There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy chicken tenders. Whether you’re making a batch for a cozy family dinner, a game-day snack, or a lazy weekend meal, there’s a kind of joy that comes with biting into a golden, crunchy piece of perfectly seasoned chicken. This Greek-inspired twist brings an extra layer of excitement to a classic comfort food favorite.

Don’t miss out—share and pin this recipe on Pinterest today!

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders take you on a little culinary vacation without leaving your kitchen. With bright Mediterranean flavors—think garlic, lemon, and oregano—they capture the essence of a Greek taverna dish. I first had something similar on a family trip to the Greek islands, where simple, fresh food ruled the table. We sat outside, with a view of the sea, and the air smelled like grilled meat, lemon trees, and the salty breeze. That trip became one of my most cherished memories, and ever since, I’ve tried to bring a bit of that sunshine into everyday dishes.

This recipe is a go-to in our house for its ease, flavor, and the fact that even picky eaters love it. Plus, it’s baked—not fried—so it’s a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on crispiness. Whether you serve it up with a side of tzatziki, stuff it into pita with veggies, or lay it over a fresh Greek salad, it always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Packed with zesty, herby Greek flavors
Baked until golden and crisp—no frying needed
Kid-approved and perfect for weeknight dinners
Can be made ahead and reheated easily
Great for meal prepping or party platters

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY GREEK CHICKEN TENDERS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is creamy, tangy, and aromatic—like a Mediterranean hug for your chicken. Add the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you have the time). The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavor.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Coating
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss with your hands or a fork to evenly coat the crumbs—it helps them toast up extra golden in the oven.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade one at a time, letting the excess drip off. Press each tender into the breadcrumb mixture, turning to coat both sides well. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it stick better.

Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). The kitchen will start to smell amazing—like garlic, herbs, and something delicious crisping up just right.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these beauties hot out of the oven with your favorite dip—tzatziki is a natural choice—or alongside a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even some warm pita. They’re perfect for dipping, wrapping, or piling on top of just about anything.

HELPFUL TIPS:

For Extra Crispiness: Use a wire rack on your baking sheet so air circulates all around the tenders as they bake.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal for the coating.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can marinate the chicken the night before and just coat and bake the next day.
Kid-Approved Tip: If your kids aren’t into garlic or oregano, you can reduce the amounts slightly without sacrificing too much flavor.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Diet: High-Protein

NOTES:

These tenders are versatile and easily adapted—add some chili flakes if you like heat, or serve them with a creamy feta dip for an extra Greek twist. If you have leftovers (though that’s rare in our house!), they’re fantastic chopped up in wraps or tossed into a grain bowl the next day.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice them into strips to mimic tender sizes so they cook evenly.

Do I have to marinate the chicken in yogurt?
Yogurt tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will help.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Air fry at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these good cold?
They are! They’re surprisingly tasty cold—ideal for picnic lunches or quick snacks.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. They can also be frozen after baking—just reheat straight from frozen at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

CONCLUSION

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are the kind of dish that bridges the gap between comforting and adventurous. With every bite, you get that golden crunch and a burst of flavor that instantly transports you to the Mediterranean. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed Sunday, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation—it’s just that good.

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders