Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders: 1.5 pounds
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Kosher Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the Mediterranean marinade.
- Step 2: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing gently to ensure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Step 3: Preheat a large skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid, and place them in a single layer in the hot skillet.
- Step 4: Sear the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, turning only once, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Step 5: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate. Tent loosely with foil and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving, which helps retain moisture.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; they are excellent cold sliced over a garden salad the next day.
- To keep the tenders moist when reheating, briefly warm them in a 350°F oven or a lightly oiled skillet until just heated through, avoiding the microwave which can dry them out.
- For a classic Mediterranean plate, serve these juicy tenders immediately alongside warm pita bread, a dollop of Tzatziki sauce, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
- Since the marinade relies on acidic fresh lemon juice, stick strictly to the 4-hour maximum marinating time to prevent the acid from starting to "cook" and eventually toughen the delicate chicken meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American