Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe – Easy 30-Min Dinner Recipe
Delight in these Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders, marinated with garlic, lemon, and classic herbs, then perfectly cooked in a skillet for a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that bursts with vibrant, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders, trimmed and ready to cook
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the trimmed chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they’re evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to deepen the flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan, ensuring the chicken won’t stick and will brown nicely.
- Cook the Chicken – First Side: Place the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and caramelized.
- Cook the Chicken – Second Side: Flip the tenders carefully and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), indicating they are fully cooked and juicy inside.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 2 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of brightness and a classic Mediterranean touch.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies the flavor, but 15 minutes is sufficient for a quick meal.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for a richer and more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- If you prefer, grill the chicken tenders instead of skillet-cooking for a smoky taste.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken tenders, garlic lemon chicken, easy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, quick dinner, healthy chicken tenders
