Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders
Introduction
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders are a surefire way to put a bright, zesty spin on any dinner table. Their irresistible flavor comes from a lively marinade of fresh lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and garlic—ensuring juicy, tender bites in every forkful. These chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights, family cookouts, or meal preps, thanks to their quick cooking time and broad appeal.
Why Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders Make a Great Meal
The genius of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The citrus and herb marinade not only infuses the chicken with vibrant flavor but also ensures remarkable tenderness. Whether you’re looking for a healthy main course, a protein-packed salad topper, or a crowd-pleasing party platter, these chicken tenders deliver every time.
Tips for Perfectly Flavorful Chicken
Cutting the chicken into even-sized strips ensures they cook uniformly and soak up maximum marinade. For efficient and precise chopping of fresh herbs and other vegetables, a high-quality vegetable chopper such as the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper saves precious prep time while producing consistently sized ingredients.
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes—or up to overnight—allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. As you grill, basting with leftover marinade keeps the tenders juicy and amps up the flavor. Always discard leftover marinade that’s touched raw chicken to ensure safe eating.
Grilling Your Chicken Tenders
For an even sear and perfectly cooked tenders, use a reliable nonstick skillet if grilling outdoors isn’t an option. The SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch ensures easy cleanup and excellent browning, making indoor grilling a breeze.
If you’re looking for a hands-off method or cooking for a crowd, opt for an air fryer. The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt provides evenly cooked, juicy results in just minutes, with a fraction of the oil used in traditional methods.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders
Serve these versatile tenders over leafy greens with a drizzle of dressing for a quick salad, or tuck them into wraps, sandwiches, or pitas with your favorite toppings. For easy and attractive meal prep, pack leftovers into a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl. The secure design keeps salads fresh and chicken separate until mealtime—flavor and convenience guaranteed!
Nutritional Info and Yield
This recipe yields about 4 servings, with each serving clocking in at approximately 200–250 calories (depending on portion size and added garnish). Rich in lean protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a balanced and nutritious choice perfect for any healthy eating plan.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders (Recap)
Bright, fresh, and supremely tender—these grilled chicken tenders are bursting with citrus and herbal goodness. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they’re destined to become a staple in any kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, parsley, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders, tossing to thoroughly coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill or indoor pan over medium-high heat. For an indoor option, heat a lightly oiled SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet until shimmering.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or pan-sear chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. For quick, reliable measurements, use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking.
- Alternatively, preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt to 400°F. Arrange tenders in a single layer, cook for 7–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate. Rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
- To store, place cooled leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Enjoy the gorgeous flavors of Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders—it’s an effortless, healthy way to add zest to your week!