These grilled chicken tenders are my go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner or game-day finger food. Perfectly seasoned and charred, they’re a healthier alternative to my favorite fried chicken tenders but still have all the flavor I love. Marinated in a sweet-and-savory blend, these grilled chicken strips are tender, juicy, and irresistible whether you serve them on top of salads or straight from the grill. And best of all, my kids love these too!
Juicy Grilled Chicken Strips
I’ve made chicken tenders every which way you can think of, from traditional frying to pressure cooking in my Instant Pot. But these grilled chicken strips are in a league of their own. Tender, juicy, and covered with a smoky char, they’re a delightful and healthier way to enjoy my favorite finger food.
Marinated in a sweet and savory blend of spices, these grilled chicken tenders turn out so moist and flavorful every single time. And all I need is a hot grill and a few minutes per side! I love making these for a game day crowd, but my kids also eat them right up for easy lunches without complaint.
Email this recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Easy Chicken Recipes.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor
My favorite way to infuse these grilled chicken strips with tons of flavor (and moisture!) is to marinate them. I like a savory blend of oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. But I add just a touch of honey for sweetness, and it helps me get those nice char marks on my tenders too.
Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Juicy grilled chicken tenders marinated in a sweet and savory blend. These grilled chicken strips make a great weeknight dinner, kids’ lunch, or game day appetizer!
Print Pin
Serves 4 people
-
Whisk together the lemon juice, honey, olive oil, and seasonings in a bowl.
2 lemons, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
-
Add the chicken to the mixture and toss to coat.
1½ pounds raw chicken tenders
-
Cover, and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
-
Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken strips for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.
-
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips:
- I don’t recommend marinating the chicken tenders for longer than 4 hours, or they start to turn mushy.
- Make sure your grill is hot before placing the tenders on it. This prevents sticking and gives nice grill marks.
- Don’t overcrowd the tenders on the grill, or they will steam.
- Let your tenders rest for 5 minutes after grilling before digging in to lock in the juices.
Make-Ahead: You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead of when you plan to grill the chicken, so prep ahead!
Storage: Store grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts
Grilled Chicken Tenders Recipe
Amount Per Serving (0.375 pounds)
Calories 249
Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 0.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 109mg36%
Sodium 416mg18%
Potassium 672mg19%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 0.3g1%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 36g72%
Vitamin A 179IU4%
Vitamin C 11mg13%
Calcium 14mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
at @easychickenrecipes for a chance to be featured.
How to Make Marinated Chicken Tenders on the Grill Step by Step
Prep: Gather the quick list of ingredients for these chicken strips. If you’re making chicken tenders from boneless, skinless chicken breasts, slice the breasts into equally-thick strips. Then juice the lemons.
Make the Marinade: Whisk together the juice of 2 lemons, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme in a bowl or resealable bag.
Marinate the Chicken: Add 1½ pounds of raw chicken tenders to the mixture and toss to coat. Cover and let the chicken strips marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and juicy it will turn out, but any longer than 4 hours can turn the meat mushy.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-450°F). Grill the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through to 165°F. I like to let the chicken strips rest for 5 minutes before digging in to seal in the juices. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Try my homemade Chick fil a sauce!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store leftover grilled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10-15 minutes.
More Chicken Tender Recipes to Try!