthy crisp.
• Simple ingredients: You probably have most of them in your pantry already.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy tender Greek chicken all week long!
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist these.

What Do Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Taste Like?

Oh, you’re in for a treat! They’re zesty, savory, and aromatic. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with the fresh brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the earthy notes of oregano. The crispy coating delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Honestly? They smell so good while baking that you’ll be hovering by the oven.

Benefits of Making Greek Chicken Tenders

• High in protein
• Lower in fat compared to traditional fried tenders
• Packed with calcium from the yogurt marinade
• Loaded with gut-friendly probiotics if you use Greek yogurt
• Naturally gluten-free if you choose the right coating!

Ingredients for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

• 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but highly recommended!)
• Cooking spray

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet or air fryer
• Parchment paper (for baking)
• Tongs or a fork
• Zester or fine grater

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Spicy kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• Herb swap: Substitute thyme or rosemary if you’re out of oregano.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• Cheesier crunch: Double the Parmesan for a cheesier coating!

How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Remove each tender from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then coat evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure they’re fully coated.

Step 3: Bake or Air Fry

Baking method:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer. Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

Air fryer method:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place tenders in the basket (don’t overcrowd!) and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon and your favorite dip!

What to Serve with Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

• Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta
• Tzatziki sauce for dipping (a must!!)
• Roasted lemon potatoes
• Warm pita bread
• Quinoa tabbouleh

You could even pile them into a pita wrap with veggies for an epic lunch!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Don’t skip the marinade time! It’s what makes them ultra-juicy and flavorful.
• Use a wire rack on your baking sheet if you want extra-crispy sides.
• Double the batch. You’ll be SO glad you have leftovers for salads and wraps!
• Serve immediately. Like most crispy foods, they’re best fresh from the oven or air fryer.

How to Store and Reheat

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again—avoid microwaving if you can, to keep that beautiful crunch!

General Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Servings: About 4 servings
• Difficulty: Super easy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Absolutely! Freeze them after baking. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer at 400°F until hot and crispy.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here. Just slice them into strips before marinating.

How can I make these extra crispy?

Use a mix of panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes for a super-crunchy coating!

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders! They’re proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Every juicy, herb-packed bite is like a little Greek vacation on your plate—without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, meal prepping lunches, or just treating yourself, these tenders are a guaranteed win!

Looking for more Mediterranean magic? You might love trying my recipes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup or Baked Feta Pasta with Tomatoes next!

💬 I would LOVE to hear how yours turn out! Leave a review below and tag your photos on Pinterest—I can’t wait to see them!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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