🍗🇬🇷 Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders (Mediterranean Style)

Juicy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside — these Greek-inspired chicken tenders are marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then baked or air-fried to perfection. They’re lighter than traditional fried tenders but full of bold Mediterranean flavor.

Perfect for family dinners, wraps, salads, or mezze platters!

🌿 Description

Mediterranean cooking is all about bright citrus, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. These chicken tenders feature:

Fresh lemon juice for brightness
Extra virgin olive oil for tenderness
Garlic & oregano for classic Greek flavor
Greek yogurt marinade for juicy texture
Parmesan & whole wheat crumbs for crispy coating

They’re baked instead of deep-fried, making them healthier yet still deliciously crunchy.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Marinade:

500 g (1 lb) chicken tenders (or chicken breast strips)
½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Crispy Coating:

¾ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or panko)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours (longer = more flavor).

2️⃣ Prepare the Coating

Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.

3️⃣ Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade (shake off excess).
Press into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.

4️⃣ Bake

Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange tenders without overcrowding.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.

🌬 Air Fryer Option

Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 12–14 minutes, turning halfway.

🥣 Optional Mediterranean Dipping Sauce (Tzatziki-Style)

½ cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh dill
Salt to taste

Mix and chill before serving.

🥗 Serving Ideas

Stuff into warm pita with lettuce & tomatoes
Slice over a Greek salad
Serve with roasted vegetables
Add to grain bowls with quinoa or rice
Pair with hummus and olives

🥦 Nutrition Highlights

✔ High in protein
✔ Baked, not fried
✔ Gut-friendly yogurt marinade
✔ Mediterranean heart-healthy fats
✔ Kid-friendly & meal-prep friendly

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Q2: Can I skip yogurt?

You can use buttermilk or lemon-olive oil marinade instead, but yogurt keeps it extra tender.

Q3: How do I keep them crispy?

Don’t overcrowd the pan and broil briefly at the end.

Q4: Can I freeze them?

Yes! Freeze cooked tenders and reheat in oven or air fryer.

Q5: How long do leftovers last?

Store in fridge up to 3 days in an airtight container.