Name: Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bright, fresh flavors with tender, juicy chicken, this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe might just become your new favorite go-to. I love how the tangy lemon and earthy oregano work together with creamy Greek yogurt to give the chicken a moist, flavorful boost every single time. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or texture.

What makes this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe really special is how effortlessly it fits into your routine—whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or even guests. The marinade is quick to mix, and letting the chicken soak in all those herbs transforms it from ordinary to downright irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe plays a role in building that unmistakably fresh and zesty flavor profile. When shopping, aim for fresh lemons and good quality Greek yogurt to maximize that tang and creaminess.

Chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, these make the recipe super easy and perfectly portioned. You can also slice chicken breast if you can’t find tenders.
Plain Greek yogurt: This is the secret weapon for keeping the chicken moist while adding subtle tanginess.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps with browning when cooking.
Fresh lemon juice: Gives that bright, zesty punch characteristic of Greek cuisine.
Lemon zest: Packs concentrated lemon flavor without the acidity.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory notes and aroma.
Dried oregano: A classic Mediterranean herb that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and depth.
Optional ground cumin: I like adding a pinch sometimes for a subtle earthy warmth that complements the lemon perfectly.

Variations

I absolutely encourage you to play around with this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a forgiving base that you can tweak depending on what’s in your pantry or to match your flavor preferences.

Spicy kick: Adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade gives it a nice, warming heat that I adore on chilly evenings.
Herb swaps: If you don’t have oregano, fresh thyme or rosemary work beautifully too. I once made it with fresh dill, which gave a really fresh twist.
Grilling vs. baking: For an extra smoky flavor, grill the tenders outdoors. Otherwise, baking them on a sheet pan makes things easy and hands-off.
Dairy-free option: Swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or simply use olive oil and lemon alone. Marinate a little longer to keep the chicken juicy.

How to Make Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together your vibrant marinade

Start by mixing the Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium bowl. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper—plus ground cumin if you’re using it—and whisk until everything’s combined into a creamy, aromatic marinade. I find that zesting the lemon before juicing it really locks in that citrusy aroma, making the marinade extra zingy.

Step 2: Marinate the chicken for juicy flavor

Toss the chicken tenders into the marinade and make sure every piece is well coated. Cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. I usually do about an hour—enough time for the flavors to seep in without breaking down the chicken too much. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes works well.

Step 3: Cook to juicy, golden perfection

Heat a grill pan over medium heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade—you want to avoid flare-ups on the grill. Grill the tenders about 5-7 minutes per side, keeping an eye on that golden color and ensuring they’re cooked through. If baking, lay them on a parchment-lined sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The internal temp should reach 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.

Step 4: Rest before serving

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes on a plate. This little step helps keep it tender and allows the juices to redistribute. Then you’re ready to serve your beautifully citrus-infused chicken tenders!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows a white plate with five grilled golden-brown pieces of chicken lined up closely, each piece topped with small dollops of white sauce and sprinkled with green herbs. To the right side of the plate, there are several shiny, red cherry tomatoes. At the top corner of the plate, there is a wedge of lemon. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the sunlight creates a warm, inviting glow on the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top—both add a lovely fresh pop of green and subtle herbal notes that brighten the dish even more. A few lemon wedges on the side never hurt either, for anyone who loves an extra splash of zing.

Side Dishes

My favorite accompaniments with this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe include a chilled Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta, or a fluffy bed of lemon rice. Roasted vegetables or some crispy pita bread also round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served these tenders on a big platter surrounded by grilled halloumi, tzatziki, and colorful veggies for a Mediterranean-style feast. They’re also great tucked into warm pita pockets with a dollop of yogurt sauce and fresh greens—perfect for casual entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they last well for up to 3 days. Because of the marinade’s yogurt base, the chicken stays surprisingly tender even after refrigeration.

Freezing

Before cooking, you can freeze the chicken tenders in the marinade for up to 1 month. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking. I haven’t tried freezing them after cooking because I prefer the fresh texture, but if you do, reheat gently.

Reheating

To keep the tenders juicy when reheating, I usually warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-15 minutes covered with foil. If you’re in a hurry, a quick sauté in a hot pan does the trick nicely without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders for this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders so they cook evenly. The marinade works perfectly with either cut.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?

Marinating between 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for this recipe. Longer than that, the acidity from lemon juice and yogurt might start to break down the chicken too much.
Can I grill the chicken outdoors instead of using a grill pan?

Yes! Outdoor grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon and herbs. Just watch for flare-ups since the marinade contains olive oil.
Is the Greek yogurt necessary in this Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe?

It’s highly recommended because the yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds tang, but if you need a dairy-free option, you can substitute with olive oil and lemon juice, though the texture might be slightly different.
What can I serve alongside to make this a full meal?

Pair it with a Greek salad, lemon roasted potatoes, or fluffy rice pilaf for a well-rounded and satisfying plate.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe feels like a little escape to the Mediterranean in your own kitchen—bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made it because it’s just so reliable and crowd-pleasing. If you want a dish that’s easy, quick, and sincerely delicious, you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with friends. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes a staple in your weeknight line-up!