Name: Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 2 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp); 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)

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These Greek-style grilled chicken tenders are juicy, zesty, and packed with Mediterranean flavors. Marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then grilled to perfection, they make a quick and healthy meal that works beautifully for dinner, meal prep, or even entertaining.

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet flavorful these chicken tenders turn out. The marinade comes together in minutes, and the grilling process adds a smoky, charred flavor that pairs so well with the lemon and garlic. I also like that this recipe is versatile—I can serve the chicken over rice, tucked into a pita with tzatziki, or alongside a fresh Greek salad. It’s a light but satisfying dish that always feels like a treat.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb chicken tenders
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried oregano (optional for extra flavor)

Directions

I place the chicken tenders in a bowl or resealable bag.
I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using).
I pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated.
I let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator (longer if I have time, up to 2 hours).
I preheat my grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat.
I grill the chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
I remove them from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The prep time is around 10 minutes, plus at least 30 minutes of marinating. Cooking takes about 8–10 minutes total.

Variations

I sometimes swap chicken tenders for chicken thighs or breasts cut into strips.
I add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the marinade for a fresher taste.
I like to sprinkle crumbled feta and drizzle extra lemon juice over the finished dish.
For spice, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I serve it with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a full Greek-inspired meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or a quick warm-up in the microwave. For best results, I like to reheat gently so the chicken doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Can I make this chicken ahead of time?

Yes, I often marinate the chicken in the morning and grill it later in the day. I also sometimes cook it ahead and enjoy it cold in salads.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

I can bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes gives the chicken good flavor, but I find that 1–2 hours makes it even better.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, I place the chicken and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready, I thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

What can I serve with these chicken tenders?

I like pairing them with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, or pita bread with tzatziki.

Conclusion

These Greek-style grilled chicken tenders are one of my favorite quick and flavorful meals. The combination of lemon, garlic, and olive oil brings out a bright Mediterranean taste, while the grill adds that irresistible smoky char. Whether I serve them with salad, tucked in pita, or over rice, they always make a delicious and healthy option I can count on.