Sizzling Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe: Tender Bites of Joy!

Crispy golden chicken tenders deliver an irresistible crunch that makes taste buds dance with excitement.

These homemade chicken tenders promise a delightful meal packed with flavor and texture.

Seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, each tender becomes a golden-brown masterpiece ready to tantalize your palate.

The secret lies in creating a crispy exterior while maintaining a succulent, tender inside that melts in your mouth.

Simple ingredients transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection, these chicken tenders are sure to become a weeknight dinner favorite that brings smiles to the table.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this mouthwatering recipe that turns ordinary chicken into a spectacular meal.

Tips To Take Grilled Chicken Tenders Up A Notch

• Whip Up a Flavor Bomb

Mix together your marinade in a container, blending olive oil, vinegar, crushed garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for a zesty coating that’ll make your chicken sing.

• Soak and Infuse

Dump chicken tenders into the marinade, ensuring every piece gets drenched in those delicious flavors. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours, letting the magic happen.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a quick oil rub to prevent sticking and create those gorgeous grill marks.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Rescue the chicken from its flavor bath and lay each tender on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until they’re beautifully bronzed and cooked through – you’re aiming for that perfect 165°F internal temperature.

• Rest and Feast

Let the chicken take a quick breather for 2-3 minutes, then dive in! Serve these juicy gems alongside your favorite dips, toss into salads, or wrap them up for a mouthwatering meal.

How To Plate Grilled Chicken Tenders Like A Pro

• Quick Marinating Magic: For deeper flavor, puncture chicken tenders with a fork before marinating to help seasonings penetrate more effectively.
• Low-Carb Hero: Replace traditional marinades with sugar-free options like mustard, lemon juice, and herbs to keep the dish keto and low-carb friendly.
• Oven Backup Plan: When grilling isn't possible, bake chicken tenders at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Protein Powerhouse Swap: Transform this recipe for different diets by using turkey or plant-based chicken alternatives for vegetarian and diverse protein needs.
• Flavor Fusion Trick: Experiment with global marinades like Thai coconut, Mediterranean herb, or Mexican chili rub to add international flair without changing core cooking technique.

How To Keep Grilled Chicken Tenders Fresh And Juicy

• Fresh Summer Salad Companion: Slice grilled chicken tenders over crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, drizzled with light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Quick Family Wrap Style: Stuff warm chicken tenders inside soft tortillas with fresh lettuce, sliced avocado, and creamy ranch dressing for an easy lunch option.
• Protein-Packed Plate Partner: Serve tenders alongside roasted seasonal vegetables and quinoa for a balanced, nutritious dinner that everyone will enjoy.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange grilled tenders with hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired sharing meal.

What Goes In Grilled Pesto Turkey Burgers

• Fresh Storage Smart: Keep marinated or cooked chicken tenders in airtight containers within the refrigerator for 35 days, ensuring maximum taste and safety.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen tenders maintain quality for up to 3 months when sealed correctly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook extra tenders during grilling session and slice for quick lunch salads, wrap fillings, or protein-packed dinner additions throughout the week.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken tenders gently in skillet with small splash of olive oil or microwave at 50% power to prevent drying, maintaining juicy texture and flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Grill Tools To Nail Grilled Chicken Tenders

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents chicken from sticking to grill.
• Vinegar: Tenderizes meat and adds tangy brightness to the overall taste.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor that complements chicken perfectly.

• Italian Seasoning: Creates a classic herb profile with multiple dried herbs working together.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the chicken's natural taste.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, quick-cooking cut that absorbs marinades beautifully and grills quickly.

• Spices: Can include red pepper flakes, paprika, or dried herbs to customize flavor profile.

Simple Steps For Grilled Chicken Tenders Perfection

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for creating the marinade, combining all those delicious ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the marinade ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Zip-Top Bag (Optional): Great alternative to a mixing bowl for marinating chicken.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key tool for cooking the chicken tenders to perfection.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely turning and moving chicken tenders on the grill.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Cutting Board: Helpful for preparing ingredients and checking chicken doneness.

Juicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-style grilled chicken tenders deliver a spicy and zesty culinary journey through authentic flavors. Marinade ingredients blend seamlessly to create juicy, tender meat that will delight you with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenderloins
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) olive oil
• 0.25 cups (60 ml) apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large container, creating a vibrant flavor base.
2. Marinating Process: Thoroughly coat chicken tenders in the zesty mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and infuse.
3. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, lightly oiling grates to prevent adhesion and create perfect sear marks.
4. Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Position tenders diagonally on hot grates, creating distinctive crosshatch patterns.
5. Cooking Progression: Grill tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve uniform caramelization and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for optimal safety and succulence.
6. Resting and Serving: Transfer golden-brown tenders to a clean platter, allowing 2-3 minutes of rest to redistribute internal juices. Present alongside complementary dipping sauces, atop fresh salad, or nestled in warm wraps for a versatile culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but avoid exceeding 2 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s texture.
• Preheat Precisely: Ensure grill reaches medium-high heat (around 400-450°F) for optimal caramelization and preventing chicken from sticking or becoming dry.
• Check Temperature Carefully: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, eliminating any risk of foodborne illness while maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Rest and Redistribute: Let grilled chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking, allowing natural juices to redistribute and ensuring each bite remains succulent and flavorful.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg