🇬🇷 Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 min

Marinate: 30 min (recommended)

Cook Time: 12–15 min

Total: ~45 min

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📝 Ingredients

For the chicken tenders

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders or thin-sliced chicken breast strips

• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp ground cumin

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the crispy coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¾ cup finely crushed pita chips or seasoned breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional but delicious)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

For cooking

• Olive oil spray (air fryer/baking)

• OR 3–4 tbsp olive oil (pan frying)

Optional Mediterranean serving ideas

• Tzatziki

• Lemon wedges

• Greek salad

• Warm pita or couscous

• Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives

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🍋 Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together:
   Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper.

2. Add the chicken strips and coat evenly.

3. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 4 hours.
   (The yogurt tenderizes and helps crumbs stick.)

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2. Prepare the crispy coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix:
   panko, crushed pita chips, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper.

2. Remove each chicken strip from marinade and press into the coating, making sure all sides are well covered.
   For extra crispy: double-dip — lightly press again.

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3. Cook the tenders

⭐ Air Fryer (best for crispiness)

1. Preheat to 400°F (205°C).

2. Lightly oil the basket.

3. Place tenders in a single layer.

4. Air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F internal temperature.

⭐ Oven

1. Preheat to 425°F (220°C).

2. Place breaded tenders on a parchment-lined sheet.

3. Spray lightly with olive oil.

4. Bake 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

⭐ Stovetop

1. Heat 3–4 tbsp olive oil in a pan on medium heat.

2. Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through.

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🍽️ To Serve (Mediterranean Style)

• Drizzle with lemon juice

• Add fresh chopped parsley or dill

• Serve with tzatziki, garlic yogurt, or honey-lemon dipping sauce

• Pair with Greek village salad, roasted vegetables, or rice pilaf

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🌿 Optional Dips

Quick Tzatziki

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ grated cucumber (squeezed dry)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp dill

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt, pepper

Mix and chill.

Honey-Lemon Dip

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch paprika and salt
  Whisk until smooth.