Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
Grilled Chicken Tenders are juicy, flavorful, and seasoned with a simple blend of spices that creates a delicious smoky finish on the grill. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, cookouts, or meal prep.
These grilled chicken tenders stay tender and flavorful thanks to a simple marinade that adds plenty of seasoning without overpowering the chicken. Since chicken tenders cook quickly, they’re perfect when you want a grilled dinner without a long wait. Use them in a wrap, salad or serve with a dip.
I always let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes before grilling so the seasonings have time to coat every piece. Cooking over medium-high heat and removing the tenders as soon as they reach 165°F helps keep them juicy instead of dry. It’s an easy technique that delivers tender, flavorful chicken every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cookouts.
- Simple homemade marinade. Pantry spices create plenty of flavor with very little prep.
- Perfect for meal prep. Enjoy the chicken in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or grain bowls throughout the week.
- Family-friendly. The seasoning blend is flavorful without being overly spicy.
Love grilling season as much as I do? Check out these Grilled Hamburgers, Grilled Rib Eye, or Grilled Chicken with Avocado Salsa.
Ingredients
This is a list of the ingredients that you need to make your grocery shopping easier. You can find the full list of the ingredients and amounts needed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken tenders: Cook quickly and stay naturally tender and juicy on the grill.
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and prevents it from drying out while grilling.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness while helping tenderize the meat.
- Garlic powder: Delivers savory flavor throughout every bite.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Smoked paprika: Gives the chicken a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and beautiful color.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Optional, but adds an extra layer of herb flavor.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
This is a quick overview of the step-by-step instructions for making this recipe. You can find the complete list of instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Add the chicken tenders and toss until they’re evenly coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken tenders on the grill in a single layer.
- Grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Substitutions and Additions
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
- Use Chicken Breasts: Slice boneless chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenders.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh basil over the chicken before serving.
- Citrus Twist: Replace the lemon juice with fresh lime juice for a slightly different flavor.
Sandra’s Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the marinade. Even 10 minutes helps the chicken absorb more flavor.
- Preheat the grill. A hot grill creates better grill marks and prevents sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer. Remove the chicken at 165°F to keep it juicy.
- Let the chicken rest. A few minutes of resting allows the juices to redistribute before serving.
FAQs
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.
Most chicken tenders cook in about 8 to 12 minutes total, depending on their thickness.
You can marinate it for up to 2 hours. Longer than that isn’t necessary because the lemon juice can begin to affect the texture.
They pair well with grilled vegetables, pasta salad, potato salad, rice, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
Chicken tenders are the small strip pieces from the tenderloin area under the breast, while chicken tenderloin is the actual cut name.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You May Enjoy
Simple Grilled Chicken Tenderloins
Equipment
- BBQ grill
- marinade bowl or ziplock bag
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
Chicken Marinade
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken tenders and toss until evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Place the chicken tenders on the grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
How To Store
Refrigerator: Store leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. How to Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet, microwave, or 300°F oven until heated through to help keep the chicken moist.Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.
