Description
Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders are a quick, healthy, and versatile dinner option. Juicy and tender with a perfectly seasoned, lightly charred crust, these chicken tenders come together in under 30 minutes and are ideal for family meals, meal prep, or weeknight dinners. With simple staple ingredients and customizable flavors, this recipe is both wholesome and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick better and achieve a nice sear.
- Season the Tenders: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture until well coated on all sides.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, ensuring it’s nice and hot before placing the chicken to avoid sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the tenders on the grill grates and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until you see grill marks and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and a wedge of lemon if desired.
Notes
- Dry Before Seasoning: Pat dry for better searing and flavor absorption.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Allow space between tenders for even cooking and perfect grill marks.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Rest Time Is Key: Always rest your chicken for several minutes after grilling to keep it tender.
- Marinate When Possible: For deeper flavor, marinate the tenders a few hours ahead or overnight.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 2-3 tenders)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: grilled chicken tenders, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy grilled chicken, family dinner, meal prep chicken