Chicken tenders are a quick and easy protein to throw on the grill. Their small size means they cook up fast, making them an ideal choice when you’re crunched for time but still want something tasty and filling. However, with a narrow window between undercooked and overcooked, it can be tricky to nail the perfect doneness when barbecuing chicken tenders. Here’s a guide to help you figure out exactly how long to BBQ chicken tenders.
What are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fillets, are strips of breast meat that have been cut away from the bone. They are longer and thinner than traditional chicken breasts.
Tenders are versatile and easy to eat, making them popular for appetizers, kids’ meals, sandwiches, salads, and more. They cook faster than bone-in chicken parts since they are smaller and don’t have a bone to conduct heat away from the meat.
Factors That Affect Cook Times
Several factors impact how quickly chicken tenders will cook on the grill:
Thickness
Thicker tenders will take longer to cook through than thinner ones. Try to choose tenders of a similar thickness so they finish cooking at the same time.
Temperature
Higher heat will cook the tenders faster. Use medium-high to high heat between 350-450°F for grilling.
Grill Surface
Chicken will cook more slowly over indirect heat rather than direct heat. Place tenders directly over the hot grates for fastest cooking.
Marinade
Acidic marinades made with ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or yogurt tenderize meat and allow it to cook faster.
Doneness Preference
Cooking to a safe 165°F internal temperature means longer cook times compared to pulling them off early for a pink center.
How Long to Grill Chicken Tenders
- At medium-high heat of 375-400°F, chicken tenders will take 6-8 minutes per side to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For medium doneness with a slightly pink center, grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Over high heat of 425-450°F, cook for 4-6 minutes per side.
These times are for tenders that are approximately 1/2 inch thick. Thinner tenders may cook 30-60 seconds faster, while thicker pieces may need an extra 1-2 minutes per side.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness, as grill temperature and thickness can vary. Chicken is safe to eat once it registers 165°F. The tenders will firm up and turn opaque throughout when fully cooked.
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Tender Chicken Tenders
Follow these tips for the best results when grilling up chicken tenders:
- Pat the tenders dry before seasoning to help them brown and cook evenly.
- Use a binder like oil, melted butter, or yogurt to help the seasoning stick.
- Season ahead of time and let sit at least 15-30 minutes for flavors to penetrate.
- Spray the hot grates with oil or grease them with oil-dipped paper towels before adding chicken. This prevents sticking.
- Sear tenders over direct high heat for 1-2 minutes per side to start. This caramelizes the outside.
- Finish cooking over indirect heat if tenders are over an inch thick. This prevents burning.
- Temp tenders in the thickest part to guarantee doneness. Meat near bones cooks faster.
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
Properly grilled chicken tenders should have a sear-crusted exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. Follow the recommended cook times for your preferred doneness, and use a meat thermometer for best results.
Common Ways to Enjoy Grilled Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders offer versatility to use in all kinds of recipes:
- Slice and add to salads, wraps, pitas or sandwiches.
- Chop and mix into pasta, rice bowls or casseroles.
- Serve whole with dipping sauces like BBQ, ranch, honey mustard or Buffalo sauce.
- Dice and add to kebabs or skewers with vegetables.
- Include in breakfast scrambles, omelets or breakfast burritos.
- Toss in Buffalo or teriyaki sauce for easy appetizers.
- Add to nachos, flatbreads, pizza and more for extra protein.
Because they readily soak up flavors from marinades and sauces, it’s easy to customize grilled chicken tenders. Change up the seasoning or preparation method for totally different meals.
Common Questions About Grilling Chicken Tenders
How do I know when chicken tenders are done grilling?
Chicken is cooked through once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can test for doneness by inserting an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of a tender, avoiding any bones. When fully cooked, the meat will become opaque and firm.
Should I flip chicken tenders often while grilling?
Flipping frequently can dry out chicken. For best results, flip the tenders just once halfway through the estimated cook time. Resist the urge to move them around too much.
Can I grill frozen chicken tenders?
It’s best to thaw frozen tenders in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. Grilling directly from frozen risks unsafe, uneven cooking. In a pinch, run frozen tenders under cool water to speed thawing then pat dry before grilling. Add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
How do I prevent chicken tenders from drying out on the grill?
Use indirect heat, baste with sauce, and avoid overcooking to keep tenders moist. Pull them off the grill as soon as they reach 165°F internally. Also brine or marinate tenders ahead of time for extra moisture and flavor.
Should I season chicken tenders before or after grilling?
For best results, season tenders at least 15-30 minutes prior to grilling. This gives time for the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat. You can baste with extra seasoning sauce at the end if desired.
The Perfectly Grilled Chicken Tender
Grilling chicken tenders may seem quick and straightforward, but there are little tricks that make a big difference. Here’s a summary of how to achieve the ideal BBQ chicken tender:
- Start with similar sized, high-quality chicken tenders around 1/2 inch thick.
- Pat tenders dry then coat all over with oil and seasonings of choice.
- Let marinate 15-30 minutes while you preheat a clean grill to medium-high heat.
- Sear tenders over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side to caramelize.
- Move to indirect heat and continue flipping every 2-3 minutes until 165°F internal temp.
- Rest cooked tenders 5 minutes before serving juicy and tender every time.
With the right technique, grilled chicken tenders cook up quickly for a protein packed meal or snack. Follow these guidelines for achieving delicious and safe results. Just be careful not to overcook these thin strips of meat. Mastering tenders on the barbecue opens up limitless quick and easy dinner options.