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Ingredients for Mediterranean chicken tenders including Greek yogurt, Panko, and olive oil.

Crispy Chicken Tenders

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g Chicken breast tenders (or breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs whole wheat preferred
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain, full-fat or 2%
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a wire rack over a large baking sheet.
  2. Yogurt Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Breadcrumb Mix: In a separate shallow bowl, combine Panko, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated in oil.
  4. Coat: Dip each chicken tender into the yogurt, then roll in the Panko mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
  5. Bake: Place tenders on the wire rack. Spray lightly with olive oil. Bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Rest: Let sit for 2 minutes before serving to allow the crust to set.

Notes

  • The Dry-Pat Rule: Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dipping it in yogurt. Excess moisture will cause the breading to slide off or turn soggy in the oven.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Leave at least 1 inch of space between each tender on the rack. Overcrowding creates steam, which prevents the panko breadcrumbs from crisping.
  • The Wire Rack Advantage: For the absolute best results, bake the tenders on a wire cooling rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate under the chicken, ensuring a 360-degree crunch without a "soggy bottom."
  • Internal Temperature: Chicken is safely cooked at $165^circtext{F}$ ($74^circtext{C}$). Because tenders vary in thickness, check them at the 15-minute mark to prevent drying out.
  • Oil Choice: Use a high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil spray. Avoid generic non-stick cooking sprays with soy lecithin, as they can leave a sticky residue and lack the Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the Panko with an equal amount of almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.