Grilled chicken tenders are a quick, easy solution for weeknight dinners—juicy, flavorful, and done in 10 minutes. With just a little oil and seasoning, they’re ready for the grill and cook up perfectly every time.
They’re also a great fallback for picky eaters. Simple, familiar, and always a hit, these tenders make a family-friendly meal that’s easy to pull off even on your busiest nights.
How Long to Grill Chicken Breast Strips for Perfectly Cooked Meat Every Time
Chicken breast strips are a popular choice for grilling. Their uniform shape makes them easy to cook evenly. Plus, chicken strips offer a lean protein option and mild flavor that pairs well with countless marinades and spice rubs. But grilling chicken breast strips to juicy, tender perfection requires paying attention to cook times. Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness, overcook them and they turn dry and tough. So how long should you grill chicken breast strips? Read on for a complete guide to cook times plus tips for flavorful, foolproof results.
What are Chicken Breast Strips?Chicken breast strips, also called chicken tenderloins or chicken tenders, are cuts of chicken breast sliced into long, narrow strips They can be cut from whole chicken breasts or purchased pre-cut Chicken strips contain lots of protein with little fat, especially when choosing skinless, boneless options. Their thin, uniform shape allows for quick, even cooking. Chicken strips work for kebabs, fajitas, salads, sandwiches and more. Their mild flavor absorbs marinades well and pairs with endless seasonings.
Choosing Chicken Strips for Grilling
For the best results when grilling, choose fresh chicken strips rather than frozen. Look for pieces of consistent size and thickness to promote even cooking. Opt for thicker strips around 3⁄4 to 1 inch for grilling, which prevents them drying out. Consider organic and free-range chicken for higher quality. Pat strips dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
How Thickness Impacts Grilling Time
The thickness of chicken breast strips greatly impacts total grilling time. Thinner pieces cook faster than thicker pieces. When determining how long to grill chicken strips, first assess their thickness:
- Thin strips, around 1⁄2 inch: 6-8 minutes total
- Medium strips, around 3⁄4 inch: 8-10 minutes total
- Thick strips, around 1 inch or more: 10-12 minutes total
These times are for direct, medium-high heat between 375-450°F. Strips that are thinner need less time over direct heat to cook all the way through without getting dry. It takes a little longer for thicker strips to fully cook on the inside while getting a nice sear on the outside.
How to Grill Chicken Breast Strips: To grill juicy, tasty chicken breast strips, just follow these easy steps:
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Dry the chicken strips and cover them all over with oil, marinade, or dry rub. Refrigerate 15 min to overnight.
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Preheat grill to medium-high, 375-450°F. Use direct heat for thinner strips, indirect heat for thicker.
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Grill strips over direct heat, flipping once halfway through. Cook times range from 6-12 minutes total based on thickness.
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Check internal temperature, removing strips at 165°F. Temperature will rise slightly as strips rest.
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Let strips rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
The ideal internal temperature for safely cooked chicken is 165°F. Check the thickest part of the strips with an instant-read thermometer to see if they are done. Take it off the grill just before 165° because the temperature will keep going up while it rests. Resting also lets the chicken’s juices move around, which adds flavor and moisture.
Marinating Chicken Strips for Added Flavor
Marinating chicken strips before grilling infuses flavor and keeps them juicy. Marinades should contain an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help tenderize meat, oil to add moisture and herbs, spices or aromatics for flavor. Let chicken marinate 30 minutes up to overnight. Shake off excess marinade before grilling to prevent burning. Skip sugary marinades which may char.
Here are some easy chicken strip marinade ideas:
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Greek: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano
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Italian: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley
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Southwest: Lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder
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Asian: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
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Jamaican Jerk: Lime juice, olive oil, thyme, allspice
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Lemon Pepper: Olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper
How to Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breast Strips
Follow these extra tips for foolproof grilled chicken breast strips:
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Use strips of uniform thickness for even cooking
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Preheat grill properly to desired temp
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Grill over direct heat for sear; use indirect heat to prevent overcooking
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Flip only once during cooking
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Avoid overcrowding strips on grill
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Use instant-read thermometer to test doneness
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Let strips rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicier meat
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Brush with sauce only during last 1-2 minutes to prevent burning
Take the guesswork out of achieving perfectly cooked chicken breast strips on the grill. Monitor thickness, marinate for added flavor and moisture, and test doneness using a thermometer. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken strips ready for wraps, salads, fajitas and more. Get grilling for a fast, healthy protein any night of the week.
Quick Overview: How to Grill Chicken Tenders
Preheat your grill to 450°F, then clean and oil the grates. Trim the tendons from the chicken tenders and pat them dry with paper towels.
✅Pro Tip: This grill temperature works well alongside most grilled meats like pork chops and chicken breasts. If youre also cooking something that needs a different temperature, whether higher or lower, use a two-zone setup with a hot side and a cooler side to keep everything cooking just right.
The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Tip: How to Cook Chicken | Blackstone Griddle
FAQ
How long does it take to grill chicken breast strips?
Grill chicken for about until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, flipping once. Chicken breasts need about 7 minutes on each side, chicken thighs need about 5 minutes, and chicken tenders need about 3–4 minutes. ).
How long to grill chicken breast pieces?
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
This means that the temperature should be between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This is the best range of temperatures for grilling chicken. This range allows for a good sear on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long should you cook chicken breast strips?
Put the chicken in a hot oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring it once halfway through, until the outside is golden brown and crispy and the inside is no longer pink.
How long should a chicken breast be grilled?
How Long You Should Grill the Chicken Breast: While all grills are different, most of the time you’ll be golden if you grill your chicken breasts for about 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point so you get beautiful, even sear marks on each side of the chicken. Presentation is key! Check the Temp!
How to cook chicken strips on the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Apply seasonings to your chicken based on your personal preferences. Apply salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic or herbal seasonings in various combinations to your chicken strips. Place the chicken strips on your grill, and cook them for three to five minutes on each side, turning once with tongs.
How do you cook a chicken breast on a grill?
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly on the grill, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch for the most consistent results.
How hot should a chicken breast be on a grill?
Internal temperature of chicken breasts should be 165°F. How hot should your grill be for chicken? Heat your grill to between 425 and 450°F for chicken breasts. Learn how to perfectly cook a chicken breast on the grill – what temperature, how long to cook it, and even a marinade recipe!
How long do you cook chicken on a grill?
Flip once halfway through, around the 4- to 5-minute mark. The exact time can vary based on the thickness of the meat and the consistency of your grill’s heat. According to the FDA, chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. Higher temps can dry it out, and lower temps are unsafe.
How long do you cook chicken breast on each side?
Grill chicken breasts for around 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. How long do you grill chicken on each side? Grill chicken breasts for around 5 minutes on each side.