Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Description

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are bursting with Mediterranean flavor. Tender chicken strips are marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then coated in a crispy seasoned crust and baked or air-fried until golden perfection. Serve them with tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, or warm pita bread for a delicious family meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Crispy Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving

• Tzatziki sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.
5. Coat each chicken tender thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.
7. Lightly spray with olive oil.
8. Bake for 18–20 minutes or air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh parsley.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Marinating Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

4

Q & A

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Q: Can I fry them instead of baking?
A: Absolutely. Fry in hot oil for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Q: What dipping sauces work best?
A: Tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, hummus, or spicy feta dip are excellent choices.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months and reheat in the oven or air fryer.