These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are a delicious fusion of Mediterranean flavor and crispy comfort food. Marinated in a garlicky Greek yogurt blend with lemon and herbs, then coated in a crunchy Parmesan-panko crust, they bake up golden and juicy—no frying required. Serve them with lemon wedges and tzatziki for a fresh, protein-packed dinner that feels both indulgent and healthy.
Why I Love This Recipe
Think chicken tenders, but grown-up—and better. The Greek-inspired marinade not only infuses each bite with flavor, but also keeps the tenders incredibly moist and tender. Paired with the crispy panko-Parmesan coating, it’s a dinner that wins on texture and taste. Plus, it’s oven-baked, making it a healthier option for any night of the week.
Craving more comfort meals with bold twists? Don’t miss our Dorito Casserole or Easy Turkey Wings.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For Serving (Optional):
- Lemon wedges
- Tzatziki sauce
- Chopped parsley or dill
🥄 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Chicken tenders: You can use sliced boneless chicken breasts or thighs if preferred.
- Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest, most flavorful marinade.
- Panko: Gives you that extra-crispy crunch—don’t skip it!
- No Parmesan? Sub in finely grated pecorino or omit for dairy-free.
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Red wine vinegar
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Add chicken tenders and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Lightly grease the rack.
3. Coat the Tenders
In a shallow dish, mix:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
Remove tenders from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Dredge in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
4. Bake
Arrange breaded chicken tenders on the prepared rack.
Lightly spray tops with olive oil or cooking spray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. Serve
Serve warm with:
- Lemon wedges
- A side of tzatziki
- Optional fresh herbs like parsley or dill for garnish
💡 Tips for Crispy Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—space them out for even browning.
- Use a wire rack for max airflow and crispiness on all sides.
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor and even juicier results.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These crispy tenders pair perfectly with:
- Roasted Greek potatoes or couscous
- A cucumber-tomato salad
- Or serve in warm pita with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki for DIY chicken gyros
Planning a Mediterranean-inspired spread? Add Beer Cheese Dip as a fun fusion appetizer, or round things out with Instant Pot Lasagna for pasta lovers in the group.
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded tenders for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 400°F for 30–35 minutes.
🍗 More Crowd-Pleasing Dinners You’ll Love
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas – Perfect for parties or picky eaters.
- Dorito Casserole – Bold, cheesy, and kid-approved.
- Easy Turkey Wings – Comfort food done right.
- Instant Pot Lasagna – All the layers, none of the wait.
- Beer Cheese Dip – The ultimate pre-dinner snack.
🔚 Final Thoughts
These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders deliver everything you love about classic tenders—crunch, juiciness, craveable flavor—infused with the brightness of lemon, herbs, and creamy yogurt marinade. It’s a healthier, oven-baked upgrade that still satisfies every crispy craving.
Tried them? Tag @ChefManiac and show us your golden Greek tenders, dipping sauces, and creative sides!
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