Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe

Introduction

These Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious dinner option that comes together in just 30 minutes. Packed with bright lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped, and lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing to coat them evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.
3. Step 3: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan.
4. Step 4: Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken tenders and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Marinate the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, for more intense flavor.
• For extra crispiness, finish the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after cooking on the stove.
• Swap dried oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different Mediterranean twist.
• Serve over a bed of couscous or alongside a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through to avoid drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

While marinating enhances the flavors, you can cook the chicken immediately if short on time. Just expect a milder taste.

Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe

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4.9 from 134 reviews

This Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders recipe offers a quick and easy way to bring delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. Marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and paprika, these tender chicken pieces are pan-seared to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright, mouthwatering finish.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook

Marinade

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, tossing to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for a deeper infusion of flavors.
3. Preheat the skillet: Place a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil to lightly coat the pan, ensuring the chicken won’t stick during cooking.
4. Cook the chicken (first side): Once the skillet is hot, arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook them undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the undersides turn golden brown and caramelized.
5. Cook the chicken (second side): Flip the tenders carefully and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
6. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and let them rest for 2 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra bright and zesty finish.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Serve with a side of rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• If you prefer, swap dried oregano with fresh oregano for a more vibrant herb flavor.
• This recipe can be doubled easily to serve more guests.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken tenders, garlic chicken, lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, healthy chicken, skillet chicken