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Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders on Serving Platter.

Greek Chicken Tenders

Flavorful chicken tenders marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, then grilled or baked to juicy perfection.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 54 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs, cut into 1-inch thick strips
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill or oven
  • Meat thermometer
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

  1. Cut each chicken breast lengthwise into 3-4 strips about 1 inch thick for even cooking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until well blended and slightly emulsified, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and coat each piece thoroughly with the marinade using your hands or tongs. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. You can marinate overnight for maximum tenderness.
  3. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F) or your oven to 400°F (200°C). If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing most of the liquid to drip off but leaving the garlic and herb bits clinging to the meat. Grill or bake for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. The chicken should have golden-brown grill marks or a nicely roasted exterior with no pink remaining.
  5. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight to deepen flavors. Fresh garlic and extra virgin olive oil make a significant difference in taste. Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Marinated raw chicken keeps for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture.