Name: Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts); 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional); 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and bursting with the fresh and zesty notes of Mediterranean herbs and lemon. These marinated tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or backyard grilling. When I want something healthy, bold, and ready in no time, this recipe always delivers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy it is to bring bold Greek flavors into such a simple dish. The marinade is fresh and tangy, the chicken grills up in minutes, and the result is always moist and flavorful. Whether I’m serving it with salad, pita, or rice, it’s a go-to that never feels boring.

Ingredients

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

Chicken tenders (or sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
Olive oil
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Garlic (minced)
Dried oregano
Dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Plain Greek yogurt (optional for marinade)

Directions

I start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag to make the marinade.
I add the chicken tenders to the marinade, making sure they’re well coated. I cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
I preheat my grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
I grill the chicken tenders for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked through with nice grill marks.
I let them rest for a few minutes before serving with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate (longer if I have time), and 10 minutes to cook—ready in under 1 hour total.

Variations

I sometimes add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness and a creamy tang.
For a spicy kick, I mix in a bit of crushed red pepper or paprika.
I love turning these into souvlaki by threading the chicken onto skewers and grilling with vegetables.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet or the microwave in short bursts to keep the chicken moist. These also taste great cold—perfect for salads or wraps the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Yes, I slice them into strips or chunks to keep the cooking time short and even.

What sides go well with this?

I usually serve it with rice pilaf, Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or warm pita with tzatziki.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Absolutely. I bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.

How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?

I make sure the grill is hot and oiled before placing the chicken. I also avoid moving the chicken until it naturally releases from the grates.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, I freeze it right in the marinade and thaw in the fridge before grilling. It actually enhances the flavor as it marinates while thawing.

Conclusion

Greek-Style Grilled Chicken Tenders are a bright, herby, and satisfying dish I never get tired of. With a quick marinade and fast grill time, they’re perfect for busy days when I still want something fresh and delicious. Whether I’m serving them for dinner, lunch, or meal prep, they’re always a hit.