Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: Flavorful, Easy & Healthy!

When I’m looking for a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or crunch, these crispy Greek chicken tenders are my go-to. Marinated in tangy yogurt and herbs, then oven-baked or air-fried to golden perfection, they’re juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these chicken tenders manage to be both healthy and indulgent at the same time. The Greek-inspired marinade adds a bright, herby punch while keeping the chicken super moist. And by skipping the deep fryer, I get all the crunch without the grease. These are great for meal prep, family dinners, or dipping into my favorite sauces.

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast

• Plain Greek yogurt

• Lemon juice

• Garlic, minced

• Dried oregano

• Dried thyme

• Paprika

• Salt and black pepper

• Olive oil or cooking spray

• Optional: fresh parsley, crumbled feta, or tzatziki for serving

Directions

1. I start by marinating the chicken in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavor).

2. I preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat my air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

3. I line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket.

4. I arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each one.

5. I bake them for 18–20 minutes (flipping halfway) or air fry them for 12–14 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

6. I let them rest for a few minutes before serving with a side of dipping sauce or a fresh salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes of marinating and 15–20 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• I sometimes coat the tenders with a light layer of seasoned breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.

• Swapping the lemon juice with red wine vinegar adds a tangy edge.

• I love serving these in pita wraps with tomato, cucumber, and a dollop of hummus or tzatziki.

• For a spicy version, I add cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade.

Storage/reheating

I store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again. I avoid microwaving to preserve the texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs for more flavor. I just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Do I need to use Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt works best for the marinade because of its thickness and tang, but plain regular yogurt also works in a pinch.

Can I freeze these chicken tenders?

Yes, I freeze them after cooking. I reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer for about 15–20 minutes.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely. I make a big batch and use them in wraps, salads, or lunch boxes throughout the week.

What sauces go well with this?

I like serving them with tzatziki, garlic sauce, or a simple lemon tahini dip for a Mediterranean twist.

Conclusion

These crispy Greek chicken tenders are packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches. With a yogurt-based marinade and oven or air fryer crisp, they check all the boxes for a light but satisfying meal. Once I started making them, they quickly became a regular part of my meal rotation.

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: Flavorful, Easy & Healthy!

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: ~50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course, Healthy Dinner
• Method: Oven-Baked, Air Fried
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are juicy, golden, and full of Mediterranean flavor thanks to a tangy Greek yogurt marinade and oven or air fryer crisping. Infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, they’re a healthy, protein-packed option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or dipping in your favorite sauces—without sacrificing crunch or taste.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast
• Plain Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Garlic, minced
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: fresh parsley, crumbled feta, tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken tenders to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).

3. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

4. Line a baking sheet with parchment or grease your air fryer basket.

5. Place marinated chicken tenders in a single layer, spacing them apart.

6. Bake for 18–20 minutes (flip halfway) or air fry for 12–14 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

7. Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or feta and serve with tzatziki if desired.

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Notes

• Coat in seasoned breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
• Substitute red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a tangy twist.
• Serve in pita wraps with fresh veggies and hummus or tzatziki.
• Add chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy version.
• Avoid microwaving leftovers to maintain crisp texture.