Description
These Grilled Chicken Tenders are juicy, tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. A simple, flavorful marinade keeps the chicken moist while the grill creates beautifully charred edges, making it perfect for quick family dinners, meal prep, salads, wraps, or dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade and Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). Clean the grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking during grilling.
- Grill the Chicken Tenders: Place the marinated chicken tenders on the hot grill. Cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the tenders. Flip carefully to get nice grill marks and even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Continue grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using an instant-read thermometer. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked while staying juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute ensuring tenderness and flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces or as part of salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
Notes
- Chicken tenders cook quickly; monitor closely to avoid overcooking and drying out.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours but no longer to maintain texture.
- Pair these tenders with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or any preferred dipping sauce.
- Leftover chicken tenders are great sliced over salads, rice bowls, or in wraps for easy meals.
- Always verify the thickest piece’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer for food safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch, Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
