Easy Grilled Chicken Tenders

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These two-ingredient Easy Grilled Chicken tenders are the perfect fuss-free summer meal. Enjoy this flavorful chicken as is or add to salads or sandwiches.

Table of Contents show

Why you will love this

Just two ingredients - This grilled chicken couldn't be easier. Just two ingredients (plus some black pepper) and some marinating time stand between you and a delicious, fuss-free meal. Delicious food doesn't need to be complicated!
Minimal clean-up - I love grilling because there are always fewer dishes to clean afterward. Marinate the chicken in a zipper-top plastic bag for even less clean-up.
Extremely versatile - These easy grilled chicken tenders can be served as a main dish with a variety of side dishes. Try summer pasta salad, buffalo potato salad, or grilled fingerling potatoes. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep. Grill a large batch and use it throughout the week in salads, sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. Make chicken salad croissant sandwiches or chicken caesar pasta salad.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts - Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or tenders for this recipe. If using chicken breasts, slice them in half lengthwise to create smaller strips. The smaller pieces cook faster, and the marinade can penetrate the smaller pieces more quickly.
Italian salad dressing - Italian salad dressing infuses the chicken with tons of flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist while it cooks. For added ease, use bottled dressing. Reach into your pantry for your favorite variety. If you prefer homemade, go for it!

Instructions

Place the chicken in a zipper-top plastic bag.
Add the salad dressing and pepper.
Seal the bag and massage the bag to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before grilling.
Preheat the grill to medium heat, around 350 degrees. The grill does not need to be oiled - there is enough oil in the salad dressing marinade.
Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Serve or cool then store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe tips

For beautiful grill marks, place the chicken on the hot grill and let it be. Don't attempt to move it. When the chicken is ready to be turned, it will release from the grill.
If using sauces with high sugar content (such as barbecue sauce), wait to baste the chicken with the sauce until the last few minutes of grilling. Otherwise, the sugars in the sauce will burn.

Recipe Faq's

Does the chicken have to be grilled?

No, this chicken doesn't have to be grilled. You can cook the chicken indoors on a grill pan or in a skillet - cast-iron works great. The chicken can also be oven-baked.

What is the best temperature for grilled chicken?

The grill temperature should be around 350 degrees. This temperature will cook the chicken evenly without drying it out. The chicken should be cooked until its internal temperature reads 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.

Should the chicken be room temperature before grilling?

Absolutely. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly and will retain more of its juices. Cold meat will dry out on the outside before the inside is cooked.

overhead shot of chicken on a plate with a bowl of salad greens

Ways to use

These easy grilled chicken tenders work beautifully for meal prep. Marinate and grill up a double batch to use throughout the week.

Slice and add to salads, like Mexican Cobb Salad
Use for sandwiches or wraps, like Caprese Chicken Sandwich
Add to Chicken Taco Salad Bowls
Use as a topping for make-your-own pizza night
Make Barbecue Chicken Nachos
Use in Hot Chicken Salad
Add to Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms or Pesto Pappardelle

Serving ideas

These easy grilled chicken tenders go with just about anything. These are some of my favorite side dishes for serving.

sliced chicken on a plate with salad greens

Equipment

Instant-read thermometer

Craving more?