How Long to Grill Chicken Tenderloins on a George Foreman Grill: Perfect Every Time

Are you staring at those chicken tenderloins in your fridge, wondering how to transform them into a delicious meal without much hassle? Your George Foreman grill might just be your best friend here! I’ve been using mine for years, and let me tell you – it’s a total game-changer for quick weeknight dinners.

But the million-dollar question remains: how long to grill chicken tenderloins on a George Foreman grill? The short answer is 4-8 minutes depending on thickness, but there’s more to the story if you want truly juicy, flavorful results.

In this article. I’ll share everything you need to know about grilling perfect chicken tenderloins on your George Foreman. complete with tips tricks. and some killer marinades that’ll make your taste buds dance!

Quick Answer: Grilling Time for Chicken Tenderloins

If you’re in a hurry, here’s the essential info

• Typical cooking time: 4-8 minutes total
• Temperature goal: 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
• Best practice: Check doneness with a meat thermometer

But stick around for the detailed guide that’ll ensure your chicken is perfect every single time!

Why Your George Foreman Grill is Perfect for Chicken Tenderloins

Before diving into the specifics, let’s talk about why the George Foreman grill is such a fantastic tool for cooking chicken tenderloins:

• Dual-sided cooking: Cooks from top and bottom simultaneously, cutting cooking time in half
• Fat drainage: The angled design helps remove excess fat for healthier meals
• Consistent heat: Provides even cooking throughout
• Convenience: Ready in minutes with minimal cleanup

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

1. Preparation is Key

Before you even think about turning on your grill, proper prep work will set you up for success:

• Thaw completely: Never grill frozen chicken tenderloins – they’ll cook unevenly and might remain raw in the center
• Pat dry: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture
• Even thickness: If some tenderloins are thicker than others, consider gently pounding them to uniform thickness
• Room temperature: Let them sit out for about 15 minutes before grilling (not longer for food safety)

2. Flavor Infusion: Marinades and Seasonings

You’ve got options here! Depending on your time and taste preferences:

Quick Seasoning (if you’re short on time)

• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Your favorite herb blend

Simple Marinade (30+ minutes or overnight):

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Seasoned salt to taste

The longer you marinate, the more flavorful your chicken will be. My family keeps these marinated tenderloins in the freezer for quick meals anytime!

3. Preheating: Don’t Skip This Step!

Always, always, ALWAYS preheat your George Foreman grill:

• Plug it in and close the lid
• Allow it to heat for about 5 minutes
• A properly preheated grill ensures good searing and moisture retention

4. The Main Event: Grilling Time

Now for the main question – how long to grill those tenderloins:

1. Place the seasoned or marinated tenderloins on the preheated grill
2. Close the lid
3. Grill for 4-6 minutes for standard thickness tenderloins
4. For thicker pieces, you might need 6-8 minutes

Remember: The exact time depends on:

• The thickness of your chicken tenderloins
• Your specific George Foreman grill model
• Whether you preheated adequately
• The starting temperature of the chicken

5. Checking for Doneness

This is absolutely crucial for both safety and quality:

• Use a meat thermometer (this is non-negotiable!)
• Insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin
• Look for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature
• If using a digital thermometer, it should read this temperature within a few seconds

Don’t have a thermometer? Look for these signs (though less reliable):

• Meat is firm to the touch
• Juices run clear (not pink)
• No pink color inside when cut

6. The Resting Period

Don’t skip this step! After removing from the grill:

• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes
• This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat
• Results in more tender, juicy chicken

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes with my George Foreman grill over the years. Learn from my errors:

1. Skipping the preheat: This leads to longer cooking times and less juicy results
2. Overcrowding the grill: Place tenderloins with space between them for even cooking
3. Constant lid opening: Every time you open to check, you lose heat
4. Ignoring thickness variations: Thicker pieces need more time
5. Skipping the thermometer check: Visual cues aren’t reliable enough
6. Cutting into chicken too soon: This releases all those precious juices!

Flavorful Marinade Ideas

Want to take your chicken tenderloins to the next level? Try these marinade ideas:

Lemon Herb

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano)
• Salt and pepper

Honey Garlic

• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Teriyaki

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Serving Suggestions

Your perfectly grilled chicken tenderloins are versatile! Here are 10 ways to use them:

1. As a main dish with sides
2. Sliced on top of a salad
3. In wraps or sandwiches
4. Chopped in pasta dishes
5. In stir-fries
6. As protein for grain bowls
7. In quesadillas
8. In lettuce wraps
9. Buffalo-style with ranch dressing
10. In tacos with your favorite toppings

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins on my George Foreman grill?

No, it’s not recommended. Frozen chicken will cook unevenly, potentially leaving the inside undercooked while the outside burns. Always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before grilling.

Should I spray my George Foreman grill with cooking spray?

A light coating can help prevent sticking, especially with unmarinated chicken. Use an oil with a high smoke point, and apply it before preheating to prevent excessive smoke.

My chicken tenderloins always come out dry. What am I doing wrong?

You’re probably overcooking them! Chicken tenderloins are lean and cook quickly. Use a meat thermometer and remove them once they reach 165°F. Also, try marinating them beforehand and don’t skip the resting period.

How do I clean my George Foreman grill after cooking chicken?

1. Unplug the grill and let it cool slightly (still warm)
2. Place damp paper towels between the plates to steam-clean for a few minutes
3. Wipe down with a damp cloth
4. For removable plates, check if they’re dishwasher-safe

What if my George Foreman grill doesn’t have temperature settings?

Most basic models don’t have adjustable temperatures. In this case:

• Rely on timing and visual cues
• Check for doneness more frequently
• Use a meat thermometer religiously
• Be careful with sugary marinades as they can burn quickly

The Bottom Line

Grilling chicken tenderloins on your George Foreman grill is one of the easiest ways to get a healthy, delicious meal on the table fast. The key points to remember:

• Preheat properly for 5 minutes
• Cook for 4-8 minutes depending on thickness
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature
• Let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving

Master these simple steps, and you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken tenderloins every time. We keep a batch of marinated tenderloins in our freezer at all times for those busy weeknights when cooking from scratch seems impossible.

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A Quick Reference Table

Happy grilling!