Simple Tricks to Master the Temp to Cook Chicken Tenders on Grill
Grilling chicken tenders is a test of details. Only with a suitable temperature and uniform heating can it have a slightly crispy outer skin and a tender inner part, resulting in a better taste.
What temperature should the grill be for cooking chicken tenders?
When grilling chicken tenders, it is better to set the grill temperature at 180 degrees Celsius. Grill for about 15 to 20 minutes. Choosing this temperature can make the chicken tenders golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. It will not cause the meat to become dry and tough due to excessive temperature.
Flip the chicken tenders 1 to 2 times during the grilling process to ensure uniform heating. The specific grilling time depends on the thickness of the chicken tenders. Poke it with chopsticks. If there is no blood flowing out, it means it is cooked.
Adding an appropriate amount of oil when marinating chicken tenders can prevent the meat from becoming dry during grilling. If you are afraid that it will not be flavorful enough, marinate it 4 hours in advance. It is best to let the chicken tenders return to room temperature before grilling so that it is easier to be heated evenly.
Should I use direct or indirect heat for grilling chicken tenders?
For grilling chicken tenders, direct heating is fine. Direct heating can quickly form a fragrant and crispy outer skin on the surface of the chicken tenders and lock in the internal moisture, making the meat tender.
When grilling, place the chicken tenders in the middle of the baking tray and turn on both the upper and lower heat sources at the same time. If using an oven, select the upper and lower heat mode so that the heating is more uniform and there will be no situation of being charred on the outside and raw on the inside.
Is it necessary to flip chicken tenders while grilling?
It is necessary to flip. Flipping once every 5 to 7 minutes is enough. Flipping can make the chicken tenders heated evenly and avoid the situation of being charred on one side and raw on the other. When flipping, you can also brush some oil or sauce by the way, so that the finished product will be more juicy.
Use tongs to flip instead of a fork, otherwise it is easy to puncture the skin. Flipping 1 to 2 times during the entire grilling process is enough. Flipping too many times will affect the temperature and make it difficult for the chicken tenders to be cooked. The flipping action should be quick to reduce heat loss.
Can I cook frozen chicken tenders on the grill?
Don't grill frozen chicken tenders directly on the grill. It's better to thaw them first and then grill them. If grilled directly, it's easy for the outside to be cooked while the inside is still frozen. This is not only unsafe but also has a poor taste.
Thawing is quite simple. Put it in the refrigerator's chilled compartment and it can be completely thawed in 4 to 6 hours. If you are in a hurry, you can soak the sealed bag containing chicken tenders in cold water for about 30 minutes.
After thawing, first dry the surface moisture of the chicken tenders with kitchen paper, and then apply oil and seasonings and marinate for 10 minutes. This way, it will taste more flavorful when grilled. When grilling, control the temperature at around 180 degrees Celsius.
Is it faster to cook chicken tenders on the grill than in the oven?
Yes. Generally, it can be completed in 5 to 7 minutes on a grill, while an oven requires at least about 15 minutes. The main reason is that the heat source of the grill acts directly on the surface of the ingredients. The heat is more concentrated and the heating efficiency is higher. Moreover, there is no need for preheating time.
When grilling chicken tenders on a grill, it is recommended to spread a layer of oil on the surface first. This not only prevents sticking but also makes the skin crispier. The temperature is best controlled between 180 and 200 degrees Celsius. Wait until one side is completely set before turning over. If you are worried about sticking, you can lay a layer of tin foil on the grill.
How can I prevent chicken tenders from sticking to the grill?
It is best to brush a layer of oil on the grill before use or lay a sheet of tin foil so that the chicken tenders will not directly contact the metal surface. Choosing the appropriate grilling temperature is also very important. Too high a temperature can easily lead to sticking. Generally, it is more appropriate to control the temperature at 180-200 degrees Celsius.
Try not to turn the chicken tenders frequently during grilling. Wait until one side is completely set before turning over. This can also reduce the chance of sticking. If there is a non-stick baking tray at home, it will be more convenient to grill with it and it will also be much easier to clean.
