Description
Sizzling Grilled Chicken Tenders are my go-to weeknight dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout. These juicy, tender strips get a quick marinade of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before hitting the hot grill for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Liquids and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and thyme in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Transfer chicken tenders into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow container. Pour marinade directly over the meat, ensuring each tender gets fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the container, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate the chicken. Do not marinate longer than 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming mushy.
- Prepare outdoor grill by heating to 400°F (204°C). Clean and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and gently pat each tender dry with paper towels. Discard remaining liquid.
- Arrange chicken tenders across the grill grates, leaving small spaces between each piece. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until nice grill marks develop.
- Flip tenders carefully using tongs. Continue grilling an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Transfer grilled chicken to a clean serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and arrange lemon wedges alongside for squeezing.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture.
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken dry before marinating to help seasonings stick and create a better char.
- For a gluten-free option, replace regular herbs with certified gluten-free herbs and double-check marinade ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 198 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 525 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg