These grilled chicken tenders are a go-to in our house on nights when the kids have homework and sports and I need dinner on the table fast. They’re tossed in a quick olive oil, garlic, lemon, and spice marinade, then grilled until juicy and tender.

Love easy chicken recipes? Try our grilled chicken drumsticks or chicken kabobs.

grilled chicken tenders on a platter.

Featured Comment: “Awesome recipe and it was a life saver, and also simple.” ~ Denise

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The BEST Marinated Grilled Chicken Tenders

One of the most popular recipes on the site, these grilled chicken tenders are a lightened-up twist on the breaded chicken tenders you find at restaurants. Made with pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re ready to eat in just 30 minutes. Not to mention, they’re incredibly flavorful!

I love serving them alongside sides like my tomato and cucumber salad and cilantro rice. Then, I often make extras to keep on hand to add to quick lunches like my strawberry spinach salad with chicken and spring roll bowl with grilled chicken the rest of the week.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients for the chicken marinade:

  • dried parsley
  • red chili flakes
  • salt and pepper
  • fresh lemon juice
  • fresh garlic
  • honey
  • olive oil
ingredients for grilled chicken tenders.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe

How to Make Marinade

To make the marinade, simply combine all of the ingredients together in a bowl.

two bowl photos showing oil with dried herbs in one and, whisked oil with herbs in the second.

Toss the marinade with the chicken tenders until evenly coated and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Marinating the chicken will ensure it will be moist and flavorful!

two photos, showing chicken with marinade in one, and chicken tenders tossed with marinade in the second.

How to Grill Chicken Tenders

For full information on grilling chicken tenders, see the recipe card below.

Preheat the grill on medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates.

Place the chicken tenders on the grill in a single layer. Grill the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until the juices run clear and an internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

chicken tenders on a grill.

The cooking time of the chicken tenders will vary with the size and thickness of the tenders.

To Make Grilled Chicken Tenders on the Stovetop: To make chicken tenders on the stovetop, use a cast-iron grill pan and heat it over medium-high heat. Brush the pan with little avocado oil. Add tenders to the pan in a single layer, and cook as directed, 3-4 minutes on each side.

How Do You Keep Chicken Tenders on Grill From Drying?

Chicken tenders taste tender and moist when cooked properly. Here are two tips to keep them from drying out on the grill:

  • Correct temperature. Cooking the chicken tenders on indirect medium-high heat, which is about 375 to 400 degrees F will ensure they don’t overcook. Make sure to clean and oil the grill grates before grilling!
  • Invest in a meat thermometer. Chicken tenders vary in size so the cooking time will vary. For larger-size tenders, it’ll take 3-4 minutes to cook on each side. To ensure they are not overcooked use a digital meat thermometer — it should register 165 degrees F.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Strips

Here are some ways to serve grilled chicken tenders throughout the week:

How to Store Grilled Chicken Tenders

Refrigerate: To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in a closed container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. They make a great chicken pasta salad.

Freeze: To freeze cooked chicken tenders, place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

close up of easy grilled chicken tenders on a platter with sliced lemon.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs

Can you marinate chicken tenders overnight?

I do not recommend marinating the chicken overnight since the marinade contains fresh lemon juice, which can change the texture of the meat if it’s left to soak for too long. This marinade should be used for no more than 3 hours.

What’s the difference between chicken tenders and chicken breast?

Chicken tenders are thin muscles that are loosely attached underside of the chicken breast and taste exactly as the breast meat.

Can you bake chicken tenders in the oven?

Yes, you can bake chicken tenders in the oven. Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the tenders in a single layer. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

More Grilled Chicken Recipes

If you try Grilled Chicken Tenders recipe, please leave a star rating and review in the comments section below!

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grilled chicken tenders

Grilled Chicken Tenderloins

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

Grilled chicken tenders marinated in olive oil, garlic, spices, and lemon juice, then grilled until juicy tender. 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 ½ tsp. dried parsley
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • ¼ tsp. red chili flakes
  • 1 ¾ tsp. kosher salt
  • Fresh black pepper, to taste
  • 2 lbs. chicken tenders

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, honey, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the chicken tenders and toss to evenly coat. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Preheat an outdoor gas grill on medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grill grates.
  4. Place the chicken in a single layer on the grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until juices run clear and internal temperature registers at 165 F. Cook time will vary with the size and thickness of the tenders. I used larger size tenders.
  5. Remove the tenders to a plate, cover with foil, and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Dried Parsley: Dried oregano or Italian seasoning also works great instead of parsley.
  • Stovetop Instructions: Use a heavy-bottom grill pan, such as cast-iron, and heat it over medium high heat. Brush the pan with avocado oil or other high-heat oil. Add tenders to the pan in a single layer, and cook as directed, 3-4 minutes per side. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tenders
  • Calories: 219
  • Sugar: 2.1 g
  • Sodium: 816.4 mg
  • Fat: 8.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Protein: 29.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 73.2 mg

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