Here’s a delicious Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders recipe — juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. ✨
Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Crispy Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Olive oil spray (for baking) or oil (for frying)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice & zest, vinegar, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken strips, coating them well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Coating
- In a shallow dish, combine panko, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so coating sticks.
4. Cook the Tenders
Oven-Baked (Healthier Option):
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Pan-Fried (Extra Crispy):
- Heat ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry chicken strips in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve
- Serve hot with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, or a simple Greek salad.
Tips
- For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken (dip back in yogurt marinade, then breadcrumbs again).
- Use air fryer at 390°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Great for wraps, rice bowls, or mezze platters.