Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

$- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - Olive oil spray The key to these crispy Greek chicken tenders lies in the fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken tenders provide lean protein and cook quickly. The Greek yogurt acts as a marinade, tenderizing the chicken while keeping it moist. Garlic and lemon juice add a zesty kick, while dried oregano and thyme bring authentic Greek flavor. The panko bread crumbs create that perfect crispy crust, while flour and eggs help it stick. - Greek yogurt alternatives: You can use plain regular yogurt or dairy-free options like coconut yogurt. - Alternatives to panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but you might lose some crispiness. Crushed cornflakes can also add a nice crunch. - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Using fresh herbs like oregano and thyme boosts flavor. Fresh herbs contain more oils and flavor than dried ones. The quality of your chicken is crucial too. Fresh, high-quality chicken tenders will be more tender and juicy when cooked. You want the best taste possible, so choose your ingredients wisely! To make the marinade, combine plain Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth. The Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang, while the herbs bring flavor. Once mixed, add 1 pound of chicken tenders to the bowl. Toss the chicken well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator. For the best taste, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours is even better. This soak helps the chicken soak up the flavors. Next, set up your dredging stations. You will need three shallow bowls. Fill one bowl with 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, beat two large eggs. The last bowl should hold 1 cup of panko bread crumbs. Dredging is the process of coating the chicken. First, remove each tender from the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Then, coat it in flour, dip it in the egg, and finally cover it with panko. Press gently to make sure the crumbs stick well. Each bowl plays a key role. The flour helps the egg stick, while the panko gives that crunchy texture we love. Now, it's time to bake. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This will help achieve that golden, crispy look. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway to ensure even cooking. They are done when they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). For a simple yet flavorful dish, this process makes crispy Greek chicken tenders a hit every time. You can find the full recipe at the top of this article. To make your crispy Greek chicken tenders extra crunchy, follow these tips: - Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter and crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs. - Double Coat: After the first coating, dip the tenders again in egg, then coat with panko once more. This extra layer adds more crunch. - Lightly Spray with Olive Oil: A quick spray of olive oil helps the tenders crisp up in the oven. To keep your chicken tenders from getting soggy, pay attention to these details: - Marinating Duration: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 2 hours. This keeps it juicy without making it too wet. - Arrange Properly on the Baking Sheet: Place the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each one. This allows hot air to circulate and helps them cook evenly. Pair your crispy Greek chicken tenders with these sides for a complete meal: - Serve with Fresh Salad: A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta balances the meal. - Ideal Dips: Tzatziki sauce is perfect for dipping. You can also try hummus or a spicy yogurt dip for a fun twist. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders section! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your crispy Greek chicken tenders easily. Adding spices can make a big difference. Try adding cumin or coriander for a warm taste. If you like heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also play with the marinades. Instead of lemon juice, use lime juice for a tangy twist. Add some honey for sweetness or Dijon mustard for a kick. Mix things up, and your chicken will surprise you every time! You have options when it comes to cooking your chicken. Air frying gives you a crispy texture while using less oil. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. This method is quick and keeps the chicken juicy. Baking is another great choice. It allows you to cook more tenders at once. Follow the oven instructions from the Full Recipe, and you’ll get perfect results every time. Grilling is also an option if you enjoy smoky flavors. Cook the chicken over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Grilling gives the chicken a nice char and enhances the taste. Adding vegetables to your meal is a smart move. Serve your chicken with a fresh Greek salad. Think cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions tossed in olive oil and vinegar. You can also create a slaw with cabbage and carrots. A touch of yogurt dressing can tie it all together. For a fun twist, try stuffing pita bread with chicken and veggies. This way, you get a balanced meal loaded with flavor and nutrition. To keep your crispy Greek chicken tenders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are cool before sealing. Store them in the fridge. They will last for 3 to 4 days. For the best taste, reheat chicken tenders in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. You can also use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked tenders. For uncooked tenders, place them on a baking sheet first. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked tenders, let them cool, then wrap tightly. They can last up to 3 months. Before cooking, thaw in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost setting. For a complete guide to making these tasty tenders, refer to the Full Recipe. How long can I marinate chicken for best flavor? You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to 2 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it gains. I recommend at least 1 hour for great taste. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Just cut them into strips. The cooking time might change a bit, so keep an eye on them. What to do if chicken isn't crispy? If your chicken isn’t crispy, check if you used enough oil. A light spray of olive oil helps. Also, make sure the oven is hot enough. Baking at 400°F (200°C) is key for crispiness. What temperature should chicken be fully cooked to? Chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. Caloric content per serving Each serving of Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders has about 300 calories. This can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use. Health benefits of the ingredients used Using Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics. Fresh herbs like oregano and thyme offer antioxidants. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch without too many calories. Enjoying this dish means you get flavor and nutrition! Making crispy Greek chicken tenders is simple and fun. We covered the essential ingredients, marinades, and baking tips. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. I shared ways to enhance flavors, use different cooking methods, and incorporate veggies. Don't forget the storage tips for leftovers. They ensure your tenders stay fresh for future meals. With these techniques, you can create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy experimenting and making this meal your own!$

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Elevate your dinner with my Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders recipe, a simple and flavorful dish that's sure to impress! Packed with fresh herbs, zesty garlic, and a crunchy panko coating, these tenders are perfect for any occasion. I share expert tips on substitutions and variations, ensuring you can tailor the flavors to your liking. Ready to make this delicious dish?

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Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Olive oil spray

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat well. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Prepare Dredging Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko bread crumbs.

Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. First, coat each tender in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges and a side of tzatziki sauce or your favorite dip.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 50 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a wooden board with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color, and present the tzatziki sauce in a small bowl alongside for dipping.