Greek-Style Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Tenders—juicy, herb-marinated, and flame-kissed with bold garlic, lemon, and zesty oregano flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Greek flavors with minimal ingredients
- Quick to prepare and fast to cook
- Healthy, high-protein, and low-carb
- Perfect for grilling season or indoor grill pans
- Versatile: serve with salads, wraps, bowls, or dips
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and family-friendly
- Can be served warm or chilled
- Pairs beautifully with a variety of Mediterranean sides
- Customizable with different herbs or marinades
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
- Grill chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite Mediterranean sides.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Calories per serving: 220 kcal
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade.
- Citrus Herb Marinade: Replace lemon juice with a mix of lemon and orange for a sweeter tang.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh dill, mint, or basil instead of oregano and thyme.
- Tzatziki Bowl: Serve chicken over rice or quinoa with cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki.
- Wrap It Up: Slice and wrap in pita with veggies and hummus or feta cheese.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice them into strips for even cooking or adjust the grilling time accordingly.
What can I serve with this chicken?
Great pairings include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, hummus, couscous, or pita bread.
Can I cook this in a skillet?
Absolutely. A cast-iron or nonstick skillet works well if you don’t have a grill.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, but more than 8 hours may make the texture slightly mushy due to the lemon juice.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your sides and sauces are, too.
Can I meal prep this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store cooked tenders and reheat when needed.
Can I add vegetables to the grill?
Yes! Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair wonderfully and cook quickly.
What herbs are best for garnishing?
Fresh parsley, dill, or mint complement the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes or broil for extra char.
Conclusion
Greek Style Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of flavor, simplicity, and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or prepping meals for the week, this recipe delivers on all fronts—healthy, quick, and delicious. Serve it up with your favorite Mediterranean sides for a wholesome, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Delicious Pairings & Related Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes
- Complement your grilled chicken with the hearty and colorful grilled chicken avocado salad bowl — a fresh and protein-rich side.
- Add an extra Mediterranean touch with slow cooker Mediterranean chicken — perfect for batch cooking and meal prep.
- Serve your tenders alongside the zesty and aromatic zesty lemon garlic chicken bowtie pasta — ideal for dinner spreads.
- For a lighter low-carb option, explore the flavorful low carb Italian turkey zucchini skillet — veggie-packed and wholesome.
- Balance your plate with a refreshing cucumber salad with honey lime dressing — crisp, cooling, and perfect with grilled meats.
Greek Style Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 18 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Style Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Tenders are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. Ideal with salad, warm pita, or tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat well in the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard excess marinade.
- Grill chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Can be cooked indoors on a grill pan if outdoor grilling isn’t an option.
- Serve with a side of tzatziki, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg