Description
This Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe features juicy chicken tenders marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Perfectly grilled to tender perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon zest, these chicken tenders offer a vibrant Mediterranean taste that pairs wonderfully with tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, or pita bread for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken tenders into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring they are fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, to infuse maximum flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 375°F (190°C). For indoor cooking, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
- Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken tenders for 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juices.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest on top for added brightness and aroma before serving.
- Serving suggestions: Enjoy the grilled chicken tenders with tzatziki sauce, on a fresh Greek salad, or wrapped in warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes, but longer marination (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If grilling outdoors is not available, a grill pan works well on the stovetop.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- For a low-sodium option, reduce or omit added salt.
- Fresh herbs and lemon zest garnish add a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Leftover grilled chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
