Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders
Juicy, smoky, and tender, these Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders are the kind of recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. They’re simple to prepare, cook up quickly, and deliver bold flavor with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even backyard barbecues, these chicken tenders are as versatile as they are delicious.
Behind the Recipe
The inspiration for these grilled chicken tenders came from the need for a reliable go-to protein. On busy days, I wanted something quick that still felt satisfying and wholesome. One evening, after tossing a simple marinade over chicken strips and grilling them, I realized just how easy and delicious this could be. From that night on, they became a staple in my kitchen — a no-fuss favorite that pairs with nearly anything.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Grilled chicken is one of the most universally loved dishes around the world, but chicken tenders specifically gained popularity in the United States as a lean, convenient cut. Unlike traditional fried tenders, grilling highlights the natural flavor of the chicken while infusing it with smoky notes. It’s a healthier, flavorful twist that shows how even everyday ingredients can shine on the grill.
Why You’ll Love Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders
These tenders are proof that simple food can still feel special.
Versatile: Serve them as a main dish, in salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients and pantry staples.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Change up the marinade or spices to fit your cravings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves tender, juicy chicken with smoky flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate ahead for effortless cooking.
Great for Leftovers: Delicious cold or reheated, making them perfect for meal prep.
PrintEveryday Grilled Chicken Tenders
A hearty and comforting slow-cooked classic featuring tender corned beef, buttery cabbage, and a medley of vegetables, all infused with savory spices and simmered to perfection in the crockpot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Corned Beef Brisket: 3–4 pounds – the star of the dish, cured for deep flavor.
- Baby Potatoes: 1½ pounds, halved – add earthiness and soak up the broth.
- Carrots: 4 large, cut into chunks – bring natural sweetness.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large, sliced – adds savory depth to the broth.
- Garlic Cloves: 4, smashed – infuse the dish with aromatic warmth.
- Bay Leaves: 2 – lend a subtle herbal note.
- Whole Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon – for gentle spice.
- Pickling Spice Mix: 1 tablespoon – traditionally paired with corned beef.
- Water or Low-Sodium Broth: 4 cups – the base of the flavorful cooking liquid.
- Green Cabbage: 1 small head, cut into wedges – added at the end for tender texture.
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: No need to preheat—just have your crockpot clean and ready.
- Combine Ingredients: Add baby potatoes, carrots, onion, garlic, bay leaves, peppercorns, and pickling spice to the bottom of the crockpot. Pour in the water or broth.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Rinse the corned beef under cold water, pat it dry, and place it on top of the vegetables, fat side up.
- Assemble the Dish: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 8 hours. At the 6-hour mark, carefully tuck cabbage wedges around the beef and continue cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: When time’s up, the beef should be fork-tender. Remove it to a cutting board to rest.
- Finishing Touches: Use a slotted spoon to transfer vegetables to a serving platter. Slice the corned beef against the grain into thick slices.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange meat and veggies together, spoon over a bit of the cooking broth, and serve hot.
Notes
- Rinse the brisket to remove excess salt from the brine.
- Place the beef on top of the vegetables for better texture and even cooking.
- Add the cabbage later to prevent overcooking.
- Slice the meat against the grain for best tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Here’s how to make these chicken tenders absolutely irresistible:
- Marinate at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor, or up to overnight for best results.
- Preheat your grill well to ensure those beautiful sear marks.
- Don’t overcrowd — give each piece space to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; 165°F is the sweet spot.
- Let them rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep juices locked in.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You won’t need much to whip up these tenders:
Mixing Bowl: For tossing chicken with marinade.
Tongs: To turn chicken easily on the grill.
Grill or Grill Pan: For that smoky char.
Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness.
Sharp Knife: For trimming chicken if needed.
Ingredients in Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders
These simple ingredients come together to make something crave-worthy:
- Chicken Tenders: 1 ½ pounds — naturally lean and quick-cooking.
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons — coats and keeps them moist.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon — adds savory depth.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon — brings smoky sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon — enhances flavor.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon — adds mild heat.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons — brightens and tenderizes.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon — adds an herby, Mediterranean touch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Here’s how to adapt based on what you have:
Chicken Tenders: Use chicken breasts cut into strips or boneless thighs.
Olive Oil: Avocado oil or canola oil.
Paprika: Smoked paprika or chili powder for a bolder flavor.
Lemon Juice: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar.
Oregano: Italian seasoning or thyme.
Ingredient Spotlight
Paprika: This spice not only gives the chicken a beautiful color but also adds a subtle smoky sweetness that enhances the grilled flavor.
Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender, and fast-cooking, they’re ideal for busy weeknights.
Instructions for Making Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders
Follow these steps for tender, juicy perfection every time:
- Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. - Combine Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and oregano. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate 30 minutes or up to overnight. - Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Make sure grill is hot and grates are clean before adding chicken. - Assemble the Dish:
Place marinated chicken tenders on the grill in a single layer. - Cook to Perfection:
Grill 3–4 minutes per side until charred and internal temp reaches 165°F. - Finishing Touches:
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving to retain juices. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot with sides, in wraps, or sliced over salads.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
These chicken tenders are juicy and tender with a satisfying char on the outside. The marinade infuses them with zesty lemon, smoky paprika, and aromatic oregano. Every bite is both light and flavorful, perfect for a simple yet elevated meal.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
For extra success, keep these in mind:
- Grill in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Add fresh herbs after grilling for brightness.
- Slice leftovers thin and toss into pasta or rice bowls.
What to Avoid
A few pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Don’t skip marinating — it makes all the difference.
- Avoid cooking over too low heat — you’ll miss the sear.
- Don’t cut into chicken immediately — juices will run out.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 230
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes + marinating
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Marinate chicken in advance and keep in the fridge until ready to grill. Cooked tenders can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days. They also freeze well — reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
How to Serve Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders
There are so many ways to enjoy them:
- Serve with roasted veggies and rice.
- Tuck into pita or wraps with fresh veggies.
- Add to pasta salads for protein.
- Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or tzatziki.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Give your leftovers a second life:
- Slice into quesadillas with cheese and salsa.
- Chop and add to omelets or breakfast burritos.
- Toss into stir-fries or fried rice.
Additional Tips
Make them shine with these extras:
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Use skewers for easier flipping on the grill.
- Drizzle with extra lemon juice before serving.
Make It a Showstopper
Presentation elevates the simplest dish:
- Serve stacked on a platter with fresh herbs.
- Garnish with lemon wedges for a pop of color.
- Pair with colorful roasted veggies for contrast.
Variations to Try
Mix it up with these twists:
- Spicy Tenders: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to marinade.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil.
- Herb-Heavy: Add fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
- Smoky BBQ: Swap lemon for BBQ sauce.
- Greek Style: Add yogurt and garlic to the marinade.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, just cut them into strips for faster cooking.
Q2: Can I cook these on a grill pan indoors?
Absolutely, they work beautifully on a stovetop grill pan.
Q3: How long should I marinate?
At least 30 minutes, but overnight for maximum flavor.
Q4: Can I freeze marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze raw marinated chicken for up to 3 months.
Q5: What dipping sauces pair best?
Ranch, tzatziki, honey mustard, or BBQ are all great.
Q6: Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Yes, they store well for 3–4 days and reheat easily.
Q7: Do I need to oil the grill grates?
Yes, it prevents sticking and ensures grill marks.
Q8: Can I add vegetables to the grill?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair beautifully.
Q9: What’s the best way to reheat?
Use a skillet or oven instead of microwave to keep them juicy.
Q10: Are these healthy?
Yes, they’re high-protein, low-fat, and packed with flavor.
Conclusion
Everyday Grilled Chicken Tenders are the kind of recipe that makes life easier without sacrificing flavor. Juicy, smoky, and endlessly adaptable, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll keep coming back for more.
