Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders 🍋
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy on the inside, golden on the outside, and packed with bright Mediterranean flavor. Fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and herbs create a delicious marinade that gives the chicken a fresh and savory taste in every bite. They’re easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, wraps, salads, or healthy snacking, and they cook beautifully in the air fryer or oven. Serve them with warm pita bread, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and allows the chicken to crisp up nicely while cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated in the flavorful Greek marinade.
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20–30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinating for a few hours in the refrigerator will make the chicken even more flavorful and tender.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is crispy on the edges and cooked through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Once cooked, sprinkle the chicken tenders with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top. The fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing finish that perfectly complements the herbs and garlic.
These crispy Greek chicken tenders are delicious served with tzatziki sauce, rice bowls, roasted potatoes, or tucked into pita wraps with cucumber and tomatoes.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
A healthy, high-protein Mediterranean-style meal that’s full of flavor and easy to make any day of the week.