Contents
Introduction
Grilling chicken tenders is a popular and delicious way to enjoy a quick and flavorful meal. Whether you’re grilling chicken tenders for a barbecue, weeknight dinner, or meal prep, knowing how long to cook them on the grill is essential to achieve perfectly cooked and juicy chicken. In this article, we will discuss the necessary steps and tips on how long to grill chicken tenders to perfection.
Preparing Chicken Tenders for Grilling
Before grilling chicken tenders, it’s essential to prepare them properly to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Here are some steps to follow:
- Trim excess fat: Remove any excess fat or skin from the chicken tenders to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
- Marinate or season: Marinate the chicken tenders in your favorite marinade or season them with salt, pepper, and other spices for added flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) for optimal cooking.
Grilling Chicken Tenders
Grilling chicken tenders requires attention to detail to ensure they are cooked thoroughly while maintaining their juiciness. Here’s how long to grill chicken tenders depending on the cooking method:
Direct Grilling
Direct grilling involves cooking the chicken tenders directly over the heat source. Follow these steps for direct grilling:
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grill grates: Before placing the chicken tenders on the grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken tenders: Cook the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and serve: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving to retain their juices.
Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling involves cooking the chicken tenders next to the heat source, allowing them to cook more slowly and evenly. Here’s how to grill chicken tenders using indirect heat:
- Preheat the grill: Preheat one side of the grill to medium-high heat for direct heat and leave the other side off for indirect heat.
- Oil the grill grates: Lightly oil the grates on the side where you will be cooking the chicken tenders indirectly.
- Grill the chicken tenders: Place the chicken tenders on the indirect side of the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Finish over direct heat: For a crispy exterior, finish the chicken tenders over direct heat for 1-2 minutes per side before serving.
Tips for Grilling Chicken Tenders
Here are some additional tips to help you grill chicken tenders to perfection:
- Use a meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken tenders are cooked safely, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked chicken tenders can be tough and dry, so monitor their cooking time closely.
- Baste with sauce: If you like saucy chicken tenders, baste them with your favorite barbecue or marinade sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Rest before serving: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute and keep them moist.
- Cut against the grain: When serving the chicken tenders, slice them against the grain to ensure tenderness.
In Conclusion
Grilling chicken tenders can be a satisfying and flavorful meal option when cooked correctly. By following these guidelines on how long to grill chicken tenders, you can achieve juicy and delicious results every time. Experiment with different marinades, seasonings, and grilling techniques to find what works best for your preferences. Enjoy your grilled chicken tenders with your favorite sides and garnishes for a delightful meal!
