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Juicy grilled chicken tenders seasoned to perfection, served on a plate.

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Quick and flavorful Grilled Chicken Tenders marinated to perfection, ideal for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 10-12 pieces chicken tenders juicy and easy to grill
  • 1 teaspoon salt essential for enhancing flavors; feel free to reduce for lower sodium
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adds a mild kick; adjust based on your preference
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder delivers that earthy flavor; smoked paprika makes a great substitute
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder brings a robust taste; fresh garlic can amplify flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder enriches flavor; fresh onion would work finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika gives it a lovely smokiness; regular paprika also suffices
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil helps in marination; can replace with avocado oil for a fruity taste
  • 1/2 piece lemon (juice) brightens up the dish, elevating both taste and aroma
  • 1 handful fresh parsley (finely chopped) brings a fresh finish; basil works well too
  • 1/2 piece lemon (zest) enhances citrus flavor; lime zest is a great alternative
  • 1.5 tablespoons lemon (juice) ensures the sauce has the right zing
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) intensifies the garlic flavor; adjust according to your love for garlic
For the Sauce
  • 2.5 tablespoons olive oil needed for the sauce; you can use a flavored oil for added zest
  • 1/3 teaspoon salt minor addition enhances the sauce flavor
  • 1 tablespoon honey provides a hint of sweetness; agave syrup or maple syrup are fine substitutes

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well and let it marinate for at least an hour (or cook immediately if needed).
  2. Heat an outdoor BBQ, grill pan, or broiler over medium-high heat. If using an air fryer, set it to 380°F (193°C).
Cooking
  1. Cook the tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden with nice grill marks and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F or 75°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and honey. Stir well.
Serving
  1. Drizzle the herb and garlic sauce over the grilled tenders or serve it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Marinate overnight for even more flavor. Reserve some sauce for drizzling after cooking for an extra punch.