Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders with Lemony Yogurt Dip

From my grandmother’s bustling kitchen to my own home today, cooking has always been about creating joy. These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders with their bright, zesty lemony yogurt dip are a testament to how simple ingredients transform into magical, satisfying meals. They bring authentic Mediterranean flair to your dinner table, promising a delightful crunch with every tender bite.

I remember experimenting endlessly, turning simple recipes into cherished family favorites. Every culinary adventure, from perfecting a pie crust to balancing herbs, fueled my passion. These chicken tenders carry that same spirit of loving attention and delicious reward.

This recipe is not only incredibly easy, making it perfect for family weeknights, but it also delivers an explosion of vibrant flavors. My top tip? Always taste and adjust seasonings before breading – it truly makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To craft these delightful Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, we’ll combine tender chicken with a bright lemon-herb marinade and a perfectly crispy panko coating. I always find the freshest ingredients truly shine. The full list and measurements are in the recipe card below!

How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Whipping up a batch of these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders is a joy, just like baking a beloved family recipe. You’ll start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with all those wonderful Greek flavors, then prepare a simple, crunchy coating. Finally, you’ll lovingly coat each tender and air fry them to golden perfection, creating a dish that’s sure to bring smiles to your table.

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

These crispy Greek chicken tenders are packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors from a zesty lemon-herb marinade, then coated in a seasoned panko breading and air-fried to golden perfection. A delicious and healthy main dish or appetizer!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast tenders boneless, skinless

For the Marinade

• 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
• 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp salt sea salt preferred
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For the Crispy Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg beaten
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for air fryer

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Shallow Dishes
• Air Fryer
• Tongs
• Whisk

Method

 

Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, dried dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for the marinade.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. Do not marinate for more than 4 hours.

Prepare the Coating

1. Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, whisk the large egg. In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper for the coating.

Coat and Air Fry the Tenders

1. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Dip the floured tender into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
4. Finally, press the tender into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere well.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes.
6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. You may need to cook in batches.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil or cooking spray to promote crispiness.
8. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the tenders and your air fryer model.
9. Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or a side of homemade tzatziki sauce. These tenders are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispiness. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Pro Tips for Making This Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Oh, the joy of those little tricks that elevate a good recipe to something truly spectacular! When making your own Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, I’ve gathered a few insights from my years in the kitchen that I just have to share to ensure your tenders turn out perfectly every time.

Marination Magic: Don’t rush the marinating process for these Greek chicken tenders. Giving your chicken at least 30 minutes, or even better, a few hours, allows the lemon, oregano, and garlic to really penetrate the meat, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender bites. This step is crucial for that authentic taste.

My Secret Trick: I always recommend double-dipping your chicken in the flour, egg, and panko mixture. This creates an extra-thick, wonderfully crisp crust that holds up beautifully in the air fryer, ensuring maximum crunch factor for every single tender.

Panko Power: While regular breadcrumbs work, panko breadcrumbs are truly the secret to achieving that irresistible crispiness we’re after for these tenders. Their larger, flakier texture makes a world of difference, giving you a lighter, airier crunch that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match for these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders.

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For optimal crispiness, ensure you cook the chicken tenders in a single layer, without overcrowding the basket. This allows the hot air to circulate properly around each piece, resulting in that beautiful golden-brown exterior and evenly cooked interior. Cook in batches if necessary!

Fun Variations for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

One of my favorite things about cooking at home is the freedom to play with flavors and make a recipe truly your own! These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are wonderful as is, but a little twist can make them even more special, depending on what you’re craving or what ingredients you have on hand.

Herbaceous Twists

If you adore herbs like I do, consider adding a pinch of fresh rosemary or thyme to your marinade for an extra aromatic depth. My sister, for instance, loves a little fresh mint mixed into her yogurt dip for a cooling counterpoint to the crispy tenders.

Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a dash of red pepper flakes in the panko coating or a touch of hot sauce in the marinade can transform these tenders into a vibrant, spicy delight. A friend loves when I add a tiny bit of cayenne to her batch!

Cheesy Goodness

Looking for a little indulgence? Sprinkle some finely grated Parmesan cheese into your panko mixture before coating the chicken. It adds a delicious savory, salty note and an extra layer of crunch that complements the Greek flavors beautifully, making these crispy Greek chicken tenders even more irresistible.

What to Serve With Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are so versatile and delicious, they practically beg for equally delightful companions to complete your meal. Think of it as creating a balanced canvas where every flavor shines, much like pairing a perfect cookie with a warm cup of tea!

I often love serving them alongside a vibrant Greek salad, with its crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, and a light vinaigrette. It’s a refreshing contrast to the rich, crispy chicken. Another favorite of mine, and a quick time-saver, is a simple side of fluffy couscous or rice, which gently soaks up any leftover lemon-herb juices. My mom always makes a quick cucumber and dill salad when these tenders are on the menu, a lovely cool and creamy pairing. For a heartwarming touch, a sprinkle of fresh parsley over everything adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.

How to Store Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Knowing how to properly store your homemade creations is just as important as baking them, ensuring every bite remains as delicious as the first! If you happen to have any leftover Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, don’t fret; they can be enjoyed again with just a little care.

Fridge Storage

To keep your tenders fresh, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and keep them from getting soggy.

Reheating for Crispiness

For the best results, reheat your tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. You can also pop them into a preheated oven on a baking sheet at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. My personal tip? A quick spritz of olive oil before reheating helps bring back that lovely golden crunch!

Nutritional Benefits

These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders offer delicious taste and nutrition. Lean chicken breast provides excellent protein for energy and muscle health, while fresh lemon and herbs add beneficial vitamins. It’s a comforting meal marrying indulgence with wholesome, simple ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I bake these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders instead of air frying?
Absolutely! While air frying gives the best crisp, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Faq 2

What makes the Lemony Yogurt Dip so special?
The lemony yogurt dip is the perfect tangy, creamy counterpoint to the savory Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders. Made with Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and dill, it adds a bright, refreshing finish that truly elevates the entire dish, cutting through the richness beautifully.

Faq 3

Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. For the Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders, I recommend coating them just before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness. This makes for super quick weeknight meal prep!

Faq 4

Are these chicken tenders spicy?
No, these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are not spicy as written. Their flavor profile is savory, tangy, and herbaceous with lemon, garlic, and oregano notes. If you prefer a kick, easily add red pepper flakes to the breading or marinade for a delightful spicy variation.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends! These Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders with their vibrant lemony yogurt dip are more than just a meal; they’re an invitation to bring sunshine and joy into your kitchen. They embody everything I love about homemade food – simple ingredients, incredible flavor, and the power to gather loved ones around the table. Go on, give this recipe a try, and create delicious new memories with every wonderfully crispy bite!