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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature and lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks.
- Extract chicken tenders from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Place tenders perpendicular to grill grates to achieve professional crosshatch sear patterns.
- Grill each side for 3-4 minutes, rotating once to ensure even cooking and developing a golden-brown exterior with slightly charred edges.
- Verify doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer. Chicken should appear opaque and firm with no pink remaining.
- Remove from grill and let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture.
- 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