Name: Greek Chicken Tenders with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492336H35M8S
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup grated cucumber; Salt and pepper to taste

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Introduction

Greek Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and healthy meal option, inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, these tender chicken pieces pair perfectly with a refreshing yogurt and cucumber sauce.

A close-up view of a white plate filled with several pieces of golden-brown fried chicken tenders stacked in layers, each tender having a crispy, textured surface with black pepper specks and small bright green chopped herbs scattered on top and around them. In the background, a slice of lime can be seen out of focus, adding a touch of light green color. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tbsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup grated cucumber

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken by combining chicken, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl or resealable bag. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to enhance the flavors.
Step 2: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375°F) or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 3: Prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the chicken—grill for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If baking, place chicken on a greased dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a serving platter. Drizzle with the yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the marinade.
Use a box grater to finely grate the cucumber for a creamier sauce texture.
Serve with warm pita bread and a side salad for a complete Greek-inspired meal.
Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano if available, adding it at the end of marination to preserve its aroma.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the yogurt sauce separate to maintain its freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, and serve with the chilled sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate filled with several pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture with some charring and are topped with small bits of green herbs. The surface of the chicken looks juicy and seasoned with black pepper. Towards the left edge of the plate, there are two slices of lime adding a fresh green and yellow color contrast. The plate is set against a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Marinating the chicken helps keep it moist, and cooking it to the proper internal temperature (165°F) without overcooking is key. Rest the chicken a few minutes before serving to retain juices.