Juicy Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe for Sunny Days

Succulent and crispy, these grilled chicken tenders promise a mouthwatering adventure for hungry souls.

Marinades infuse incredible depth into lean proteins, creating unforgettable flavor profiles.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction.

Mediterranean herbs and zesty spices dance across tender meat, awakening taste buds.

Smart cooks understand that perfect grilling requires technique and patience.

Nobody can resist these golden-brown delights straight from hot grates.

You’ll want to master this simple yet impressive dish that impresses everyone at the table.

Best Practices for Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Perfect Marinating Technique: Let chicken absorb flavors by marinating for 2-4 hours, avoiding longer periods to prevent meat from becoming mushy or tough.
• Prevent Sticking Secrets: Thoroughly clean and oil grill grates before cooking to ensure chicken doesn't tear when flipping and creates beautiful grill marks.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, safely cooked chicken without drying out.
• Customize Flavor Boost: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or paprika to transform the marinade and create unique taste profiles for your grilled chicken tenders.
• Rest and Relax Method: Allow grilled chicken to rest 2-3 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures maximum tenderness when serving.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Storage Made

• Store leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days.
• Pack chicken tenders in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture, to maintain tenderness and prevent rubbery texture.

Great Pairings with Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the herb-infused chicken, cutting through the olive oil's richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Toss together cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and kalamata olives to mirror the Italian seasoning's Mediterranean flavor profile, enhancing the grilled chicken's herbaceous notes.
• Blend Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, garlic, and lemon juice for a cool, creamy sauce that balances the chicken's grilled texture and adds a refreshing counterpoint to the marinade's intensity.
• Thread zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions with olive oil and similar seasonings, creating a cohesive meal that echoes the chicken's Mediterranean-inspired preparation.

Variations to Elevate Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Low-Carb Herb Zinger: Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a lighter option. Add fresh rosemary and thyme for an extra herbaceous kick.
• Spicy Kickback Chicken: Mix in sriracha or cayenne pepper into the marinade for a hot, bold flavor profile. Perfect for those who love heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend. Add lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use coconut aminos instead of vinegar for a soy-free marinade. Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Curious About Grilled Chicken Tenders?

• How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should also have a golden brown color and clear juices when cut.

• Can I use a different type of vinegar in the marinade?

Yes, you can substitute white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar based on what you have available. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to the marinade.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours?

No, the minimum 30-minute marination time is sufficient to add flavor. However, longer marination up to 4 hours will help the chicken absorb more seasoning and become more tender.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can easily cook these chicken tenders on a grill pan, in a skillet, or even in the oven at 425°F. Just ensure you achieve the same internal temperature and golden brown exterior.

Smoky Grilled Chicken Tenders Worth Making

• This recipe delivers delicious grilled chicken tenders in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing quick, nutritious meals.
• Simple marinade allows endless flavor variations by swapping herbs, adding different spices, or experimenting with vinegar types to match your taste preferences.
• Low-fat chicken tenders provide lean protein, cook quickly on the grill, and can be paired with multiple side dishes for balanced nutrition without heavy preparation.
• Grilled chicken tenders work brilliantly in wraps, salads, as standalone protein, or sliced for kid-friendly meals, offering maximum flexibility for different dining scenarios.

Pantry Picks for Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Olive Oil, Vinegar: Helps to tenderize chicken and add rich flavor with a tangy kick. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.
• Garlic: Brings bold, aromatic flavor to the marinade. Fresh garlic cloves are more potent than pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herb-packed Mediterranean taste. A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor profile. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean meat cuts from chicken breast. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for best results.

• Additional Spices: Can include red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne for extra heat and complexity. Customize to personal taste preferences.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Crafting Flavor Explosion

• Olive oil
• White wine vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning blend
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Optional red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together in a large mixing bowl until ingredients are fully incorporated and create a fragrant blend.

Step 2: Marinating Magic

Place chicken tenders directly into the marinade mixture. Gently massage the liquid into the meat, ensuring each tender is completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.

Step 3: Fire Up The Grill

Prepare outdoor or indoor grill by setting temperature to medium-high heat. Lightly brush grill grates with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Allow grates to heat thoroughly before cooking.

Step 4: Grilling Perfection

Remove chicken tenders from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place tenders perpendicular to grill grates to create beautiful sear marks. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Chicken is ready when exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Serving With Style

Transfer grilled tenders to a clean platter. Let rest for 2-3 minutes to retain juiciness. Serve alongside fresh garden salad, creamy dipping sauce, or wrapped in warm tortillas.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken tenders dance with zesty Mediterranean spices, promising a quick and flavorful meal. Crisp exterior and juicy interior make this dish a perfect weeknight solution for hungry families craving something simple yet delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenderloins

Marinade and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by combining olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel, creating a flavor-packed liquid base.
2. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature and lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.
4. Extract chicken tenders from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place tenders perpendicular to grill grates to achieve professional crosshatch sear patterns.
5. Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, rotating once to ensure even cooking and developing a golden-brown exterior with slightly charred edges.
6. Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Chicken should appear opaque and firm with no pink remaining.
7. Remove from grill and let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture.
8. Serve immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauce, atop fresh salads, or nestled within warm wraps for a versatile protein option.

Notes

• Customize the marinade by swapping vinegar with lemon juice or adding a splash of soy sauce for an extra flavor kick.
• Opt for chicken tenders with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing overcooking that can make chicken tough and dry.
• Consider preparing a larger batch and storing grilled chicken tenders in the refrigerator for quick meal prep throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg