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A white plate of the best juicy grilled chicken tenderloins with lemon and herbs, on a bright white table.

Juicy Grilled Chicken Tenderloins (Family Favorite!)

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This is my family’s favorite easy grilled chicken recipe! These Juicy Grilled Chicken Tenderloins are a lifesaver on busy weeknights. They’re made with a simple, healthy grilled chicken tenders marinade of lemon, olive oil, and herbs that’s ready in just 15 minutes. This is the foolproof method for the most tender, flavorful, and juicy grilled chicken tenderloins every single time!

  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade and toss gently to make sure every piece is coated. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (on the counter is fine!).
  3. Preheat Grill: While the chicken marinates, preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F-450°F). Make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place the tenderloins on the hot grill, leaving a little space between each one. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, until you have lovely grill marks.
  5. Flip the tenderloins and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Rest! (The Most Important Step!): Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This is the secret to keeping them juicy!

Notes

  • The Resting Trick (Don’t Skip!): Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling is my #1 secret for juicy grilled chicken tenderloins! It allows all the juices to settle back into the meat.
  • The 15-Minute Marinade: Tenderloins are so tender, they don’t need to soak for hours. Just 15 minutes is truly all you need for wonderful flavor!
  • Check the Temp: The best way to avoid dry chicken is to use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is perfectly cooked the moment it hits 165°F.
  • Easy Cleanup: I love to mix my marinade and chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. It makes cleanup a breeze!
  • No Grill? No Problem! A stovetop grill pan works perfectly. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times.
  • Author: Ellie
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 8
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American