Description
Enjoy these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, marinated in a zesty blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then coated with spiced panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A healthier twist on classic crispy chicken, perfect for a main course with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
Breading
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Olive oil spray or drizzle for baking
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade bowl and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to infuse the chicken with the bright, herbal flavors.
- Preheat the oven. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top if you have one to ensure crispiness on all sides.
- Prepare the breading. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with paprika and ground cumin, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.
- Bread the chicken tenders. Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture so it is fully coated, adhering the crumbs well to the surface.
- Arrange and oil. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking rack or directly onto the baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle the tops with olive oil to help them crisp during baking.
- Bake the tenders. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve. Remove from oven and serve hot, pairing perfectly with tzatziki sauce or fresh lemon wedges for an authentic Greek-inspired meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- These chicken tenders also make a delicious addition to wraps, salads, or pita sandwiches.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
