Name: Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders – Easy Recipes for Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1½ lbs chicken tenders; ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt; 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil

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You know those nights when your brain just says ‘nope’ to fancy cooking, but your taste buds are like ‘give me flavor or give me takeout’? That’s where this recipe steps in. These crispy Greek chicken tenders hit that perfect middle ground: fast, fresh, and packed with flavor. I made these on a weeknight after staring blankly into my fridge for ten minutes—classic. The marinade is bright with lemon and garlic, the spices are warm without being overwhelming, and the crunch? Let’s just say my air fryer has never been prouder of itself. You can serve them over a big salad, dip ’em in some tzatziki, or just snack on them like fries. And if you’re prepping lunches ahead, these tenders hold up like champs. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. These chicken tenders are proof.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe
3) Ingredients for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
4) How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
5) Tips for Making Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
6) Making Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
8) Try these chicken recipes next!
9) Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Marinate chicken tenders in a bright, garlicky Greek yogurt base for max flavor.
Use an air fryer for a healthy crisp without deep frying.
Perfect for busy nights, easy meal prep, or protein-packed snacks.
Pairs well with salads, wraps, or classic dipping sauces.

2) Easy Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

I’ve made a lot of chicken in my time. Let’s just say the kitchen and I have an ongoing relationship filled with highs, lows, and one dramatic incident involving burnt rice. But these crispy Greek chicken tenders? These are a high. Big flavor, fast cook time, and a crispy finish without frying. That’s a win in my book.

This is one of those easy recipes for dinner that you’ll want to keep bookmarked. With just a few pantry basics, a reliable air fryer, and a craving for something savory, you can whip up a meal that feels way fancier than it really is. I’ve made these tenders while wearing pajamas and they still felt gourmet.

We’re talking Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon, and warm spices all hugging the chicken just right. Then a quick dredge in panko and boom – dinner. This isn’t a hard recipe. It’s the kind you can rely on, the kind that fits a busy weeknight, the kind that delivers big flavor without a big mess. If you’re like me and always hunting for healthy and easy recipes, this one fits the bill.

3) Ingredients for Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders – The stars of the show. These cook fast, soak up flavor like a sponge, and crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.

Plain Greek Yogurt – Acts as our creamy base for the marinade. It tenderizes and adds tang that you’ll actually taste in every bite.

Olive Oil – Helps keep things juicy and adds a smooth depth to the marinade. A good drizzle goes a long way here.

Lemon Juice – Bright and zippy. This is what makes Greek flavors sing. I like mine fresh-squeezed.

Garlic – Three cloves, finely chopped. Don’t be shy. It’s garlic. It belongs.

Dried Oregano – This gives that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth. Add it. Don’t question it.

Paprika – A little smoky note that plays well with everything else. Optional but recommended.

Salt and Pepper – Don’t forget these. Every bite depends on balance. You’ll want the flavor to pop.

Panko Breadcrumbs – Light and crunchy. They make these tenders golden and crisp without frying.

Cooking Spray or Light Olive Oil – Helps the panko crisp up evenly in the air fryer. Just a light coat will do the trick.

4) How to Make Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Step 1. Mix the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk it like you mean it.

Step 2. Toss in the chicken tenders. Make sure they’re all coated and looking cozy in that marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3. Set your air fryer to 400°F. Give it a minute to preheat while you prep the tenders.

Step 4. Roll each tender in panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly so they stick. No bald tenders allowed.

Step 5. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Spritz them lightly with cooking spray or brush on a bit of oil.

Step 6. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip halfway through. You’re looking for golden brown outsides and juicy insides.

Step 7. Remove, rest for a minute (you and the tenders both), then serve warm with your favorite dip or salad.

5) Tips for Making Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Don’t skip the marinade. The longer it sits, the better the flavor. I like to mix mine in the morning and let the magic happen while I work.

If your panko’s a little pale, toast it lightly in a dry pan before dredging. It boosts the crunch and gives the tenders a deep golden color that looks as good as it tastes.

And hey, if you’re out of chicken tenders, sliced boneless chicken breasts work too. The key is keeping the pieces about the same size so they cook evenly. Easy recipes like this are flexible – that’s the beauty of them.

6) Making Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time

I love prepping a batch of these tenders ahead of time. They reheat well and hold up beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. That makes them perfect for busy weeks when I don’t have time to think about what’s for dinner.

You can marinate the chicken overnight and bread them just before cooking. Or, go full prepper and air-fry the whole batch, then store them in airtight containers. When hunger hits, pop them in the oven or toaster oven for a quick reheat. They’ll still be crispy, I promise.

If you’re like me and you live for easy recipes with ground chicken or tenders that actually taste like something, this one’s gold.

7) Storing Leftover Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders

Leftovers? Lucky you. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Stick them in the fridge and they’ll last around four days.

Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that signature crunch. Microwaving works, too, but you’ll lose a little crisp. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

These tenders make killer lunch wraps the next day, or you can chop them into a salad. Think broccolini, feta, and a light vinaigrette – you just made a restaurant-level lunch at home.

8) Try these chicken recipes next!

9) Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders