Juicy Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe for Sizzling Summer Meals

Crispy, golden chicken tenders sizzle with mouthwatering potential on today’s grilled chicken tenders recipe adventure.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Each tender promises a perfect balance of juicy interior and beautifully charred exterior.

Marinades work magic, infusing incredible flavor into every single bite.

Simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Quick and easy preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready in minutes.

This recipe will become your new go-to for satisfying, crowd-pleasing protein that always delivers maximum flavor.

Grab those tongs and let’s fire up the grill for a seriously delectable meal!

Perfect Pairings For Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Zesty Mediterranean Salad Companion: Pair these flavorful grilled chicken tenders with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. The fresh, tangy ingredients complement the herb-infused chicken perfectly.
• Cool Creamy Dipping Adventure: Whip up a refreshing tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This creamy dip brings a cool contrast to the warm, slightly charred chicken tenders and adds a delightful Mediterranean twist.
• Wine and Dine Elevation: Select a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the herb-marinated chicken. These wines cut through the olive oil's richness and highlight the garlic and Italian seasoning's bright flavors.
• Simple Herb-Packed Side Kick: Serve alongside a quinoa pilaf with fresh parsley, mint, and lemon zest. The light, herbal grains provide a perfect base that echoes the chicken's marinade and adds nutritional balance to the meal.

Tasty Twists On Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Zesty Mediterranean Mix: Swap Italian seasoning for oregano, add lemon zest, and mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that brings tangy freshness to the grilled chicken.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add a splash of lime juice and serve with fresh cilantro for a bold, southwestern-style chicken tender experience.
• Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the marinade. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil after grilling to enhance the herbaceous notes and create a rustic, garden-fresh taste.
• Asian Fusion Fusion: Substitute vinegar with rice wine, add grated ginger, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Sprinkle sesame seeds before serving to create a deliciously aromatic Asian-inspired chicken tender variation.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Questions

• What makes these grilled chicken tenders so flavorful?

The marinade is the secret! By combining olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning, the chicken absorbs delicious herbs and spices that infuse incredible taste directly into the meat before grilling.

• Can I use different types of vinegar in the marinade?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests basic vinegar, you can experiment with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken.

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

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s thoroughly cooked without becoming dry or tough.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! Grilled chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep. You can cook a batch and store them in the refrigerator for easy protein additions to salads, wraps, or quick lunches throughout the week.

Why Grilled Chicken Tenders Are Always A Hit

• Speed Up Weeknight Cooking: Whip up these grilled chicken tenders in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy families craving a quick and delicious dinner.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Mix and match optional spices in the marinade to create unique taste experiences that keep everyone excited about mealtime and prevent dinner boredom.
• Versatile Meal Companion: Enjoy these tender chicken strips in multiple ways – tossed on salads, wrapped in tortillas, or paired with your favorite dipping sauce for maximum meal flexibility.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Lean chicken tenders grilled to perfection offer a nutritious protein option that satisfies hunger while keeping meals light and clean for health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients For Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Olive Oil: Helps to keep chicken moist and creates smooth marinade base.
• Vinegar: Adds tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor and complements other seasonings.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal complexity and traditional Mediterranean taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor and seasoning of chicken.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender cut perfect for quick grilling with mild meat texture.

• Optional Spices: Can include red pepper flakes, paprika, or cayenne for extra heat and personal flavor customization.

How To Make Grilled Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Whip Up Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Minced fresh garlic
• Italian herb blend
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Optional spice additions like paprika or red pepper flakes

Whisk all ingredients until they create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 2: Infuse Chicken with Deliciousness

• Minimum marinating time: 30 minutes
• Maximum marinating time: 4 hours

The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor becomes!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

• Preheat to medium-high heat
• Lightly brush grates with vegetable oil or olive oil to prevent sticking
• Ensure grill surface is clean and ready for cooking

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

• Cook for 3-4 minutes on first side
• Flip carefully
• Grill additional 3-4 minutes on second side
• Look for beautiful golden-brown char marks
• Confirm doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F

Step 5: Rest and Serve

• Helps retain juicy tenderness
• Prevents immediate moisture loss

• Fresh garden salad
• Zesty dipping sauces
• Crisp vegetable sides
• Warm pita bread or rice

Top Tips For Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Marinade Flavor: Let chicken tenders soak in the marinade for up to 4 hours to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles without making the meat tough.
• Prevent Sticking Technique: Brush grill grates with oil before cooking to ensure chicken tenders release easily and maintain beautiful grill marks.
• Check Doneness Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Customize Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or dried oregano to create unique flavor combinations.
• Rest for Optimal Juiciness: Allow grilled chicken tenders to rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, helping juices redistribute and ensuring tender, moist meat.

How To Store Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Refrigerate leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Ensure the chicken cools completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tenders individually in plastic wrap or place between parchment paper layers to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• When reheating, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F to keep the meat juicy and safe to eat.
• Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the tender chicken and compromise its delicious texture.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “Grilled Chicken Tenders” promise a delightful culinary journey through tender, juicy meat kissed by smoky flames. Marinated with zesty herbs and perfectly charred, these chicken tenders will make you crave more with each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken tenderloins

Marinade Base:

• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 0.25 cups (60 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Flavor Enhancers:

• 0.5 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 spacious mixing bowl or resealable plastic bag.
2. Submerge chicken tenders completely in the aromatic marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature and lightly brushing the grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
4. Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Carefully place the tenders on the preheated grill, positioning them at an angle to create elegant crosshatch grill lines.
5. Cook the tenders for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating once to ensure even charring and consistent cooking. Monitor the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F to guarantee safe consumption.
6. Once perfectly grilled with a golden-brown exterior and succulent interior, transfer the chicken tenders to a clean platter and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting period helps redistribute juices and maintain tenderness.
7. Serve immediately alongside your favorite dipping sauces, atop a crisp salad, or nestled within warm wraps for a versatile and delectable meal.

Notes

• Marinate Masterfully: Enhance flavor depth by puncturing chicken tenders with a fork before adding marinade, allowing seasonings to penetrate more effectively.
• Quick Cooking Hack: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken tenders to uniform thickness before marinating, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for higher smoke point grilling, and use gluten-free herbs for celiac-friendly option. Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for vegetarian alternative.
• Storage Wisdom: Store leftover grilled chicken tenders in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick meal prep or adding protein to salads and lunches.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg