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Juicy Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemon-Garlic Marinade

Close-up of perfectly grilled, juicy greek chicken tenders seasoned with herbs on a white plate.
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Make incredibly juicy and flavorful Greek chicken tenders using a simple yogurt-based marinade. This recipe works well for grilling or baking for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for depth)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cinnamon until smooth. This creates your Greek chicken marinade.
  2. Place the chicken tenders into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are fully coated.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavor.
  4. When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If baking, lightly grease a baking sheet.
  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  6. For grilling: Place tenders on the hot grill. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear.
  7. For baking: Arrange tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and lightly golden.
  8. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges or alongside a simple meal planning salad.

Notes

  • For an even healthier option, consider this recipe as part of your weight loss programs strategy, focusing on lean protein.
  • If you prefer chicken thighs over tenders, the cooking time will increase slightly; check for an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) for optimal texture in thighs.
  • This marinade is excellent for meal prep; cook the chicken and store it for quick lunches throughout the week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/greek-chicken-tenders-lemon-garlic-marinade/