Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
6 mins
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Total Time
16 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
200 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders
Description
Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders begin by marinating raw chicken tenderloins with a blend of olive oil, honey, hot pepper sauce, and kosher salt. This mixture imparts flavor, moisture, and a touch of sweetness and heat. Grilling the tenders over medium-high heat cooks them quickly, typically about three minutes per side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. Cooking them just to temperature keeps the meat tender and juicy. The straightforward preparation highlights the chicken's natural flavor enhanced by the spicy-sweet marinade.
The quick cooking time makes these tenders suitable for a casual meal. Serving immediately preserves their tenderness. Leftover tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days; shredding and adding them cold to salads avoids drying out, while reheating should be done gently at reduced microwave power to keep moisture. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
This recipe adapts well for dual-contact grills, which shorten cooking time to about 4 minutes total. Attentive monitoring is key to prevent overcooking.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce such as Frank's
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloin 8-12 pieces, depending on their size, raw
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, hot sauce, and kosher salt.
- Brush the mixture on both sides of the chicken pieces.
- Grill the tenders until cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Their internal temperature should reach 165ºF. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If using a dual-contact grill, cooking time will be shorter; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F internally to ensure safety and juiciness without drying it out.
- Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days; shred them for salads or reheat gently at 50% microwave power to retain moisture.
- Chicken tenders can be frozen for up to three months for later use.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 200 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.25recipe | |
| Calories | 200kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 375mg | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.