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