1. Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine:
Greek yogurt
Lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Oregano
Paprika
Salt & pepper
Lemon zest
Mix until smooth.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (best: 2–6 hours).
The yogurt breaks down proteins and makes the chicken extremely tender.
3. Coat for Crispiness (Optional)
For extra crunch:
Mix panko or breadcrumbs with a little salt, pepper, oregano.
Lightly press each tender into breadcrumbs.
4. Cook (Choose Your Method)
Pan-Fry (Crispiest)
Heat 2–3 tablespoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Air Fryer
Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Spray basket with oil, cook 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Oven-Baked
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place tenders on a lined baking sheet.
Bake 18–20 minutes, flipping at 10 minutes.
5. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and squeeze lemon on top. Serve hot with tzatziki or Greek salad.
Recipe Notes
Greek yogurt tenderizes better than regular yogurt.
Lemon zest boosts flavor without adding too much acidity.
Breadcrumbs are optional—the marinade alone creates a nice crust.
Do not overcook; chicken tenders cook fast!
Tips for Best Results
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for richer flavor and better browning.
Let chicken come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
If pan-frying, avoid overcrowding the skillet to keep them crispy.
Marinate overnight for maximum flavor.
Add 1 tsp honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness.
Servings
Makes 4 servings
About 3–4 tenders per person
Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)
(Assuming pan-fried, no breadcrumbs)
Calories: ~260
Protein: 32g
Fat: 9g
Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Breadcrumb coating adds ~60–90 calories per serving.
Health Benefits
High in lean protein → supports muscle growth & satiety
Greek yogurt provides probiotics & calcium
Lemon and garlic add antioxidants
Minimal oil and clean ingredients
Mediterranean-style seasoning helps reduce inflammation
Q&A About Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice them into strips for even cooking.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in oven/air fryer to keep crisp.
Q: Can these be frozen?
Yes! Freeze marinated or cooked tenders for up to 3 months.
Q: Best dipping sauces?
Tzatziki
Lemon-garlic aioli
Honey mustard
Greek feta dip
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