Grilling chicken tenders has become my go-to solution for those hectic weeknights when I need something quick but still wanna impress the family. Trust me there’s nothing worse than serving up dry overcooked chicken or (yikes!) undercooked tenders that’ll have everyone questioning your grilling skills.
After years of trial and error (and a few embarrassing cookout fails), I’ve finally nailed down exactly how long to cook chicken tenders on the grill for that perfect balance of juicy inside and slightly charred outside. So fire up those grills – we’re about to transform your dinner game!
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- Ideal cooking times for perfectly grilled chicken tenders
- The right temperature for grilling success
- Prep tips that make ALL the difference
- How to check for doneness (without cutting into your meat!)
- Common mistakes that ruin chicken tenders (and how to avoid them)
What Are Chicken Tenders Anyway?
Before we dive into cooking times, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what chicken tenders actually are These little strips of goodness come from the pectoralis minor muscle, which sits underneath the chicken breast They’re naturally tender (hence the name!), lean, and have a fairly uniform shape that makes them perfect for even cooking.
The best part? Their size and shape mean they cook FAST – making them perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re cooking for impatient kids who keep asking “is dinner ready yet?”
The Magic Number: How Long to Grill Chicken Tenders
Let’s cut to the chase – you want to know exactly how long these babies should stay on the grill. Here’s the simple answer:
Grilling time for chicken tenders: 6-8 minutes total (about 3-4 minutes per side)
But wait! There’s a bit more to it than just setting a timer. The exact time depends on a few factors:
- Thickness of your tenders: Thicker tenders need a bit more time
- Your grill’s temperature: We’re aiming for 400°F to 450°F
- Whether you marinated: Sometimes marinade affects cooking time slightly
- If you’re using a lid: Closed lids cook faster
Remember, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. So while the 6-8 minute guideline works for most situations, your thermometer should have the final say!
Preparing Your Chicken Tenders for Grilling Success
The secret to amazing grilled chicken tenders starts way before they hit the grill. Here’s my foolproof prep method:
Marinade Magic
Listen, you could just throw some salt and pepper on those tenders and call it a day. But why not take it up a notch? A good marinade adds flavor AND helps keep the meat juicy.
Try this simple marinade that never fails to impress:
- 6 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Some sesame seeds (adds amazing flavor!)
- Spices like cumin, oregano, salt, and a pinch of red pepper flakes
Mix it all together, toss in your chicken, and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can plan ahead, 2-4 hours is even better for flavor infusion!
No Time for Marinade?
If you’re in a rush (happens to the best of us), a simple drizzle of olive oil and your favorite seasoning blend will work too. Just make sure to coat both sides evenly.
The Grilling Process: Step by Step
Alright, now let’s get to the actual grilling part. Follow these steps for tender, juicy chicken every single time:
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Preheat your grill properly: Set it to medium-high heat (about 400°F to 450°F) and give it at least 10-15 minutes to get hot. This step is crucial – don’t skip it!
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Clean and oil those grates: Nothing worse than chicken sticking to dirty grates. Clean ’em and give a light oil coating.
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Place your tenders on the grill: Lay them down in a single layer with a bit of space between each piece.
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The flip timing: After about 3-4 minutes, the edges will start turning white – that’s your cue to flip! Use tongs (not a fork) to avoid piercing and losing juices.
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Cook the other side: Another 3-4 minutes should do it, but keep an eye on them.
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Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of a tender – you’re looking for 165°F.
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Rest before serving: Let them hang out for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep all those tasty juices inside.
Total cooking time? About 6-8 minutes of actual grilling time. Add in your prep and resting time, and you’re looking at a meal ready in under 20 minutes!
How to Tell When Chicken Tenders Are Done
Ok, so the package says 6-8 minutes, but how do you REALLY know they’re done? Here are my fool-proof methods:
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The temperature test: This is the most reliable method. Stick a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a tender. When it reads 165°F, you’re good to go!
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The visual check: Fully cooked chicken tenders should have nice grill marks and no pink visible anywhere.
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The firmness test: Gently press the chicken with tongs. It should feel firm but still have a slight spring to it. If it feels super soft or rubbery, it needs more time.
Whatever you do, resist the urge to cut into them to check! This releases all those precious juices you’ve worked so hard to keep.
Common Mistakes That Ruin Grilled Chicken Tenders
I’ve made ALL these mistakes so you don’t have to. Here’s what to avoid:
1. Overcooking (The #1 Tender Killer)
Nothing ruins chicken tenders faster than leaving them on the grill too long. They go from juicy to jerky in just a minute or two! Use that thermometer and pull them at 165°F.
2. Using the Wrong Heat
Too hot and they’ll char on the outside while staying raw inside. Too cool and they’ll dry out before they get any color. That medium-high heat (400°F to 450°F) is your sweet spot.
3. Skipping the Rest Period
I know, I know – they smell amazing and you want to dig in NOW. But letting them rest for just 5 minutes makes a huge difference in juiciness.
4. Not Preheating the Grill
Cold grates = sticking chicken. Always preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Perfect Pairings for Your Grilled Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve mastered grilling chicken tenders, what should you serve with them? Here are some of my faves:
- Fresh summer salad: The lightness pairs perfectly with the protein
- Grilled veggies: Since the grill is already hot, why not?
- Dipping sauces: BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch make these even better
- Rice or quinoa: Great for soaking up any extra marinade flavors
FAQ: All Your Chicken Tender Grilling Questions Answered
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders on the grill?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Thaw them first for even cooking. If you’re in a hurry, submerge the sealed package in cold water for faster thawing.
Q: Do I need to close the grill lid when cooking chicken tenders?
A: It’s best to close the lid for more consistent cooking, especially if your tenders are on the thicker side. For very thin tenders, you can cook with the lid open.
Q: Can I use this same timing for chicken breasts?
A: Nope! Chicken breasts are much thicker and need more time – usually 12-15 minutes depending on size.
Q: What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
A: While I STRONGLY recommend getting one (they’re cheap!), you can cut into the thickest part of one tender to check. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.
Q: How long can I store leftover grilled chicken tenders?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. They’re great for meal prep!
The Bottom Line on Grilling Chicken Tenders
Grilling chicken tenders doesn’t need to be complicated. The key takeaways:
- Marinate when possible for extra flavor
- Preheat your grill to 400°F-450°F
- Grill for about 6-8 minutes total (3-4 minutes per side)
- Always check for an internal temp of 165°F
- Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving
Master these simple steps and you’ll never serve dry, overcooked chicken tenders again! Plus, with such a quick cooking time, they’re perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Happy grilling, friends!
Tips for Grilling Chicken Tenders
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, this will result in big flavors and juicy tender chicken. I also found that marinating the chicken for too long (more than 8 hours) gave a very strong lemon flavor, and less of the chicken flavor.
- Preheat your grill/grill pan to medium high heat to ensure that the chicken is cooked through, without browning too quickly.
- Space the chicken tenders out whether you’re using a grill or a grill pan to get that lovely browning/searing.
- There’s no need to cover the grill with a lid as chicken tenders are thin and cook very quickly.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to know when it is done grilling. Insert a kitchen thermometer in the center of the chicken. It should register at 165°F (75°C) when the chicken is ready.
How to Make Chicken Breast Tender on the Grill?
Chicken tenders are the most tender and juicy cut. And they’re cooked in no time!
I marinate the chicken tenders in a simple lemony marinade for at least half an hour before grilling. This is enough for the tenders to absorb the marinate moisture. So they can hold up to the heat while being grilled and don’t dry out.
The result is super juicy chicken that is moist and full of flavor!
Here’s what you need to make grilled chicken tenders:
You can use chicken strips to make this recipe if you like. But remember that chicken tenders – or as they are also called “chicken fingers” – are more tender and juicy than the strips.
You can buy them fresh or frozen in the supermarket. And if you’re using frozen tenders then make sure that you thaw them completely before you start cooking. As cooking chicken at room temperature prevents it from drying out on the grill.
You can use your favorite chicken marinade recipe or season it with this flavorful homemade poultry seasoning. But I usually go with olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
- Prepare the marinade – In a Ziploc bag, add all of the marinade ingredients and soak the chicken tenders in it. Seal, and shake it so that the marinade ingredients are well combined and the chicken tenders are well coated.
- Marinate – Place the Ziploc bag with the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. This allows the tenders to absorb the moisture of the flavorful marinate.
- Grill – To grill the chicken tenders, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium high heat. Then place the marinated chicken tenders over the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Or until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Allow to rest – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill, or you don’t want to use an outdoor grill, you can make this recipe on a grill pan over the stove.
I usually use a grill pan to make this recipe during colder days and it works great!