Easy grilled chicken tenders that you can quickly make next time you’re grilling! They are marinated in a simple but flavorful marinade. Then, we grill them on an outdoor grill or a grill pan for a quick lunch or dinner.
I’m always searching for simple recipes that are quick, inexpensive, easy, and family-friendly. I don’t like spending too much time in the kitchen as I’d rather spend time with my family and friends. This is where this recipe comes in handy. Plus, our grill is lit up almost every other day, which is perfect to make this tender flavorful chicken that all my family loves!
And whilst I like grilled chicken breast recipes, it takes some time to prepare and grill. So for a quick and easy grilled chicken recipe, I always go for chicken tenders (and the kids really love them!). For more grilling recipes, check out these amazing grilled veggie kabobs with halloumi.
How to Make Chicken Breast Tender on the Grill?
Chicken tenders are the most tender and juicy cut. And they’re cooked in no time!
I marinate the chicken tenders in a simple lemony marinade for at least half an hour before grilling. This is enough for the tenders to absorb the marinate moisture. So they can hold up to the heat while being grilled and don’t dry out.
The result is super juicy chicken that is moist and full of flavor!
Here’s what you need to make grilled chicken tenders:
The Ingredients
You can use chicken strips to make this recipe if you like. But remember that chicken tenders – or as they are also called “chicken fingers” – are more tender and juicy than the strips.
You can buy them fresh or frozen in the supermarket. And if you’re using frozen tenders then make sure that you thaw them completely before you start cooking. As cooking chicken at room temperature prevents it from drying out on the grill.
You can use your favorite chicken marinade recipe or season it with this flavorful homemade poultry seasoning. But I usually go with olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
The Directions:
- Prepare the marinade – In a Ziploc bag, add all of the marinade ingredients and soak the chicken tenders in it. Seal, and shake it so that the marinade ingredients are well combined and the chicken tenders are well coated.
- Marinate – Place the Ziploc bag with the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. This allows the tenders to absorb the moisture of the flavorful marinate.
- Grill – To grill the chicken tenders, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Then place the marinated chicken tenders over the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Allow to rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, or you don’t want to use an outdoor grill, you can make this recipe on a grill pan over the stove.
I usually use a grill pan to make this recipe during colder days and it works great!
Tips for Grilling Chicken Tenders
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, this will result in big flavors and juicy tender chicken. I also found that marinating the chicken for too long (more than 8 hours) gave a very strong lemon flavor, and less of the chicken flavor.
- Preheat your grill/grill pan to medium high heat to ensure that the chicken is cooked through, without browning too quickly.
- Space the chicken tenders out whether you’re using a grill or a grill pan to get that lovely browning/searing.
- There’s no need to cover the grill with a lid as chicken tenders are thin and cook very quickly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to know when it is done grilling. Insert a kitchen thermometer in the center of the chicken. It should register at 165°F (75°C) when the chicken is ready.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Chicken Tenders
My favorite way to serve these grilled chicken tenders is with grilled veggie kabobs – as we often grill them together. We also love eating tenders with a large pasta salad or crispy French fries and homemade tzatziki!
My kids also love dipping chicken tenders in a dipping sauce, such as: ketchup, bbq sauce, hummus, roasted sweet potato hummus or in a bit of toum garlic sauce.
You can also serve them over cilantro lime rice for a complete meal, baked potatoes, roasted potatoes or creamy coleslaw.
Storing Tips:
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use leftovers to make chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, and wraps.
Click on this link to watch the Grilled Chicken Tenders web story
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Cook chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn out golden brown and are cooked through. The internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should register at 165°F (75°C) when it’s ready.
Cook chicken at room temperature and allow it to thaw completely if it was frozen. Also, do not overcook it; about 3 – 4 minutes of grilling on each side should be enough. And make sure that the grill is at the right temperature (between 370°F/187°C and 400°F/204°C). This prevents it from drying out on the grill.
Grilled Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
For the marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a ziploc bag, add all of the marinade ingredients and the chicken tenders. Seal, and shake it so that the marinade ingredients are well combined and the chicken tenders are well coated.
- Place the ziploc bag with the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to 8 hours.
- To grill the chicken tenders, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat, and place the marinated chicken tenders over the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, this will result in big flavors and juicy tender chicken. I also found that marinating the chicken for too long (8+ hours) gave a very strong lemon flavor, and less of the chicken flavor.
- Thaw frozen chicken – if you’re using frozen tenders then make sure that you thaw them completely before cooking. As cooking chicken at room temperature prevents it from drying out on the grill.
- Preheat your grill/grill pan to medium high heat to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without browning too quickly.
- Space the chicken tenders out whether you’re using a grill or a grill pan to get that lovely browning/searing.
- There’s no need to cover the grill with a lid as chicken tenders are thin and cook very quickly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken by inserting a kitchen thermometer in the center of the chicken, it should register at 165°F (75°C) when the chicken is ready.
- If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use leftovers to make chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, and wraps.
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