Zesty Crispy Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe for Fun Dinners

Succulent and tender chicken meets the perfect crispy grilled chicken tenders recipe for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to juicy meat that sings with flavor and texture.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, these chicken tenders promise to be the star of your dinner table.

Every bite delivers a satisfying crunch that elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when fresh chicken meets high heat and carefully selected seasonings.

Serve these delectable tenders alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that transforms weeknight cooking into a delightful experience.

Grill Up Chicken Tenders in a Flash

• Create Flavor Blast Marinade

Whip up a zesty mix of tangy vinegar, rich olive oil, crushed garlic, and aromatic herbs in a bowl or sealed container. Splash in some secret spices to make your taste buds dance.

• Soak and Infuse Chicken

Dive the chicken tenders into the marinade, ensuring every inch gets coated with delicious flavor. Let them chill in the refrigerator and soak up all those incredible tastes.

• Fire Up the Grill

Warm your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature. Brush the grates with a light oil coating to prevent sticking and create those mouthwatering grill marks.

• Cook to Perfection

Lay the marinated chicken tenders on the hot grill. Watch them transform with beautiful golden-brown edges. Flip once to cook evenly, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature that guarantees juicy, tender meat.

• Serve and Enjoy

Pull those gorgeous chicken tenders off the grill and let them rest briefly. Plate them up with your favorite sides or slice them into a fresh salad. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Chicken Tender Tweaks That Add a New Dimension

• For maximum flavor, let chicken tenders soak in the marinade overnight in the refrigerator, allowing herbs and spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Skip sugary marinades and replace with herb-based options for keto and low-carbohydrate diet followers.
• Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian alternative that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Use coconut aminos instead of vinegar for those with sensitivities, and swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor profile.

Pairing Grilled Chicken Tenders with Classic or Bold Sides

• Fresh Summer Salad Companion: Slice grilled chicken tenders over crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and drizzle with light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Wrap Party Delight: Stuff warm chicken tenders into soft tortillas or pita bread with crunchy lettuce, sliced avocado, and a zesty tzatziki sauce for a quick lunch.
• Protein-Packed Snack Platter: Arrange grilled tenders with colorful vegetable sticks, hummus, and various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo for entertaining guests.
• Kids' Friendly Dinner Option: Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve with mac and cheese or alongside roasted vegetables to make a kid-approved meal with balanced nutrition.

How to Keep Tenders Juicy After Grilling

• Prepare extra chicken tenders during your cooking session and store them in airtight containers. These pre-cooked proteins work perfectly for quick lunches, salad toppers, or rapid meal assembly throughout the week.
• After grilling, allow chicken tenders to reach room temperature within 30 minutes. Transfer to shallow containers, spreading them in a single layer to cool evenly and prevent moisture buildup, which can make the meat soggy.
• Sealed grilled chicken tenders stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Always use clean, sealed containers and place them in the coldest section of your fridge, typically the back shelf away from the door.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These protein-packed morsels can be stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Chicken Tenders – What You’ll Need

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking during grilling, choose extra virgin for rich taste.
• Vinegar: Tenderizes chicken and adds tangy brightness, white or apple cider vinegar work perfectly.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor and natural antibacterial properties, fresh minced is best.
• Italian Seasoning: Creates complex herb profile with dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor and balancing the marinade.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, quick-cooking cut that absorbs marinades quickly, look for fresh, uniform pieces without discoloration.

• Spices: Optional additions like paprika, red pepper flakes, or cayenne can add heat and depth, customize to personal preference.

Gear That Helps You Get Chicken Tenders Golden

• Large Bowl or Zip-Top Bag: Essential for mixing marinade and coating chicken tenders evenly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending marinade ingredients smoothly and eliminating lumps.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Key tool for achieving those delicious charred marks and smoky flavor.
• Meat Thermometer: Crucial for checking chicken's internal temperature reaches 165F for safe eating.
• Tongs: Helps safely flip chicken tenders on the grill without piercing the meat.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing and resting grilled chicken.

Crispy Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent “Grilled Chicken Tenders” elevate weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and zesty marinades. Quick-cooking protein promises a delicious meal that satisfies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenderloins (or sliced boneless chicken breasts)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup (60 ml) apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 tsp (5 g) Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) optional smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor

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Instructions

1. Marinade Creation: Blend olive oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional spices in a mixing container, creating a vibrant flavor base.
2. Chicken Infusion: Immerse chicken tenders completely in the prepared marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing deep flavor penetration.
3. Grill Preparation: Ignite grill to medium-high heat, lightly brushing grates with oil to prevent sticking and enhance caramelization.
4. Grilling Technique: Transfer marinated tenders directly onto preheated grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side. Achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for optimal safety and juiciness.
5. Resting and Serving: Allow grilled chicken to rest 2-3 minutes, enabling juice redistribution. Plate with preferred accompaniments like fresh dips, crisp salads, or wrapped in warm tortillas for a versatile meal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat’s texture.
• Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled before grilling to help chicken tenders release easily and develop beautiful grill marks.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, avoiding overcooking which can dry out the tender chicken.
• Swap olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking, use gluten-free vinegar for celiac-friendly version, or substitute herbs based on personal preference or available ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg