The Benefit of Grilling Chicken Tenders
For a fast and effortless chicken dinner, this recipe is your answer. Sprinkled with spices and grilled to perfection, it’s sure to become one of your family’s go-tos!
These tenders are delicious on their own, but they also make a fantastic base for many dishes! Try them in salads, sandwiches or in a bowl of pasta!
1. Flavorful
Grilled chicken tenders are an incredibly flavorful and versatile protein choice for any occasion, making them the ideal go-to meal when you need a quick dinner on the go. No matter who’s cooking for you or just yourself, grilled chicken tenders make for one of the tastiest proteins around. Plus, their convenience makes them ideal for busy nights or when you need something quick at hand.
These tenders are super lean and without bones or skin, meaning they cook quickly. To help maintain their moisture, brine them for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent the meat from drying out. For even more flavor, marinate your tenders in an exciting citrus sauce like this Honey Lime Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe for added zest!
Another delicious option is Grilled Garlic and Herb Tenders that are packed with the flavors of fresh garlic and herbs. Guaranteed to please everyone in the family when served alongside a simple green salad or roast vegetables!
These chicken tenders are marinated in a zesty, lemony marinade that includes cilantro. After being tossed on the grill, they turn golden brown and charred on both sides – making them an excellent addition to a Greek Chicken Kabobs platter or topping off your favorite pasta dish.
When grilling chicken, it’s essential to get the temperature just right in order for it to cook evenly and thoroughly. To check for doneness, insert a thermometer into each piece of poultry and watch until it registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To prevent overcooking your tenders, preheat the grill to medium high heat and cook them until they’re nicely browned on both sides. It may take a few minutes per side for this to happen.
Once they’re browned and cooked through, remove from the grill and allow to cool completely before serving. These grilled chicken tenders can be served on their own, but for an even better experience try pairing them with some creamy coleslaw or dip (my personal favorite: ranch!).
Grilled tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers make delicious chicken salad, sandwiches, tacos and wraps!
2. Easy to make
Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe is an ideal meal option that takes only minutes to make and is packed with health and delicious flavor. Enjoy it as either the main course or as a side.
Many enjoy this dish, including adults and kids alike. Marinated tenders are marinated in an easy-to-make sauce before being grilled until juicy and flavorful.
These make a nutritious addition to any family meal and make an impressive appetizer or starter dish at parties. Not only that, but they’re also healthy enough for lunch or dinner – served alongside salad, rice or even dip!
Make this quick and delicious grilled chicken recipe in just 10 minutes of your time – perfect for busy families or those with picky eaters.
This simple and healthy grilled chicken recipe features a sweet marinade made with Italian dressing, honey, and lime juice. It’s sure to become one of your family’s go-tos; serve it alongside Tomato Cucumber Salad or Cilantro Rice for extra flavor!
This marinade is composed of oil, herbs, spices and citrus juices to give tenders extra flavor before grilling. For best results, marinate for several hours or overnight before cooking.
Prior to grilling the chicken, make sure it has been marinated thoroughly with all desired flavors so it absorbs all of the goodness and becomes juicy and flavorful. Furthermore, ensure the chicken has been cooked evenly across each side so as not to burn.
Heat the grill to medium heat and add your marinated tenders. Cook them on the hot grill until they are cooked through and tender – about 5-7 minutes per side. Your tenders are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or when an internal temperature of 165 degrees is reached.
You can bake these chicken tenders instead of grilling them for a healthier alternative. To bake, coat the tenders with flour and egg before baking in the oven.
3. Suitable for vegetarians
If you’re trying to eat healthier or just prefer vegetarian food, grilling is the ideal way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients like calcium and iron which support bone and tooth health, plus they’re easy to prepare – making them the ideal side dish for any summer barbecue.
Vegetarians should strive to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into their meals, as these can provide essential nutrients. Furthermore, vegans need to increase the amount of vitamin C they consume as this aids in iron absorption.
Vegetarianism comes in many forms, from strict veganism to restricting meat intake to fish or chicken. Other vegetarians may opt for occasional consumption of meat – these could include pescatarians or flexitarians.
Vegetarians can enjoy this flavorful marinade or sauce by using vegetable oils like olive or coconut oil and adding saltiness, acidity and spice. Your carnivorous guests are sure to be won over by this mouthwatering grilled dish that your vegetarian guests won’t be able to resist!
Another excellent idea for seasoning your grilled vegetables is citrus juice, fresh garlic or a combination of both. Not only do these ingredients offer health benefits, but they also add extra flavor, fragrance and texture.
Season your grilled vegetables with spices such as pepper and chili powder for a smoky taste that helps prevent them from getting overly charred.
Grilling veggies usually cook through quickly, so be mindful of timing and heat levels when doing so.
Vegetarians may struggle to meet their nutritional needs when vegetarianism prevents the absorption of certain essential nutrients such as protein and calcium from meat or fish sources. This is especially true if they’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a child.
4. Quick to prepare
One of the greatest advantages to grilling Chicken Tenders is how quickly it’s ready. This makes it perfect for busy individuals with little time to cook dinner.
These recipes are incredibly straightforward to make with only a few basic ingredients, making them popular with families with children. Serve your wedges with various dipping sauces to enjoy with fresh salads or grain dishes.
To begin, heat your grill to medium heat and add the tenders. Cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and with a slightly charred appearance.
Panfrying chicken breasts on the stovetop is another option. Be sure to use a pan that has been lightly seasoned so the poultry does not burn while cooking.
If you’re cooking on the stovetop, lightly coat the skillet with avocado oil before placing your tenders inside and cooking them for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through and juices have run clear.
Once you’re done, take the tenders away from the heat source and let them sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows them time to absorb all of the marinade, keeping them moist and juicy.
Leftover grilled chicken tenders can be stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them. Keep them airtight for up to three days in an airtight container.
These tenders can easily be frozen. Just be sure to thaw them out in the fridge overnight before reheating them.
When grilling these tenders, it’s essential that they remain in one layer so they cook evenly. Grill the pieces for approximately 30 minutes total, turning them over halfway through cooking time.
Are you searching for a way to add some pizzazz to your grilling routine? Try this delicious copycat version of Cracker Barrel’s grilled chicken tenderloins. They are flavored with an irresistibly flavorful marinade that’s both smoky and spicy. These tenders make great additions to wraps, salads, or pasta dishes as well.
Grilling Chicken Tenders Recipe

For a fast and effortless chicken dinner, this recipe is your answer. Sprinkled with spices and grilled to perfection, it's sure to become one of your family's go-tos!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Brush or rub the grill grates with a little bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken tenders on the grill and brush the spice mixture on top of each one.
Grill the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders and the heat of your grill, so it's always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Equipment: Grill, Tongs, Brush or towel for oiling the grill grates.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 376Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 1437mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 22g