Mediterranean Chicken Tenders (Printable)
Marinated chicken tenders with herbs and spices, pan-seared and served with lemon-garlic yogurt dip.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 tsp dried oregano
04 - 1 tsp dried thyme
05 - 1 tsp paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
→ Yogurt Dip
11 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
12 - 1 tbsp olive oil
13 - 1 clove garlic, minced
14 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
15 - Juice of 1/2 lemon
16 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ Garnish
17 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
18 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Combine olive oil, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours in refrigerator for optimal flavor.
02 - Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
04 - Place marinated chicken tenders in the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with chilled yogurt dip and lemon wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but tastes like you've been planning it all day
- That yogurt dip is addictive enough to eat with a spoon
02 -
- Don't marinate longer than 2 hours or the lemon will start breaking down the chicken texture
- Pat the chicken semi-dry before cooking for better sear marks
03 -
- Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly so take it out 20 minutes before cooking
- Let the pan get properly hot before adding the first piece of chicken