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To make Mediterranean chicken tenders, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Pita bread, for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish flavorful and simple. The chicken tenders are the star, tender and juicy. The yogurt marinade makes them creamy and adds tang. Garlic brings a nice punch, while lemon juice adds brightness. Olive oil keeps everything moist. Herbs and spices like oregano, cumin, and paprika give the chicken its Mediterranean flair. Feta cheese and tomatoes make a fresh side salad. Finally, warm pita bread complements the dish perfectly. Enjoy the mix of flavors and textures! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients for the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 cup plain yogurt - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these items well. The yogurt adds creaminess while the spices bring flavor. This marinade will make your chicken tender and juicy. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders to the marinade. Make sure each piece is covered well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can also leave it for up to 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. After marinating, heat your grill or skillet to medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the extra drip off. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. You want an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. While the chicken cooks, prepare a fresh salad. In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to mix. This salad adds a nice, fresh touch to your meal. Once the chicken is ready, take it off the heat. Let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing, if you like. Serve the chicken tenders on a platter with the fresh salad. Add warm pita bread on the side. Finish by garnishing with chopped fresh parsley for color and flavor. Enjoy your Mediterranean feast! When picking chicken tenders, look for fresh, pink meat. Avoid any that seem slimy or have a strong smell. Choosing high-quality chicken ensures great taste and texture. If you can, buy organic or free-range chicken for better flavor and health benefits. The marinade is key to flavor. I use plain yogurt as a base. It keeps the chicken moist. Garlic, lemon juice, and spices add layers of taste. Make sure to coat each tender well and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. If time allows, marinate for up to 2 hours. This gives the chicken more time to soak up the flavors. For cooking, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. This helps the chicken get a nice golden crust. Cook each tender for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Always check that the chicken's inside temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures it's safe and juicy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender and flavorful. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. This helps the spices penetrate the meat, enhancing the overall taste. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh herbs and high-quality feta cheese for the salad to elevate the dish's flavor and presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily adapt this dish for various diets. For a gluten-free option, skip the pita bread and serve the chicken with a fresh salad. If you want a low-carb meal, use cauliflower rice instead of pita. Those who are vegan can swap the chicken with marinated tofu. The yogurt can be replaced with a plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option. These changes let everyone enjoy this tasty meal. You can change the flavors by using different herbs and spices. Try adding fresh basil or thyme for a unique taste. Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamier texture. Instead of cherry tomatoes, use bell peppers for a crunchier bite. Adding olives can give a briny kick that pairs well with the chicken. These small swaps can make the dish feel fresh and exciting. For a casual lunch, serve the chicken tenders with a simple green salad. If you're hosting a dinner party, place the chicken on a large platter with colorful sides like grilled vegetables. For a picnic, pack the chicken with pita and a side of tzatziki. You can also serve it at a barbecue with skewers for easy eating. Each occasion can change how you present this dish while keeping it delicious. To keep your Mediterranean chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken is cool before sealing it. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Reheat your chicken tenders in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the tenders moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry them out. You can freeze chicken tenders for up to 3 months. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This makes for a quick meal later! Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Thighs or breasts work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times will change. Thighs may take a bit longer to cook. Breasts might cook faster, so watch them closely. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Just remember not to go overboard, as too long can make the chicken mushy. You can serve these tenders with a fresh salad. Cherry tomatoes and feta make a great combo. Warm pita bread is also a nice touch. You might add a side of hummus for dipping. It’s all about the flavors blending together. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). If you cut into the chicken, the juices should run clear. No pink should be visible. This means it’s safe to eat and perfectly cooked. This blog post shared how to make delicious Mediterranean chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and variations for any diet. I also provided tips for storage and reheating. Enjoying this dish is easy with fresh flavors and simple techniques. Whether you cook this meal for yourself or guests, it will impress everyone. Keep exploring different ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Chicken Tenders

Delicious chicken tenders marinated in yogurt and Mediterranean spices, served with a fresh salad and pita bread.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenders
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving pita bread

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • 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 enhanced flavor.
  • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
  • Cook the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is cooking, prepare a fresh salad by combining the halved cherry tomatoes and crumbled feta in a bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss gently to combine.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before slicing if desired.
  • Serve the chicken tenders on a platter alongside the salad and warm pita bread. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword chicken, grilled, Mediterranean, salad, tenders