Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

🍗 Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

🍽️ Serves: 4

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Cook Time: 20 minutes

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

🌿 Style: Mediterranean / High-Protein

🧂 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Crispy Coating:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or whole wheat)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Olive oil spray (for baking or air frying)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken tenders and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to tenderize and infuse flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.

2. Take each marinated chicken tender and coat it evenly in the breadcrumb mixture.

3. Place coated tenders on a plate or tray.

Step 3: Cooking Options

Option 1: Air Fryer

1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3 minutes.

2. Spray the basket lightly with olive oil.

3. Arrange tenders in a single layer (do not overcrowd).

4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Option 2: Oven

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with olive oil.

3. Place chicken tenders on the sheet and spray the tops with olive oil.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot with:

• Tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill)

• Greek salad (tomato, cucumber, olive, feta)

• A side of roasted potatoes or pita bread

💚 Optional Add-Ons

• Add chili flakes or cayenne to the breadcrumbs for spice.

• Mix lemon zest into the coating for a bright citrus flavor.

• For gluten-free, use almond flour or crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs.

💡 Q&A Section

Q1: Why use Greek yogurt in the marinade?
👉 Greek yogurt tenderizes the chicken naturally while keeping it juicy. It also adds tangy flavor without extra fat.

Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
👉 Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, or coat and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.

Q3: Can I freeze them?
👉 Definitely. Freeze cooked tenders in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 6–7 minutes.

Q4: What’s the best dipping sauce?
👉 Try:

• Tzatziki (classic choice)

• Garlic yogurt dip

• Lemon herb aioli

• Honey mustard (for a sweet contrast)

Q5: How can I make them extra crispy?
👉 Use panko breadcrumbs, preheat your air fryer/oven, and lightly spray oil before cooking to enhance the golden crust.

🍋 Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 230 kcal

• Protein: 30 g

• Carbs: 8 g

• Fat: 9 g

• Sugar: 1 g