These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders offer a delicious Mediterranean twist on a classic favorite. With a creamy Greek yogurt coating and a flavorful herb-infused breadcrumb crust, these tenders bake up golden and crispy without the need for deep frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll appreciate how these Greek-inspired chicken tenders deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The Greek yogurt marinade not only adds amazing flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring juicy results every time. Unlike traditional fried versions, these are baked to crispy perfection, making them a healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice taste. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these versatile tenders will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken tenders provide the perfect foundation for this recipe, offering lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender. You can substitute chicken breast cut into strips if you don’t have tenders on hand.
Greek yogurt creates the creamy, tangy base for the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken while ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly. Full-fat yogurt works best, but low-fat varieties can be used if preferred.
Breadcrumbs form the crispy exterior coating. Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work wonderfully, with panko providing an extra crunchy texture if that’s what you prefer.
Parmesan cheese adds a savory, nutty dimension to the coating while helping achieve that golden-brown color when baked. Fresh grated offers the best flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
Olive oil enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile and helps achieve a crispier exterior when baked. Any quality olive oil in your pantry will do.
Garlic powder infuses the marinade with aromatic flavor without the worry of burning that fresh garlic might present. It distributes evenly throughout the coating.
Dried oregano brings authentic Greek flavor to these tenders. This herb is essential for the Mediterranean profile of the dish.
Salt and pepper are simple yet crucial seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the recipe. Kosher salt works particularly well if you have it available.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, coating it thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Roll the yogurt-coated chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family meal. You’ll need just 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to 35 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, making it a reasonable option for a balanced meal when paired with vegetables or a salad.
Variations
Mediterranean Platter Style: Serve these tenders with tzatziki sauce, hummus, olives, and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Lemon Herb Upgrade: Add lemon zest to the yogurt mixture and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice after baking for a bright, citrusy variation.
Spicy Greek Tenders: Incorporate a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a kick of heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed Rice Chex cereal.
Air Fryer Method: Cook in an air fryer at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through for an even crispier result.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, place a paper towel under and over the tenders to absorb any excess moisture.
Freezing: These tenders freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating in Oven: For the crispiest results, reheat refrigerated tenders in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or frozen tenders for 20-25 minutes.
Reheating in Air Fryer: Quickly reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes for refrigerated tenders or 6-8 minutes for frozen.
Microwave Method: While not ideal for maintaining crispiness, you can microwave refrigerated tenders for 1-2 minutes when you’re in a hurry. Use a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips. Just ensure the strips are of relatively equal size to promote even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the thickness of your cuts.
Why use Greek yogurt instead of eggs?
Greek yogurt not only helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken but also adds tanginess and tenderizes the meat thanks to its acidity. It creates a thicker coating than eggs would, resulting in a more substantial and flavorful crust.
Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
You can prepare the tenders up to the breading stage and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to place them in a single layer on a plate covered with plastic wrap. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appear golden brown on the outside. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest tender to ensure the meat is white throughout with no pink remaining.
What dipping sauces work well with these tenders?
Tzatziki sauce complements the Greek flavors perfectly, but honey mustard, ranch, or a simple lemon-garlic aioli also pair wonderfully. For an authentic Greek experience, try a drizzle of quality olive oil with a sprinkle of dried oregano.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 380°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. This method yields extra-crispy results.
My breadcrumb coating isn’t sticking well. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure your chicken is patted dry before dipping in the yogurt mixture. Also, press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the yogurt-coated chicken. If needed, you can refrigerate the coated tenders for 15-30 minutes before baking to help the coating set.
Can I use flavored Greek yogurt?
It’s best to stick with plain Greek yogurt to avoid unwanted sweetness or competing flavors. The herbs and seasonings in the recipe provide all the flavor you need.
Are these tenders kid-friendly?
Yes! These tenders are a hit with children. For pickier eaters, you can reduce the amount of herbs and serve with a familiar dipping sauce like ketchup or honey.
How can I make these tenders even crispier?
For maximum crispiness, place the tenders on a wire rack set inside your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the entire tender. You can also lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray before baking.
Conclusion
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders offer a delightful fusion of familiar comfort food with Mediterranean flair. By using Greek yogurt as a marinade and coating base, you’re not only adding flavor but also ensuring tender, juicy chicken every time. The herb-infused breadcrumb mixture creates a satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying, making this a healthier option you can feel good about serving regularly.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, looking for crowd-pleasing appetizers, or trying to expand your family’s palate with new flavors, these versatile tenders deliver on all fronts. Their simplicity and relatively short preparation time make them accessible even on busy days, while the results rival restaurant quality. Give these Greek-inspired tenders a try, and they might just become your new go-to chicken recipe!
Print
Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders made with a flavorful blend of Greek yogurt, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings – baked to golden perfection.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt mixture, coating it thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Roll the yogurt-coated chicken tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place the tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with regular yogurt or non-dairy alternatives if needed.
- Serve with marinara, tzatziki, or honey mustard for a tasty dipping option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
