Greek Chicken Tenders

Golden grilled chicken with fresh herbs, creamy dips, and warm pita—this is a plate you’ll want to make again and again.

These Greek chicken tenders are full of bold flavor and grilled just right to stay juicy inside with a light char on the outside.

They’re marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and spices, then served alongside everything that makes a meal feel full: hummus, tzatziki, olives, tomatoes, feta, and soft grilled lemon.

This isn’t just chicken with dip on the side. It’s a full, balanced plate that tastes fresh and filling at the same time.

Each bite has a mix of smoky chicken, cool yogurt, tangy cheese, and the sharp pop of olives.

It’s the kind of meal that works for lunch, dinner, or sharing on the weekend. Cook the chicken fresh or make it ahead—either way, it stays tender and flavorful.

You don’t need to dress it up or add extra sides. Just lay everything out on one big plate and it speaks for itself.

Greek Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients

For Chicken

500g boneless chicken tenders or sliced chicken breast
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For The Platter

1/2 cup hummus
1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, lemon juice, olive oil)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cubed feta cheese
1/2 cup herbed feta cubes (optional for variety)
1–2 grilled lemon halves (for garnish and squeezing)
Warm pita bread, sliced into triangles
Fresh mint or parsley for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully blended.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush lightly with oil if needed.
Grill the chicken tenders for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through with nice char marks. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F). Set aside to rest for a few minutes.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the platter: slice the cherry tomatoes, cube the feta, and grill the lemon halves (cut side down) for 1–2 minutes until caramelized.

Warm the pita bread briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet.
Arrange the grilled chicken on a large serving plate. Surround it with small bowls of hummus, tzatziki, and olives. Add the feta cubes, cherry tomatoes, grilled lemon, and pita slices around the chicken.
Garnish with fresh mint or parsley for a pop of freshness and color.

What Makes These Greek Chicken Tenders So Flavorful?

The rich, bold taste of these chicken tenders comes from a smart blend of traditional Greek ingredients that work together perfectly.

Yogurt-Based Marinade: Yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a creamy texture while grilling. It also locks in moisture so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
Lemon Juice And Zest: Adds a fresh tang and balances the richness of the yogurt and olive oil.

Garlic And Herbs: Garlic, oregano, thyme, and paprika bring earthy, bold flavors that are classic in Greek cooking.
Grilled Finish: Cooking the chicken on a hot grill pan gives it those delicious charred lines and a smoky aroma that adds depth to every bite.

Can I Bake Or Pan-Fry The Chicken Instead Of Grilling?

Yes, you can cook the chicken another way if you don’t have a grill.

Baking Option: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the marinated chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that the inside is fully cooked and no longer pink.
Pan-Frying Option: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook each tender for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Both methods will still give you juicy and flavorful chicken, though you may miss the grilled texture slightly.

What Can I Serve With Greek Chicken Tenders?

This dish is already designed as a full platter, but here are some ideas to switch things up.

Add Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or mushrooms make a healthy and tasty addition.
Use In Wraps Or Bowls: Slice the chicken and use it in flatbread wraps, grain bowls, or over rice for a hearty meal.

Top A Salad: These tenders pair beautifully with leafy greens, olives, cucumbers, and feta for a satisfying salad.
Make A Mezze Platter: Add dolmas, roasted nuts, or roasted red peppers to build a larger sharing board.

How Long Can I Store The Chicken And Dips?

Storing the leftovers properly keeps them fresh and safe to eat.

Chicken Tenders: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave just until warm. Avoid overcooking when reheating, or the chicken will turn dry.
Tzatziki Sauce: Keep it in the fridge in a sealed jar or bowl for up to 4–5 days. Stir well before using, as the water may separate a little.
Hummus: Homemade hummus stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week. If using store-bought, check the expiry date once opened.

Feta Cheese: Store cubed feta in a container with its brine, or olive oil if marinated. It stays good for 4–5 days.
Pita Bread: Wrap it tightly in foil or store in a zip-top bag. Keep at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Warm it on the stove or grill before serving.

Can I Prep The Greek Chicken Tenders Ahead Of Time?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep or party planning. Here’s how to do it right:

Marinate In Advance: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs.
Grill And Store: Cook the chicken ahead of time, let it cool, then refrigerate. Slice before serving cold or reheat gently.
Chop The Add-Ons Early: Tomatoes, feta, and olives can all be prepped in the morning or the day before. Store each item in its own container.

Make Dips The Night Before: Tzatziki and hummus taste better after resting for a few hours. Just stir before serving.

Can I Freeze The Greek Chicken Tenders?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders to use later.

Freezing Cooked Chicken: Let the grilled tenders cool completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a covered pan with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Avoid freezing the dips or fresh items like tomatoes and feta, as they won’t hold their texture well after thawing.

What Kind Of Chicken Works Best For This Recipe?

Using the right cut of chicken makes a difference in texture and taste.

Chicken Tenders: These are naturally tender and cook quickly, making them the perfect choice for grilling.
Chicken Breasts (Sliced): If you can’t find tenders, slice boneless breasts into strips. Try to keep them even-sized for even cooking.

Avoid using bone-in cuts for this recipe, as they take longer to cook and don’t suit the platter-style presentation.

Can I Make This Greek Chicken Recipe Dairy-Free?

Yes, with a few swaps, you can make a dairy-free version that still tastes great.

Skip The Yogurt: Use dairy-free yogurt made from coconut or almond milk for marinating the chicken.
Tzatziki Alternative: Make a dairy-free tzatziki with plant-based yogurt or substitute it with tahini sauce or lemon-herb dressing.