🍗 Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders (Mediterranean Style)

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed whole-grain crackers)

• 1/2 cup finely crushed cornflakes or extra panko for maximum crunch

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional but adds crispiness)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 2 tbsp olive oil (to drizzle or spray before baking)

For Serving (optional but recommended)

• Lemon wedges

• Tzatziki

• Chopped parsley

• Simple Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, olives)

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🧑‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Greek yogurt

• olive oil

• lemon juice & zest

• garlic

• oregano, thyme, paprika

• salt & pepper

Add chicken tenders and coat well.
Cover and marinate 30 minutes to 4 hours (longer = more tender and flavorful).

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2. Prep the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish combine:

• panko

• crushed cornflakes

• Parmesan (if using)

• oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt

Mix well.

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3. Bread the Tenders

Remove chicken from marinade (no need to wipe it off — it helps the coating stick).
Press each piece firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

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4. Bake or Air Fry

Oven Method

• Preheat to 425°F (220°C).

• Lightly drizzle or spray tenders with olive oil.

• Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Method

• Preheat to 400°F (200°C).

• Spray basket with olive oil.

• Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping at 6 minutes.

Tenders should reach 165°F (74°C) internal temp.

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🍽️ How to Serve (Mediterranean Style)

• Drizzle with fresh lemon juice

• Dip in tzatziki

• Serve with:

  • roasted vegetables

  • Greek salad

  • rice pilaf

  • hummus and warm pita

  • cucumber yogurt bowls

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🥡 Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days

• Reheat: 8–10 minutes in oven at 375°F for crispiness

• Freezer: Freeze fully cooked tenders up to 2 months