I just pulled these mouthwatering grilled chicken tenders off the grill, and I can’t wait to dig in!
The aroma of lemon, garlic, and herbs is absolutely intoxicating. I love how this dish combines simplicity with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend barbecue with friends.
The best part is, these tenders are so versatile.
They can go on a salad, in a wrap, or just straight off the plate with some grilled veggies on the side.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Chicken Tenders
Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Taste: The combination of lemon zest, garlic, and paprika creates a delightful and savory taste. It’s a crowd-pleaser!
Great for Meal Prep: These grilled chicken tenders can be made in advance and stored for later use. They’re an excellent option for meal prepping.
Time-Saver: With a quick marinade and short cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenderloins: Lean and tender, they’re the perfect cut for grilling to juicy perfection.
- Olive Oil: It adds a luxurious touch and helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: Lemon juice and zest bring a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish.
- Garlic: Minced to perfection, garlic adds a savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Paprika: It adds a rich, earthy flavor that elevates the dish.
- Dried Thyme: With its subtle, herbaceous notes, thyme adds a sophisticated touch to the marinade.
- Salt and Pepper: The dynamic duo of seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
- Fresh Parsley: It adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tenders
Even if you aren’t a grillmaster, these tenders are super easy to make!
1. Prepare the marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
3. Preheat the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, ensure it’s well-greased and heated.
4. Grill the chicken: Place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
5. Rest and serve. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the tenders immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Tenders
Here are some tips and tricks to make your chicken perfect.
- The longer the marinating, the better. Ensure the chicken tenders are fully coated in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.|
- Don’t overcook! Grill the chicken tenders for just 3-4 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent them from drying out.
- Give it a rest. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier, more flavorful tenders.
- Have fun with flavor variations. Try different marinades like BBQ, honey mustard, or teriyaki for variety. You can also season with different herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, cumin, or chili powder.
- Serve them in style. Serve over salad, in wraps or sandwiches, with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard, or alongside grilled veggies and rice for a complete meal.
How to Store
These tenders are perfect for meal prep and also store well.
To Store: Place the grilled chicken tenders in an air-tight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F or below.
To Freeze: Place the cooled grilled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or air-tight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them from frozen in the oven or microwave.
To Reheat: Reheat the grilled chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can also reheat them in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds, or until heated through.
Grilled Chicken Tenders
4
servings5
minutes8
minutes249
kcalThese grilled chicken tenders are juicy, flavorful, and so easy to make! They take less than 10 minutes on the grill!
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl and toss them until they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, ensure it is well-greased and heated.
- Place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve the grilled chicken tenders immediately, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
