Easy Greek Chicken Tenders

This healthy Greek chicken tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean masterpiece with robust herbs and seasonings. Ready in just 10 minutes, these flavorful tenders become the foundation for countless meals throughout your week, from vibrant salads to satisfying wraps.

I first made these during a particularly hectic summer when my family was constantly on the go. Despite our packed schedule, we still enjoyed delicious, homemade meals because I could quickly transform these tenders into different dishes throughout the week.

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – The canvas for our Greek flavors, chicken breasts provide lean protein. Choose ones that feel firm and have a pinkish color without any gray spots for the freshest quality
• Olive oil – Not just any oil, but the Mediterranean's liquid gold that infuses the chicken with richness while helping the herbs and spices adhere to the meat
• Balsamic vinegar – This adds a complex sweet-tangy dimension that balances the savory elements and helps tenderize the chicken
• Oregano, thyme, and garlic – This trinity of Greek flavors forms the aromatic backbone of the dish, creating that authentic Mediterranean profile that transports you straight to the Greek isles

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the chicken -

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin, even strips about 1-inch wide. This uniform size ensures they'll cook evenly and quickly. If there's any excess fat, trim it away for a leaner result. Place all your chicken strips into a large reclosable plastic bag, making sure to spread them out so the marinade can coat each piece thoroughly.

Create the marinade -

In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of high-quality olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. The combination should look dark and aromatic. Pour this flavorful mixture over the chicken in the bag.

Marinate thoroughly -

Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible. Now gently massage the bag to ensure each chicken strip is coated evenly with the marinade. Place the bag flat in your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination will develop much deeper flavors as the acids in the balsamic vinegar work to tenderize the meat.

Prepare for cooking -

When you're ready to cook, remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes beforehand to take the chill off. This helps the chicken cook more evenly. Heat a heavy skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until it's nice and hot, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, swirling to coat the surface.

Cook to perfection -

Carefully place the marinated chicken strips in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful brown crust on the bottom. Flip each piece and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should have a gorgeous caramelized exterior while remaining juicy inside.

Rest before serving -

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your chicken stays moist and tender when you cut into it. After resting, your Greek chicken tenders are ready to enjoy immediately or store for future meals.

Pin it

My family particularly loves the oregano in this recipe. My grandmother used to grow it in her garden, and the scent always reminds me of summer meals on her patio. She swore by its medicinal properties too, using it in teas when someone caught a cold. Now I grow my own oregano and love incorporating it into dishes like this one.

Meal Prep Magic

These Greek chicken tenders truly shine when incorporated into your weekly meal prep routine. I typically make a double batch on Sunday afternoons, storing them in glass containers in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as the herbs continue to infuse the meat.

For quick lunches, I've found that slicing these tenders on top of a Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and feta creates a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes. My husband prefers them stuffed into whole wheat pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables for an easy hand-held lunch at work.

Perfect Pairings

These versatile chicken tenders pair beautifully with so many sides. A simple Greek salad is the classic choice, but they also complement roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside lemon-herb rice or roasted potatoes with a sprinkle of oregano to echo the flavors in the chicken.

When entertaining, I arrange these tenders on a platter surrounded by hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warmed pita triangles for an impressive Mediterranean spread that always gets compliments. The combination of flavors transports guests straight to the Greek isles without leaving your dining room.

Storage and Reheating

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how well it stores. The cooked tenders will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days without losing their wonderful flavor. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag where they'll keep for up to three months.

When reheating, avoid the microwave which can toughen the meat. Instead, warm them gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water to create steam, or wrap them in foil and heat in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. This preserves their moisture and texture beautifully.

I've been making this recipe for over a decade now, and it never disappoints. What I appreciate most is how it transforms simple, affordable ingredients into something that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for everyday meals. The Mediterranean flavors remind us that good food doesn't need to be complicated – sometimes the simplest combinations create the most memorable meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours for best flavor. Longer marinating time means more flavorful chicken.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work great as an alternative. They tend to be more moist but may need 1-2 minutes extra cooking time.

→ Is this recipe really gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Just make sure your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free.

→ How can I tell when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a golden brown exterior, usually after 7-10 minutes of cooking.

→ How long do the leftovers last?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.