Grilled Chicken Tenders

These grilled chicken tenders explode with flavor for the perfect comfort food. Lemon and garlic herbiness deliver a truly indulgent treat. And they're super easy on the grill, a grill pan, or an air fryer.

Makes 12-20 chicken tenders

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: grilled chicken tenders

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Marinating and Resting Time: 35

Total Time: 50

Servings:

Calories: 263kcal

Author: imma

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken tenders (or skinless, boneless chicken breasts cut into ½-inch-thick strips)
Salt and pepper
¼ cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 tablespoon oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F/190-205℃).
Combine the olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well for your marinade.
Place the chicken tenders in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating all pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors. You can also marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for optimal flavor.
Once the grill is hot, lightly grease the grates to prevent sticking. You can use cooking spray or a brush dipped in oil.
Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, shaking off excess marinade and large particles.
Place the chicken tenders directly on the grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C). Be mindful of the fact that cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the tenders.
Remove them from the grill and put them on a plate. Then let your chicken tenders rest for about 5 minutes. That allows the juices to redistribute for moist and tender results.
Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.
Serve the grilled chicken tenders as a main dish alongside your favorite side dishes, such as grilled vegetables, salad, or rice.

Notes

Shake off excess spices to avoid clumping.
Flip the meat halfway for even cooking and don't overlap so the tenders have equal heat access.
The chicken's internal temperature should read 165℉/73℃. Slicing the tenders in half lengthwise for faster cooking. Pink meat means it's still raw.
Chicken tenders are not always available. Feel free to sub with chicken breast cut into thin strips. But adjust the cooking time, as chicken breast may take a little longer to cook.
Don't step away from the grill; chicken tenders are delicate and cook quickly.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition