Grilled chicken tenders are a quick, easy solution for weeknight dinners—juicy, flavorful, and done in 10 minutes. With just a little oil and seasoning, they’re ready for the grill and cook up perfectly every time.
They’re also a great fallback for picky eaters. These chicken tenders are easy to make and always a hit with the whole family. They’re also quick and simple to make, even on the busiest nights.
How Long to Grill Chicken Breast Strips for Perfectly Cooked Meat Every Time
Chicken breast strips are a popular choice for grilling. Their uniform shape makes them easy to cook evenly. Also, chicken strips are a good source of lean protein and have a mild flavor that goes well with many marinades and spice rubs. But you have to watch the cook times if you want the chicken breast strips to be juicy and tender. If you undercook them, you could get sick, and if you overcook them, they will be dry and tough. So how long should you grill chicken breast strips? Keep reading for a full list of cook times and tips that will always make your food taste great.
What are Chicken Breast Strips?Chicken breast strips, also called chicken tenderloins or chicken tenders, are cuts of chicken breast sliced into long, narrow strips They can be cut from whole chicken breasts or purchased pre-cut Chicken strips contain lots of protein with little fat, especially when choosing skinless, boneless options. Their thin, uniform shape allows for quick, even cooking. Chicken strips work for kebabs, fajitas, salads, sandwiches and more. Their mild flavor absorbs marinades well and pairs with endless seasonings.
Picking Chicken Strips for Grilling: If you want to grill chicken strips that taste great, pick fresh ones over frozen ones. To get even cooking, look for pieces that are all the same size and thickness. For grilling, choose strips that are about 3⁄4 to 1 inch thick. This will keep them from drying out. Consider organic and free-range chicken for higher quality. Pat strips dry before seasoning to help flavors adhere.
How Thickness Impacts Grilling Time
The thickness of chicken breast strips greatly impacts total grilling time. Thinner pieces cook faster than thicker pieces. When determining how long to grill chicken strips, first assess their thickness:
- Thin strips, around 1⁄2 inch: 6-8 minutes total
- Medium strips, around 3⁄4 inch: 8-10 minutes total
- Thick strips, around 1 inch or more: 10-12 minutes total
These times are for direct, medium-high heat between 375-450°F. Thinner strips need less time over direct heat to cook through without drying out. Thicker strips require a bit longer to fully cook inside while developing a nice sear outside.
How to Grill Chicken Breast Strips
Follow these simple steps for grilling juicy, flavorful chicken breast strips:
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Pat chicken strips dry and coat evenly with oil, marinade or dry rub. Refrigerate 15 min to overnight.
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Preheat grill to medium-high, 375-450°F. Use direct heat for thinner strips, indirect heat for thicker.
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Grill strips over direct heat, flipping once halfway through. Cook times range from 6-12 minutes total based on thickness.
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Check internal temperature, removing strips at 165°F. Temperature will rise slightly as strips rest.
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Let strips rest 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
The ideal internal temperature for safely cooked chicken is 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness, checking thickest part of strips. Remove from grill just before 165° as temperature continues rising during resting period. Resting also allows juices to redistribute throughout chicken for added moisture and flavor.
Marinating Chicken Strips for Added Flavor
Marinating chicken strips before grilling infuses flavor and keeps them juicy. Marinades should contain an acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help tenderize meat, oil to add moisture and herbs, spices or aromatics for flavor. Let chicken marinate 30 minutes up to overnight. Shake off excess marinade before grilling to prevent burning. Skip sugary marinades which may char.
Here are some easy chicken strip marinade ideas:
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Greek: Olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano
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Italian: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, parsley
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Southwest: Lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder
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Asian: Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic
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Jamaican Jerk: Lime juice, olive oil, thyme, allspice
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Lemon Pepper: Olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper
How to Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Breast Strips: Here are some extra tips that will help you make perfect grilled chicken breast strips every time:
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Use strips of uniform thickness for even cooking
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Preheat grill properly to desired temp
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Grill over direct heat for sear; use indirect heat to prevent overcooking
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Flip only once during cooking
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Avoid overcrowding strips on grill
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Use instant-read thermometer to test doneness
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Let strips rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicier meat
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Brush with sauce only during last 1-2 minutes to prevent burning
Take the guesswork out of achieving perfectly cooked chicken breast strips on the grill. Monitor thickness, marinate for added flavor and moisture, and test doneness using a thermometer. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken strips ready for wraps, salads, fajitas and more. Get grilling for a fast, healthy protein any night of the week.
Quick Overview: How to Grill Chicken Tenders
Preheat your grill to 450°F, then clean and oil the grates. Trim the tendons from the chicken tenders and pat them dry with paper towels.
✅Pro Tip: This grill temperature works well alongside most grilled meats like pork chops and chicken breasts. If you’re cooking something else that needs a different temperature, like something hotter or cooler, use a skillet with two zones, one hot and one cooler. This will keep everything cooking at the right temperature.
The Recipe Card with Step-by-Step Instructions
Quick Tip: How to Cook Chicken | Blackstone Griddle
FAQ
How long does it take to grill chicken breast strips?
Grill chicken for about until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees, flipping once. (Chicken breasts take about 7 minutes per side, chicken thighs take about 5 minutes per side, and chicken tenders take about 3-4 minutes per side. ).
How long to grill chicken breast pieces?
Is it better to grill chicken at 350 or 400?
This means that the temperature should be between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This is the best range of temperatures for grilling chicken. This range allows for a good sear on the outside while ensuring the chicken cooks through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long should you cook chicken breast strips?
Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and coating is crispy on the outside and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
How long should a chicken breast be grilled?
How Long You Should Grill the Chicken Breast: While all grills are different, most of the time you’ll be golden if you grill your chicken breasts for about 9-10 minutes, flipping the chicken breasts over at the halfway point so you get beautiful, even sear marks on each side of the chicken. Presentation is key! Check the Temp!.
How to cook chicken strips on the grill?
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Apply seasonings to your chicken based on your personal preferences. Apply salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic or herbal seasonings in various combinations to your chicken strips. For three to five minutes on each side, turn the chicken strips over with tongs while they’re cooking.
How do you cook a chicken breast on a grill?
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This step helps the chicken cook more evenly on the grill, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch for the most consistent results.
How hot should a chicken breast be on a grill?
Internal temperature of chicken breasts should be 165°F. How hot should your grill be for chicken? Heat your grill to between 425 and 450°F for chicken breasts. Find out how to cook a chicken breast on the grill the right way—what temperature, how long, and even how to make a marinade!
How long do you cook chicken on a grill?
Flip once halfway through, around the 4- to 5-minute mark. The exact time can vary based on the thickness of the meat and the consistency of your grill’s heat. According to the FDA, chicken is safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part. Higher temps can dry it out, and lower temps are unsafe.
How long do you cook chicken breast on each side?
Grill chicken breasts for around 9 to 10 minutes, flipping them over halfway through. How long do you grill chicken on each side? Grill chicken breasts for around 5 minutes on each side.