Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, quick, and healthy dish featuring tender chicken seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, cooked to perfection in a skillet. This recipe combines garlic, lemon, oregano, and paprika for a zesty Mediterranean twist that pairs beautifully with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenders (trimmed and ready to cook)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish
- fresh parsley (chopped)
- lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow it to warm up to release its aromatic flavors.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and cook it for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl or directly on the tenders, season the chicken evenly with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a balanced Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Cook chicken tenders: Add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet. Cook them for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, ensuring each piece is thoroughly cooked and has a golden brown exterior.
- Add lemon juice: Just before removing the chicken from the skillet, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the tenders to enhance the brightness and add a tangy finish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove chicken from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately alongside fresh lemon wedges for an optional extra citrus kick.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet to allow even cooking of the chicken tenders.
- Chicken tenders cook quickly; use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on dietary preferences.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the seasoning mix.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Tenders, chicken tenders recipe, skillet chicken, garlic chicken tenders, lemon chicken, quick chicken recipe, healthy chicken dish
