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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the grill by heating to medium-high temperature and lightly brushing the grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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