Crispy Baked Greek Chicken Tenders with Tzatziki
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1½ lbs (about 700g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray or olive oil mist
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Tzatziki sauce (for dipping)
🛠️ Preparation:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing to adhere.
4. Bake:
- Place the breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly mist the tops with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
5. Serve:
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and optional tzatziki sauce for dipping.
