Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make

Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken tenders made with a zesty thyme-lemon marinade! Perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard BBQs, this easy recipe delivers tender, healthy chicken in under 30 minutes, plus expert tips and delicious serving ideas.

Grilled chicken tenders are one of those magical meals that check all the right boxes, quick, delicious, and loved by everyone at the table. If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for recipes that don’t take hours in the kitchen but still taste like you put in the effort. These little strips of goodness cook fast, soak up flavor beautifully, and are just plain fun to eat.

Whether I’m grilling outside in the Florida sunshine or using a grill pan on a rainy day, these tenders never disappoint. They’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights and a hit at backyard cookouts. Plus, they’re perfect for little hands and picky eaters (trust me, I’ve got three kids who can vouch for that!).

So if you’re ready to try something easy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor, give these grilled chicken tenders a spot on your menu this week, you won’t regret it!

Main Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Tenders (and Why They Matter)

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish shine. Each ingredient brings something special to the table:

• 1 pound chicken breast tenders – These are lean, tender, and cook up in no time. Perfect for grilling!
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Helps keep the chicken juicy and adds a nice richness to the marinade.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme – Brings in earthy, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a smoky note and a subtle pop of color.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because what’s chicken without garlic? Just bland!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Essential for enhancing flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A gentle kick to balance things out.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (for serving) – A fragrant garnish that adds freshness and a beautiful presentation.

These simple pantry staples come together to create the perfect marinade for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken tenders.

Additional Ingredients & Smart Substitutes

While the main ingredients will do the job, here are some extras and swaps to keep things interesting:

• Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp) – Want a touch of sweetness? Add this to balance out the acidity.
• Soy sauce – Replaces salt and adds a deeper umami flavor.
• Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley – Mix things up if thyme isn’t your favorite.
• Chili flakes or cayenne pepper – For those who like a little heat.
• Lime juice instead of lemon – Slightly more tropical and just as bright.
• Greek yogurt (2 tbsp) – Makes the marinade creamier and adds a tangy kick.
• Mustard – Adds depth and sharpness. Great for layering flavors.

These options let you adapt this grilled chicken tenders recipe to your taste, pantry, or mood, because flexibility is key in the kitchen!

Expert Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Tenders

I’ve made these more times than I can count, so here are a few insider tips I swear by:

• Marinate, but don’t overdo it – 30 minutes to 2 hours is perfect. Too long and the acid can break down the chicken too much.
• Use a zip-top bag – It makes cleanup easy and ensures every piece is evenly coated.
• Don’t skip preheating the grill – Medium-high heat is the sweet spot. You want those beautiful grill marks without burning the outside.
• Oil the grill grates – Helps prevent sticking and gives those gorgeous sear lines.
• Flip just once – Let the tenders cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop flavor and texture.
• Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F. Don’t guess, just check.
• Rest before serving – Let the chicken sit for 3–5 minutes to lock in the juices.

Want to meal prep? Double the recipe and save the extras for salads, wraps, or rice bowls. These grilled chicken tenders are just as good cold, great for tossing into air fryer chicken and rice meal preps or wraps.

Recommended Techniques

Here’s a quick checklist of best practices:

• Marinate in the fridge – Never at room temp.
• Pat dry before grilling – Removes excess marinade that might burn.
• Use tongs, not a fork – Prevents piercing and losing those tasty juices.
• Let chicken reach room temperature (slightly) before grilling – Ensures even cooking.
• Grill with the lid closed – Locks in heat and smoke for better flavor.

These little details make a big difference in getting that perfect grilled chicken tenders outcome.

Step-by-Step Instructions​

1. Make the marinade – In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken tenders – Toss them in the bowl until well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
3. Preheat your grill – Heat to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the chicken – Place tenders on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until grill marks form and the internal temp reaches 165°F.
5. Let them rest – Remove from the grill and let them sit for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh thyme and enjoy while warm! Serve with a light salad or pair with something heartier like rice grilled chicken for a well-rounded meal.

Additional Guide: Variations & Flavor Boosts

Want to keep things fresh? Here are a few flavor twists:

• Mediterranean Style – Add oregano and a pinch of cumin. Serve with tzatziki chicken salad.
• Spicy BBQ – Mix in BBQ sauce and hot sauce to the marinade.
• Asian-Inspired – Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and grated ginger. Pair with Indonesian chicken fried rice for bold flavor fusion.
• Tropical Vibes – Add lime juice and a touch of pineapple juice.

You can also cut tenders into smaller bites before grilling for skewers or kabobs. They’re fun, fast, and great for entertaining!

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Chicken Tenders

Conclusion

There you have it, friend, grilled chicken tenders that are easy, tasty, and sure to please. They’re one of those dishes that feel special without requiring a ton of effort. Whether you’re hosting a cookout or just need something quick for dinner, this recipe is a lifesaver.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with the marinade or mix and match flavors to suit your mood. Cooking should be fun, after all!

Got leftovers? Try them sliced into your favorite rice dishes like chicken and black rice recipes or a hearty french onion chicken and rice recipe.

I’d love to hear how your tenders turn out. Got a special twist or side dish you like to pair them with? Drop a comment or send me a message. I’m always up for sharing tips and swapping stories.

Until next time, happy grilling!

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Juicy, flavorful, and easy to make, these grilled chicken tenders are perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs. With the best marinade, cooking tips, and expert tricks, you’re in for a treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Grilled, Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

• Grill
• Grill Pan

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Chicken Breast Tenders
• 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (for serving)

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken tenders on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to lock in the juices.
• Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Notes

Feel free to swap the fresh thyme for other herbs like rosemary or parsley, or adjust the spices to your liking. These grilled tenders are also great for meal prep!

Keyword Chicken, Grilled, Quick

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