There’s something magical about a dish that’s simple and packed with flavor. And these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders? Oh honey, they check all the boxes. Whether you’re wrangling kids after school, powering through a never-ending to-do list, or just craving something satisfying without breaking a sweat, this recipe is here to save dinner (and your sanity).
With lemony, herby vibes and a crispy finish, these Greek Chicken Tenders bring Mediterranean sunshine straight to your table—no plane ticket required. And the best part? You don’t need to be a professional chef or own a fancy grill setup. Just a few pantry staples, a skillet or grill, and boom—magic on a plate.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
Let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new weeknight BFF:
- Quick & easy: We’re talking minimal prep, 30-minute marinade, and under 15 minutes cook time.
- Big flavor: Garlic, oregano, paprika… it’s like a flavor vacation to the Greek islands.
- Kid-approved: Even picky eaters tend to fall for these crispy, juicy bites.
- Healthy-ish: Lean chicken + olive oil + herbs = wholesome dinner that doesn’t taste like cardboard.
Basically, if you’ve got chicken in the fridge and a craving for something zesty, you’re halfway there.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the delicious details, here’s your quick grocery list :
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
That’s it! No trips to the fancy spice store or “where on Earth do I find this?” moments.
How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Mix Up the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk—this is where the flavor magic starts.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Toss those chicken tenders into the bowl and make sure they’re fully coated in that herby, garlicky goodness. Cover and let them chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours if you’ve got the time)
Step 3: Heat Things Up
When you’re ready to cook, heat your grill or skillet over medium-high. If you’re using a skillet, drizzle in a little olive oil to keep things from sticking.
Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place them in the hot pan or grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until they’re golden and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F).
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, Devour
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those juices. Then sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm. (Warning: You might not even make it to the table before grabbing one.)
Tips for Tasty Greek Chicken Tenders Every Time
- Don’t skip the rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps keep it juicy—not dry or rubbery.
- Love extra crisp? Finish the tenders under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want a slightly charred, crispy edge.
- Meal prep magic: Double the batch and store leftovers for salads, wraps, or quick lunches throughout the week.
A Little Chicken Story from My Kitchen
This recipe actually came about during one of those “what-do-we-even-have-to-eat?” nights. You know the ones—no plan, no energy, just hungry people and a fridge full of maybe’s. I threw these Greek Chicken Tenders together with pantry staples and crossed my fingers.
Not only did my kids devour them (rare win!), but my husband declared it his “new favorite chicken thing.” And just like that, a weeknight miracle was born.

FAQs About Greek Chicken Tenders
Can I bake these instead of grilling or pan-frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep that crispy edge.
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead?
Yep! Just slice them into tender-sized strips so they cook evenly.
Why are my chicken tenders not crispy?
If your tenders aren’t getting crispy, the heat might be too low, or there might be too much moisture on the chicken. Pat them dry before cooking and make sure your pan or grill is properly preheated. Don’t overcrowd—give them space to sizzle!
How to keep chicken tenders from getting soggy?
The key is airflow and dryness. After cooking, let them rest on a wire rack instead of a plate so they don’t steam themselves soft. If you’re storing them, avoid sealing them while still warm—let them cool first!
How do you store crispy chicken tenders?
Store them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to bring back that beautiful crisp—microwaving will make them sad and soggy (trust me on this one).
Conclusion
Whether you’re whipping these up for a busy Tuesday or meal prepping for the week, Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are your new go-to dinner hero. Bright, flavorful, and totally fuss-free—this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create seriously crave-worthy meals.
Now go grab that skillet and bring a little Greek sunshine to your dinner table tonight! ☀️🍗
Delicious Ways to Explore More Chicken Magic Recipes
Now that you’ve mastered these flavorful Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, why not keep the culinary adventure going? There’s a whole world of chicken delights waiting for you right here on Chicken Magic Recipes—perfect for switching things up while still keeping it simple and satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping, grilling, or just craving something new, these hand-picked dishes pair beautifully with today’s recipe and will keep your weekly menu anything but boring.
Here are some tasty ideas to explore next:
- For a tangy twist that dives deeper into Mediterranean flavors, try The Best Greek Chicken Marinade—ideal for your next batch of tenders or skewers.
- Craving something tropical and fun? These Pineapple Chicken Kebabs are sweet, savory, and made for summer evenings (or just pretending it’s summer).
- If you loved the crispy element, you’ll adore these gooey, crunchy Mozzarella Lava Chicken Tenders—like a comfort food explosion in your mouth.
- Looking to elevate your grill game? Check out the perfectly juicy Traeger Smoked Chicken Breasts for a smoky, protein-packed meal that’s weekend-BBQ worthy.
Whether you’re keeping it classic or spicing things up, Chicken Magic Recipes has your next dinner inspiration waiting. So grab your apron and explore the delicious possibilities!
Print
Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are bursting with bold Mediterranean flavors like lemon, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, they’re a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner your whole family will love!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.Marinate the Chicken:
Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.Preheat Grill or Skillet:
Heat grill or skillet over medium-high. Drizzle with a little olive oil if using a skillet to prevent sticking.Cook the Tenders:
Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill or pan-fry each tender for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F.Garnish and Serve:
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs, just slice them into similar-sized strips.
For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Leftovers? These make great additions to wraps, salads, or pita sandwiches the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg