🌿 Description

These Mediterranean Cheese-Crusted Chicken Strips are tender inside and perfectly crispy outside, coated in a blend of Mediterranean cheeses, herbs, and olive oil. They’re baked — not fried — for a lighter yet deeply flavorful bite. Perfect as an appetizer, in wraps, or served with a refreshing yogurt-garlic dip.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 600g (about 1.3 lb) chicken breast tenders or boneless fillets, sliced into strips
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp paprika (or smoked paprika for depth)
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Coating

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan or Kefalotyri (a Greek hard cheese)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar (optional for extra browning)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary, crushed
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Optional Garnish & Dip

  • Chopped fresh parsley or basil
  • A drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze
  • Mediterranean Yogurt Dip (recipe below)

🧄 Mediterranean Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint or dill
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.

🍗 Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken strips and toss to coat well.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors infuse.

2. Prepare the Cheese Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar with thyme and garlic powder.
  2. Stir until the cheese and herbs are evenly distributed.

3. Preheat and Line the Baking Tray

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and brush it lightly with olive oil.

4. Coat the Chicken

  1. Take each marinated chicken strip and roll it in the cheese mixture, pressing gently so the cheese sticks well.
  2. Place coated strips on the prepared tray, spacing them slightly apart.

5. Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
  2. For extra crispiness, broil (grill) for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping an eye to prevent burning.
  3. The cheese will melt, bubble, and form a delicious crispy crust on the chicken.

6. Rest and Serve

  1. Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes after baking — this helps the cheese coating firm up.
  2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
  3. Serve warm with the Mediterranean Yogurt Dip or inside flatbreads for wraps.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Wraps: Serve in pita or flatbread with lettuce, tomato, and tzatziki.
  • Meze Platter: Pair with olives, hummus, roasted peppers, and warm bread.
  • Low-carb meal: Enjoy with a Greek salad or grilled vegetables.

💡 Tips & Variations

  • For spice lovers: Add a touch of chili flakes or harissa to the marinade.
  • Add crunch: Mix in a handful of panko breadcrumbs with the cheese.
  • Cheese swap: Try halloumi or pecorino for a saltier Mediterranean kick.
  • Air fryer option: Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🌍 Mediterranean Flavor Inspiration

This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean comfort food — golden, cheesy, garlicky, and bright with lemon and herbs. Every bite is satisfying and aromatic, with that signature balance of freshness and richness found in coastal Mediterranean cooking.