Easy Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, healthy, and simple-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with the bright, aromatic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. Marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, and other Greek seasonings, the chicken becomes infused with savory goodness, creating a dish that is perfect for a light summer meal or as a hearty protein for salads, wraps, or as a main course.

Introduction

If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful chicken recipe, look no further than these Easy Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders. With just a few ingredients, this dish will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, offering a delightful combination of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and rich olive oil. The chicken tenders are marinated to perfection and then grilled until juicy and tender with the perfect char.

Grilling is a fantastic way to cook chicken tenders, as it locks in moisture while giving the meat a lovely smoky flavor. Combined with a Greek-inspired marinade, this recipe provides both freshness and depth of flavor, making it the ideal choice for everything from a simple weeknight dinner to a crowd-pleasing BBQ dish.

Benefits of Grilling Chicken Tenders

Grilling chicken tenders is one of the healthiest ways to cook poultry. Here are a few reasons why grilling is the go-to method for preparing chicken tenders:

• Lower Fat Content: Grilling allows the excess fat to drip away, resulting in leaner chicken.

• Crisp Texture: The high heat from the grill gives the chicken a crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

• Quick Cooking: Chicken tenders cook faster on the grill than larger cuts of meat, making it a great option for quick weeknight meals.

• Smoky Flavor: The smoky taste of grilled chicken adds an extra layer of flavor that’s hard to beat, especially when paired with a flavorful marinade like the one in this recipe.

The Mediterranean Influence: Why Greek Flavors?

Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients, vibrant herbs, and rich olive oil. The flavors of Greece are simple yet profound, and they highlight the natural qualities of food, making them the perfect complement for grilled chicken. Here are some of the key ingredients that make this Greek-inspired recipe stand out:

• Lemon: Bright and tangy, lemon is a cornerstone of Greek marinades. It helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with a refreshing zest.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple in Greek cooking, providing richness and a healthy fat content. It helps to keep the chicken tender and moist while imparting a delicious fruity flavor.

• Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, garlic brings depth and complexity to the marinade, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken.

• Oregano: This herb is a quintessential part of Greek cuisine. It adds a slightly peppery, earthy flavor to the chicken, giving it that authentic Mediterranean taste.

• Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs are also commonly used in Greek cooking, bringing warmth and a subtle piney note to the dish.

Equipment Needed

To prepare and cook the Easy Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders, you will need the following equipment:

• Mixing bowl: For combining the marinade ingredients.

• Whisk: To blend the marinade evenly.

• Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish: For marinating the chicken.

• Grill: A gas or charcoal grill will work fine, or you can use a grill pan if cooking indoors.

• Tongs: To flip the chicken tenders on the grill.

• Meat thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it’s cooked through (165°F or 74°C).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. The marinade should be smooth and well-balanced between tangy, herbal, and savory flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-2 hours is ideal for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes will still provide some flavor infusion.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are hot and have a light ash coating.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken Tenders

Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the tenders on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Depending on the thickness of the tenders, cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender chicken.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides, salads, or dipping sauces.

Grilling Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Avoid overcooking: Chicken tenders cook quickly, and overcooking can lead to dry, tough meat. Using a meat thermometer ensures that your chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

• Clean the grill grates: To prevent sticking, make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before cooking.

• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Make sure there is enough space between the tenders to allow for even cooking and good grill marks.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

While this recipe is packed with classic Greek flavors, there are plenty of ways to personalize it:

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.

• Smoked flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade for a subtle smoky undertone.

• Herb variations: While oregano, thyme, and rosemary are classic Greek herbs, you can experiment with other herbs like basil or parsley for different nuances.

• Yogurt marinade: For an even more traditional Greek flavor, replace part of the olive oil with plain Greek yogurt. This will make the marinade thicker and create a slightly tangy profile.

Serving Ideas

Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders are versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

• In wraps or pita pockets: Wrap the chicken tenders in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato, and cucumber for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.

• With salads: Serve the tenders on top of a Greek salad with mixed greens, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and cucumber.

• With roasted vegetables: Pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.

• As a main course: Serve with rice pilaf, couscous, or quinoa for a complete meal.

• With dips: Pair with classic Greek dips like tzatziki, hummus, or baba ghanoush for a delightful appetizer or snack.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage:

Store leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat on the grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may take a bit longer to cook than tenders.

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken overnight will deepen the flavors and make the chicken even more flavorful. Just ensure that the chicken doesn’t marinate for too long (over 24 hours), as the lemon can begin to break down the meat.

Q: Can I cook this chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a broiler if you’re cooking indoors. The key is to get a good sear on the chicken and cook it evenly.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Greek Chicken Tenders are a simple yet flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. The marinade, with its zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and rich olive oil, infuses the chicken with flavor, while the grilling adds that irresistible smoky char. Whether you serve them as part of a larger meal or enjoy them on their own, these tenders are sure to impress.