Greek Chicken Tenders with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Tender and flavorful Greek Chicken Tenders marinated in garlic, lemon, olive oil, and oregano, grilled or baked to perfection and served with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. A simple yet delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for a healthy dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus at least 1 hour marinating)
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 10-14 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine the chicken breasts with minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Preheat for Cooking: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat around 375°F (190-200°C). If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt with the grated cucumber. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix well. Set aside in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: For grilling, place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For baking, arrange the chicken pieces in the greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and nicely browned.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with the cucumber yogurt sauce and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavor and keeps the chicken tender.
- Grilling adds a smoky char, while baking is a convenient alternative when a grill is unavailable.
- The cucumber yogurt sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Greek chicken tenders, grilled chicken, yogurt cucumber sauce, Mediterranean chicken, healthy chicken recipe
