Master Juicy Grilled Chicken Tenderloins on Your Gas Grill in 10 Minutes Flat

Are you staring at a package of chicken tenderloins wondering how to transform them into a juicy, flavorful meal without turning them into dry, tasteless disappointments? I’ve been there too! Grilling chicken tenderloins on a gas grill might seem simple, but getting that perfect balance of tenderness, flavor, and those beautiful grill marks can be tricky if you don’t know the secrets.

After years of experimenting (and yes, plenty of failures), I’ve perfected a foolproof method for grilling chicken tenderloins that comes out perfect every single time. The best part? It only takes about 10 minutes of actual grilling time!

Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make the most tender, juicy grilled chicken tenderloins that’ll have your family begging for seconds.

What You’ll Need

Before firing up that grill, let’s gather our ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins (about 2 pounds)
• Olive oil (4-6 tablespoons)
• Lemon juice (optional, 6 tablespoons)
• Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder at minimum)
• Optional marinade ingredients (Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dijon mustard)

Equipment:

• Gas grill
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer (seriously, don’t skip this!)
• Paper towels
• Small bowl for seasonings or marinade
• Grill brush

Preparing Your Chicken Tenderloins

Choosing Quality Chicken

Start with good quality chicken tenderloins. They should be plump with a pinkish hue and no discoloration. If you can’t find pre-cut tenderloins, no worries! You can cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips across the grain—they’ll work just fine.

Trimming and Patting Dry

1. Trim off that tough white tendon at the end of each tenderloin. It doesn’t need to be perfect, but removing this helps with even cooking.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is super important for getting those lovely grill marks!

Seasoning Options

You’ve got two main approaches here:

Quick Seasoning Method

1. Drizzle tenderloins with olive oil (about 1 tablespoon for 6 tenders)
2. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
3. Toss to coat evenly

Marinade Method (for extra flavor) Mix together

• 6 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• Seasonings like cumin, oregano, salt, and red pepper flakes

Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, though an hour or more will give you even better flavor. Even a quick 30-minute marinade makes a huge difference in moisture and taste!

Prepping Your Gas Grill

Proper grill prep is honestly half the battle when it comes to perfect chicken tenderloins.

Cleaning the Grates

1. While your grill is still warm from previous use (or after pre-heating for a few minutes), scrub those grates with a stiff-bristled grill brush.
2. Wipe the grates with an oiled paper towel using tongs. This creates a non-stick surface that’ll give you beautiful grill marks.

Getting the Temperature Right

1. Preheat your gas grill for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed.
2. Aim for medium-high heat, which is about 425-450°F on most gas grills.

A proper preheat is non-negotiable! Putting chicken on a cold grill = sticking and uneven cooking.

The Actual Grilling Process

Now for the main event! Here’s exactly how to grill those tenderloins to perfection:

Grilling Step by Step

1. Place the seasoned or marinated chicken tenderloins directly on the clean, oiled grates over direct heat.
2. Close the lid if your tenderloins are on the thicker side (over ½ inch). For thinner ones, you can leave it open.
3. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. You’ll notice the edges starting to turn white—that’s your cue to flip!
4. Flip once using tongs and grill another 4-5 minutes on the second side.
5. Check for doneness using your meat thermometer. You’re looking for 165°F in the thickest part of the tenderloins.

Depending on how thick your tenderloins are and how steady the heat is on your grill, the whole process should take about 8 to 10 minutes.

Visual Cues for Doneness

Not sure if they’re done? If not the thermometer reading, look for these other things:

• Firm meat that springs back when touched
• Clear juices (not pink) when cut
• No visible pink inside when you cut into the thickest part

The Crucial Resting Period

Here’s where many folks go wrong: they skip the resting period! After removing your perfectly grilled chicken tenderloins from the heat:

1. Transfer them to a clean plate
2. Let them rest for about 5 minutes
3. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of spilling out when you cut into them

Trust me, these 5 minutes make a HUGE difference in juiciness!

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Even experienced grillers sometimes run into issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

Dry Chicken Tenderloins

• Cause: Overcooking or cooking at too high heat
• Fix: Use a meat thermometer and remove at exactly 165°F; reduce grill temperature

Undercooked Centers

• Cause: Grilling at too high heat, causing outside to cook faster than inside
• Fix: Lower heat to medium-high; consider using the “two-zone” grilling method for thicker pieces

Sticking to the Grill

• Cause: Grill not hot enough before adding chicken or grates not oiled
• Fix: Ensure proper preheating and oil those grates!

Flare-Ups

• Cause: Excess oil or fat dripping into flames
• Fix: Move chicken to cooler side of grill temporarily; trim excess fat before grilling

Flavor Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, get creative with these flavor profiles:

• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest, oregano, and thyme to your olive oil rub
• Spicy Southwest: Mix in chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne
• Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of honey in your marinade
• BBQ Style: Apply your favorite BBQ rub before grilling, then brush with sauce during the last minute

Serving Suggestions

These versatile grilled chicken tenderloins work beautifully in so many meals:

• Slice and top a fresh salad
• Wrap in tortillas with veggies for quick fajitas
• Serve alongside grilled vegetables and rice
• Make ahead for meal prep throughout the week
• Let cool and use in chicken salad

Final Pro Tips

After grilling hundreds of batches of chicken tenderloins, here are my top takeaways:

1. Don’t skimp on preheating – those 10-15 minutes are essential for proper cooking
2. Marinate when possible – even 30 minutes makes a difference
3. Use a meat thermometer – it’s the only way to guarantee perfect doneness
4. Let them rest – seriously, don’t skip this step!
5. Keep it simple – you don’t need fancy ingredients for delicious results

Ready to Grill?

Grilling chicken tenderloins doesn’t have to be complicated. With this method, you’ll get juicy, flavorful results in about 10 minutes of actual cooking time. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or planning a fancy dinner, these versatile tenderloins are sure to impress.

The next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, grab some chicken tenderloins, fire up that gas grill, and enjoy a quick, delicious meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you master this technique, it’ll become a regular in your cooking rotation!

Have you tried grilling chicken tenderloins before? What’s your favorite seasoning combination? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!