Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

🐔 Ingredients (Serves 4)

Chicken

• 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

Marinade

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

Crispy Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp paprika

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🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate

1. In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.

2. Add chicken and coat well.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for best flavor).

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2️⃣ Prepare Coating

Mix panko, Parmesan, oregano, and paprika in a shallow bowl.

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3️⃣ Coat

Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Press each piece firmly into breadcrumb mixture.

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4️⃣ Cook

🧑‍🍳 Oven Method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Place tenders on lined baking sheet.

3. Lightly spray tops with oil.

4. Bake 18–22 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crisp.

🌬 Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat to 400°F (200°C).

2. Arrange in single layer.

3. Spray lightly with oil.

4. Air fry 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

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🥗 Optional Greek Yogurt Dip

• ½ cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp oregano

• 1 clove garlic, grated

• Salt to taste

Mix and chill 15 minutes before serving.

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📊 Approximate Macros (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~380

• Protein: ~42g

• Carbs: ~18g

• Fat: ~14g

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❓ Q & A

1. Can I make these low carb?

Yes. Replace panko with:

• Crushed pork rinds

• Almond flour

• Parmesan + almond flour mix

Bake as directed.

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2. Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless thighs work well—cook slightly longer if thicker.

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3. Why use yogurt instead of egg?

Greek yogurt:

• Tenderizes the chicken

• Adds protein

• Helps coating stick

• Creates better browning

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4. How do I make them extra crispy?

• Toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan before coating

• Use convection bake

• Don’t overcrowd pan

• Light oil spray is key

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5. Can I freeze them?

Yes.

• Freeze raw, breaded tenders on tray first

• Transfer to freezer bag

• Cook from frozen, adding 3–5 extra minutes

Or freeze fully cooked and reheat in air fryer.

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6. What should I serve with them?

Great with:

• Greek salad

• Roasted potatoes

• Cucumber tomato salad

• Tzatziki and warm pita

• Lemon rice