If you’re looking for an easy chicken recipe that delivers juicy chicken tenders every single time, you’ve come to the right place. These grilled chicken tenderloins are my go-to for busy weeknights and meal prep because they’re packed with flavor and ready in just 10-15 minutes on the grill. The simple chicken marinade uses pantry ingredients you probably already have, making this one of those favorite recipes you’ll want to make on a regular basis.
Whether you’re firing up your gas grill or charcoal grill, these tender chicken strips are absolute perfection. The whole family loves them as a flavorful protein for easy weeknight dinners, and I always make a big batch because leftover chicken tenders are amazing for quick lunches, chicken salad, or tossed into pasta dishes throughout the week.
Gina’s Recipe Rundown:
Texture: These grilled chicken tenders are juicy, tender, and perfectly charred on the outside with a flavorful, well-seasoned crust.
Taste: The flavor is savory, smoky, and garlicky with a bright hint of lemon and a blend of herbs that perfectly complements the juicy grilled chicken.
Ease: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of pantry staples, a quick marinade, and less than 15 minutes on the grill.
Why I love it: These grilled chicken tenders are naturally low in carbs and packed with lean protein, making them a great option for a healthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
These chicken tenderloins cook in just 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat, making them perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast. No complicated steps or long cooking time required.
Incredibly Juicy
The marinade ingredients work together to keep the chicken incredibly moist and flavorful. You’ll never end up with dry chicken when you follow the detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Versatile for Any Meal
Use these grilled chicken strips for everything from wraps and tacos to topping your favorite salads. They’re the perfect protein that works with practically any side dish.
Family Friendly
Even picky eaters love these chicken fingers! Serve them with their favorite dipping sauce like bbq sauce, hot sauce, or ranch, and watch them disappear.
Great for Meal Prep
Make them once and enjoy flavorful meals all week long. Store them in an airtight container, and you’ve got ready-to-eat protein for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy. Chicken breasts cut into strips work just as well.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere while keeping the chicken moist and promoting even browning on the grill.
- Lemon juice: Adds bright, fresh flavor while helping tenderize the chicken.
- Garlic powder: Provides savory garlic flavor that evenly coats the chicken without burning like fresh garlic can.
- Onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and depth to complement the garlic and spices.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful golden color.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the seasoning blend.
- Dried Italian seasoning (optional): A blend of herbs that adds extra savory, herbaceous flavor if desired.
Kitchen Equipment
- Mixing bowl or large zip-top bag
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Tongs
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Grill brush and oil for grates
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Serving platter or plate
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tenders
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, if you’re using it.
- Add the chicken tenders and toss until they’re evenly coated in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
- When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to help prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken tenders on the hot grill and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on their thickness. They’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices locked in so every bite stays tender and flavorful.
Variations & Substitutions
Use Different Proteins
If you can’t find chicken tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken breasts work great too. Just slice them into strips for similar cooking time. Chicken thighs are another tasty option that stay extra juicy.
Switch Up the Marinade
Love heat? Create a spicy marinade by adding extra chili powder and hot sauce. For a citrus twist, add fresh lemon juice or lime juice to brighten up the flavors. The chicken marinade is super flexible.
Try Different Seasonings
While garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper are my base seasonings, feel free to experiment. Smoked paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning all work beautifully.
Oil Options
I typically use olive oil in the marinade, but avocado oil is a great substitute with a higher smoke point that’s ideal for grilling.
Cooking Methods
Don’t have a grill? No problem! These work wonderfully in an air fryer at 400 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes. You can also bake them in the oven or use a grill pan indoors.
Serve Different Ways
Beyond serving as chicken fingers with dipping sauces, try slicing these up for chicken salad, grain bowls, or wraps for variety throughout the week.
Storage
Refrigerator Storage
Store your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container or sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation. This makes them perfect for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.
Freezer Storage
These grilled chicken strips freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container. This prevents them from sticking together.
Reheating
To maintain the texture of the meat, reheat in a 350 degrees F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up. The microwave works in a pinch, but the chicken won’t be quite as tender.
Expert Tips
Don’t Skip the Meat Thermometer
The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F for safe, perfectly cooked chicken. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tender for an accurate reading.
Pound for Even Thickness
If your chicken tenderloins are uneven, gently pound the thicker ends so everything cooks evenly. This prevents some pieces from becoming dry chicken while others are still cooking.
Let the Marinade Work Its Magic
While you can grill these right away, letting the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 10 minutes (or up to 24 hours) makes them even more flavorful and juicy.
Oil Your Grill Grates
Before adding the chicken, oil your grill grates to prevent sticking. This helps you get those beautiful grill marks on both sides of the chicken.
Arrange in a Single Layer
Don’t overcrowd your grill. Cook the tenders in a single layer with space between each piece so they cook evenly and get nice char marks.
Flip Only Once
Resist the urge to constantly flip! Let each side of the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop that delicious grilled flavor.
Rest Before Serving
Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping everything moist and tender.
FAQ’s
What’s the difference between chicken tenders and chicken fingers?
Chicken tenderloins are the actual tender piece of meat from under the chicken breast, while chicken fingers are typically strips cut from boneless skinless chicken breasts. Both work great in this recipe.
How do I prevent dry chicken?
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking, and don’t cook past 165 degrees F. The marinade also helps keep the chicken juicy, and remember not to press down on the tenders while grilling.
Can I use this recipe for a big batch?
Yes! This recipe scales beautifully for feeding a crowd or meal prep. Just make sure to cook the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
What are the best dipping sauces?
Your favorite dipping sauce works great! Try BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, hot sauce, or even a garlic aioli. I love offering a variety for the whole family.
If you love this grilled recipe, you’re going to love these other grilled recipes, too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Chicken Tender Recipes
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Grilled Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a bowl or zip-top bag.
- Toss in the chicken tenders, making sure to coat evenly.
- Marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Add the chicken tenders and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Created by Gina Kleinworth
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