How Long to Grill Chicken Tenders for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Chicken tenders are a quick and easy protein to throw on the grill. Their thin shape means they cook faster than larger chicken breasts. But grill them too long and you’ll end up with dry, overcooked chicken. So how long should you grill chicken tenders to lock in moisture and flavor?

When chicken tenders are grilled, they need to be cooked all the way through but still juicy before they are done.

I’ll tell you exactly how long to cook chicken tenders on the grill and give you some tips for the best results every time.

How Long to Grill Chicken Tenders

• 6 to 8 minutes total cooking time
• Flip halfway through, so each side cooks for 3 to 4 minutes

These times are for boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breast sliced into 1-inch strips grilled over direct medium-high heat between 375°F and 400°F.

Thinner or thicker pieces may cook faster or slower. If you want to know if the chicken is done, you can use an instant read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F. But when the tender is small, it can be hard to get a good temperature reading by putting in a thermometer.

The best way to tell if they’re done? Use the nick, peek, and juice test:

• Nick the thickest part with a paring knife. If no pink remains inside, it’s done.
• Peek at the center by slicing into a tender. It should be white all the way through, not pink.
• Check the juices. Clear juices running from the chicken mean it’s fully cooked.

If any undercooked pink spots remain, close the grill and cook for another minute or two.

Why Such a Short Grill Time?

You may be wondering why chicken tenders cook so much faster than a larger boneless, skinless chicken breast. There are two reasons:

1. Increased Surface Area

Chicken tenders have a higher ratio of surface area to volume. This allows heat to penetrate the meat much more quickly from all sides, reducing total cooking time.

2. Smaller Size

With a thinner cut of meat, heat doesn’t have to travel as far to completely cook through the center.

Because of these two things, your chicken reaches a safe temperature inside more quickly. Less time exposed to heat also limits moisture loss.

How to Grill Juicy Chicken Tenders

Faster cooking time is only part of the equation for tender, juicy grilled chicken. Here are some additional tips:

1. Brine the Chicken

Soaking chicken in a salty brine before grilling helps it retain moisture. The salt in the brine seasons the tenders and makes them juicier.

Try soaking tenders for 30 minutes to 1 hour in a brine of salt, sugar, spices, and water or soy sauce.

2. Use a Flavorful Marinade

A flavor-packed marinade adds lots of taste. Acidic options like lemon juice or vinegar tenderize the meat too.

Let chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 8 hours.

3. Pat the Tenders Dry

Excess moisture on the surface leads to steaming instead of searing. Gently pat tenders with paper towels before grilling.

4. Grill at the Right Temp

Get the grill hot enough to sear the outside without overcooking the inside. Medium-high heat between 375°F and 400°F is ideal.

5. Don’t Move the Chicken

For better grill marks, flip the tenders only once during cooking. Moving them too much sticks and tears the surface.

6. Let Rest Before Serving

A 5 minute rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute for moister chicken. Tent with foil to keep warm.

7. Add a Sweet Glaze or Sauce

For even more moisture and flavor, brush tenders with barbecue sauce, honey, or another glaze during the last 1 to 2 minutes on the grill.

Grilled Chicken Tenders Marinade Ideas

One of the easiest ways to add lots of flavor to chicken tenders is with a tasty marinade. Try one of these combos:

• Lemon-Herb: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
• Fajita-Style: Olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, salt, and pepper
• Hawaiian: Pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger
• Mediterranean: Olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper
• Asian: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic and ginger, brown sugar
• Jerk: Olive oil, lime juice, Jamaican jerk seasoning, garlic, onion, thyme

Mix up your own signature marinade using acidic ingredients like citrus juice, vinegar, yogurt or buttermilk combined with oil, herbs, spices, garlic, onion, ginger or other aromatic ingredients.

How to Know if Chicken is Done Grilling

With such a short cook time, it’s extra important to accurately judge when grilled chicken tenders are fully cooked.

Rely on these visual cues and tests:

• No visible pink in the thickest part or center
• Meat is opaque throughout when sliced into
• Clear juices running from chicken when pierced
• Internal temperature reads 165°F on an instant read thermometer
• Tenders feel firm to the touch

If the tenders don’t pass these checks, continue grilling for another minute or two until cooked through.

Undercooked chicken can harbor harmful bacteria. The safe minimum internal temperature to destroy bacteria and viruses is 165°F.

Common Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to end up with dry, overcooked chicken if you aren’t careful. Follow these tips for the best results:

Don’t Grill Over Direct High Heat

High heat over 500°F chars and dries out the exterior before the inside cooks. Medium-high heat is best.

Don’t Grill Too Many at Once

Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing. Cook chicken in a single layer with some space between pieces.

Don’t Flip Too Often

Flipping too frequently tears the tender surface and prevents grill marks from forming. Just flip once halfway through.

Don’t Press Down with the Spatula

Pressing squeezes out juices, so flip gently with a thin spatula.

Don’t Forget to Let Rest

Skipping the 5 minute post-grill rest means you’ll lose those flavorful juices to your plate.

How to Use Leftover Grilled Chicken Tenders

A flavorful batch of grilled chicken tenders is perfect for meal prepping. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days and use in recipes like:

• Chicken Caesar salad
• Chicken tacos or fajitas
• Chicken pasta dishes like cacciatore or alfredo
• Chicken sandwiches or wraps
• Pizza topped with grilled chicken
• Chicken noodle or tortilla soup

For longer storage, freeze grilled tenders for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

The Takeaway on Grilling Juicy Chicken Tenders

• Allow 6 to 8 minutes total cooking time for grilled chicken tenders.
• Brining makes the chicken extra juicy.
• Grill over direct medium-high heat, 375°F to 400°F.
• Flip only once during cooking for the best sear.
• Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest portion.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving for maximum moisture.

Grilled chicken tenders cook fast, so pay close attention to cook times. In just 6 to 8 minutes, you can have a healthy, flavorful chicken dinner ready to enjoy.