Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: Flavorful, Easy & Healthy!

I’m so glad you’re here—because this one is a keeper! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders bring the flavor and the crunch, without the deep frying or the fuss. We’re talking zesty Greek-inspired seasoning, tender chicken, and a crispy golden coating that delivers every time.

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What Are Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders?

These aren’t your average tenders. Marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then coated in a crisped-up blend of panko and parmesan, these Greek Chicken Tenders are oven-baked (or air-fried!) until golden and juicy. They’re healthy-ish, wildly flavorful, and perfect for dipping, stuffing in wraps, or tossing on salads.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Mediterranean flavor
• Crispy outside, juicy inside—no deep fryer required!
• Kid-friendly and meal-prep friendly
• Versatile—serve with dips, salads, rice bowls, or in pita wraps
• Quick & easy—from marinate to plate in under 45 minutes

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Taste Profile

Bright and zesty lemon, rich olive oil, garlic, and oregano bring big Greek flavors. The tenders are juicy and herbaceous inside, crisp and golden outside. The parmesan-panko coating adds a cheesy crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Breading:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Olive oil spray (for baking)

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Tools You’ll Need

• Large bowl (for marinating)
• Baking sheet with rack or air fryer
• Tongs
• Shallow bowl (for breading)
• Meat thermometer

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Optional Additions & Swaps

• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade
• Gluten-free? Use GF panko or crushed GF crackers
• Dairy-free? Omit the parmesan or sub with nutritional yeast
• More herbs? Add chopped dill or thyme for extra flavor

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How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 15–30 minutes or up to 12 hours.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Mix panko, parmesan, and parsley in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated chicken piece in the mixture, pressing to coat well.

Step 3: Bake or Air-Fry

Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place tenders on a rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Spray tenders lightly with oil. Cook 10–12 minutes, flipping once.

Step 4: Serve

Rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve warm with dips or sides!

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What to Serve With Greek Chicken Tenders

• Tzatziki, hummus, or garlic yogurt sauce
• Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta
• Lemony rice, couscous, or quinoa bowls
• Stuff into pita with lettuce and tomato
• Or go all in with this flavor-packed combo:
  • White Pasta With Sausage for a hearty side
  • Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich when you’re craving a crispy-cheesy pairing
  • Salmon and Rice Bowl for a full Mediterranean-inspired plate

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Tips for Crispy Perfection

• Don’t skip the marinating—it infuses tons of flavor
• Use a rack in the oven to keep the bottoms crisp
• For air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket
• Use fresh parmesan for best melting and browning

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Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days
• Reheat in oven or air fryer to keep crisp—avoid the microwave!
• Freezer: Cooked tenders freeze well—just reheat straight from frozen

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Just cut them into strips and follow the same instructions.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely—marinate and bread ahead, then bake fresh when ready.

Best dip for this recipe?

Tzatziki is classic, but honey mustard or spicy mayo also work great!

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Wrapping It All Up

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders check all the boxes: bold flavor, easy prep, better-for-you crispiness, and endless ways to serve. They’re great on their own, in wraps, on salads—or straight off the pan, if we’re being honest!

Looking for more craveable meal ideas that hit the spot and keep things simple? Don’t miss:

• White Pasta With Sausage – creamy, savory, and perfect for cozy nights
• Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich – crispy, creamy comfort
• Salmon and Rice Bowl – fresh, balanced, and packed with good-for-you flavor

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Share the Love!

Tried these golden tenders? Tag me over on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and use #Mmmrecipes to show off your plate! Whether you’re baking, air frying, or stuffing them in a pita—I’m cheering you on every crunchy bite of the way! 🍋🍗💛

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