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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large container, creating a vibrant flavor base.
- 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.
- Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high temperature, lightly oiling grates to prevent adhesion and create perfect sear marks.
- Grilling Technique: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip away. Position tenders diagonally on hot grates, creating distinctive crosshatch patterns.
- 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.
- 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