Flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders Recipe
This flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Tenders recipe features tender chicken marinated in garlic, lemon, oregano, and paprika, then pan-seared to golden perfection. Quick to prepare and packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, it’s an ideal healthy main course for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
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, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and forms a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the marinade and toss to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Preheat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of olive oil to coat the pan evenly.
- Cook the chicken – first side: Once the skillet is hot, arrange the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving them, allowing a golden brown crust to form.
- Cook the chicken – second side: Flip the chicken tenders and continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and let them rest for 2 minutes. This resting period helps lock in the juices for tender bites.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve with lemon wedges to add brightness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices, resulting in a moist texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and proper cooking.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, quick dinner, healthy recipe, chicken tenders, easy dinner, garlic chicken, lemon chicken
