🍗 Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Total Time: 35–40 minutes
🌿 Mediterranean Diet Friendly | High-Protein | Oven or Air Fryer
🧄 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
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1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Coating:
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1 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
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½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional for flavor)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Olive oil spray or drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Add chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating:
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In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
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Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
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Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides.
3. Cook (Choose One Method):
👉 Oven Method:
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Place chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crisp.
👉 Air Fryer Method:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
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Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
4. Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Serve warm with your favorite dips or sides.
🍋 Mediterranean Dipping Sauces
Try one (or all!) of these:
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Tzatziki: Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill
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Tahini-Lemon Sauce: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil
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Roasted Red Pepper Dip: Blended roasted peppers, olive oil, and feta
🥗 Serving Ideas
Pair your crispy Greek chicken tenders with:
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Greek salad (cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta)
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Lemon-herb couscous or quinoa tabbouleh
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Roasted Mediterranean vegetables (zucchini, peppers, and eggplant)
💡 Tips
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For gluten-free: use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed chickpeas.
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For extra crispiness, refrigerate breaded chicken for 10–15 minutes before baking or air frying.
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These reheat beautifully in the oven — perfect for meal prep!
