11 Grilled Chicken Tender Recipes That Pair Perfectly With Dips, Slaws & Skewers

11 Grilled Chicken Tender Recipes That Pair Perfectly With Dips, Slaws & Skewers – your ticket to effortless, flavor-packed meals all season long. When the grill is fired up and the weather begs for casual outdoor dining, nothing beats the versatility of juicy chicken tenders sizzling over open flames. These 11 crowd-pleasing recipes transform simple tenders into extraordinary meals, whether you’re craving smoky charred bites for dipping, vibrant skewers loaded with veggies, or protein-packed additions to fresh summer slaws. Each recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

From zesty lime-and-chili marinated tenders to honey-mustard glazed skewers with a perfect caramelized crust, these dishes prove chicken tenders are anything but basic. We’ve included creative marinades that penetrate every fiber for ultra-juicy results, plus genius pairing suggestions that turn simple grilled chicken into complete, balanced meals. Whether you’re assembling colorful kabobs for a backyard party or prepping protein for meal-prepped salads, these recipes guarantee your chicken will stay moist, flavorful, and anything but boring.

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders with Coleslaw

Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders are a delicious and simple dish that packs a punch of flavor. The chicken is juicy and tender, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce that elevates it to a whole new level. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to please everyone around the table.

Pairof these savory tenders with a fresh coleslaw for a refreshing crunch. The creamy and tangy slaw complements the rich chicken perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience. Want to whip this up? It’s easier than you think!

Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders

These Zesty Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Tenders are a hit for anyone looking for a fresh and flavorful dish that’s easy to make! The bright notes of lemon combined with fragrant herbs create a deliciously light taste, perfect for warm days or barbecues. Plus, grilling the tenders brings out a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with various dips and sides.

Not only are these tenders simple to prepare, but they also offer a healthy option for any meal. Marinate them briefly for an hour, then grill until they’re perfectly cooked. Serve with a crisp slaw or a tangy dip for an unforgettable experience!

Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tenders

Smoky chipotle chicken tenders pack a punch of flavor that’s both zesty and satisfying. With a blend of smoky spices and a hint of heat, these tenders are perfect for grilling. They’re quick to whip up, making them ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.

Pair these tenders with fresh slaws or your favorite dips for a delicious meal. The smoky flavor combined with the juicy chicken creates a delightful experience for your taste buds!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken tenders on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
4. Serve: Remove from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of slaw or dip.

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat that combines the savory taste of Parmesan cheese with the satisfying crunch of a crispy coating. These tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults.

The blend of herbs and cheese creates a deliciously crispy exterior, while the chicken inside remains moist and tender. Pair them with your favorite dips or toss them in a refreshing slaw for a complete meal. Get ready to enjoy a satisfying dish that’s sure to please!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Cooking spray or olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken for a good layer.
5. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
7. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Tenders

Teriyaki glazed chicken tenders are a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy. The sticky teriyaki sauce adds a delicious glaze to the juicy chicken, making each bite irresistible. This recipe is simple to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

Pair these chicken tenders with your favorite dips or slaws, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. They’re sure to be a hit with friends and family alike!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ginger, and sesame oil. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Grill the tenders for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
4. Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with your choice of dips or slaws.

Mango Salsa Chicken Skewers

Mango Salsa Chicken Skewers are a fun and delicious way to enjoy grilled chicken. The combination of juicy chicken and sweet, zesty mango salsa creates a burst of flavors that is sure to impress. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet festive enough for a gathering.

With minimal prep and grilling time, you’ll have a colorful and appetizing dish ready in no time. The bright mango salsa adds a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken, making it a perfect summer treat!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 mango, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are well-coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Salsa: In another bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside.
3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken tenders onto skewers. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
5. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and serve with the mango salsa on the side. Enjoy your delicious, tropical meal!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Blue Cheese Dip

Buffalo chicken tenders are a spicy twist on a classic favorite. Tender, juicy chicken strips coated in a zesty buffalo sauce create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for a casual dinner or game day snack. Paired with a creamy blue cheese dip, these tenders are sure to please a crowd.

This recipe is easy to prepare, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or fun gatherings. You can whip them up in no time, and they bring that comforting, bold flavor that everyone loves!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Celery sticks, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip each chicken tender in buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the buffalo sauce and melted butter. Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture to coat.
6. For the blue cheese dip, mix blue cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl until well combined.
7. Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot with the blue cheese dip and celery sticks on the side.

Spicy Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Skewers

These Spicy Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken Skewers are a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that make them a hit at any gathering. The chicken is marinated in a zesty sauce that caramelizes beautifully on the grill, creating a sticky, finger-licking glaze. They are simple to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends.

Pair these skewers with your favorite dips or slaws for a fun and tasty meal. The combination of honey and garlic adds just the right amount of sweetness and heat, making every bite a flavorful experience. Get ready to impress your guests with this easy recipe!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Make sure to oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken tenders onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
5. Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dips or slaws and enjoy!

Coconut Curry Grilled Chicken Tenders

Coconut Curry Grilled Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on the classic grilled chicken, packing a punch of flavor with a rich coconut curry marinade. These tenders are not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

The marinade combines creamy coconut milk with spices, offering a sweet and savory taste that pairs beautifully with fresh salads or dips. Plus, grilling these chicken tenders gives them a lovely char, enhancing their flavor and making them irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix coconut milk, curry powder, lime juice, garlic, ginger, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
2. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken tenders for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and grill marks appear.
4. Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Italian Herb Infused Chicken Skewers

These Italian herb infused chicken skewers are a delightful blend of bold flavors and juicy chicken. Simple to prepare, they make a perfect dish for any gathering or weeknight dinner. The combination of fresh herbs and spices brings a taste of Italy right to your grill, making each bite a burst of flavor.

The skewers are not only easy to whip up but also pair wonderfully with a variety of dips and sides. Whether you’re serving them with a zesty marinara or a refreshing salad, these skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken and cherry tomatoes onto the soaked skewers, alternating between chicken and tomatoes.
3. Grill the Skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
4. Serve: Remove from the grill and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dip or side.

Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Tenders

Lemon Basil Pesto Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic dish. With the bright flavors of fresh basil and zesty lemon, these tenders are bursting with taste while remaining incredibly simple to make. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun gathering, they add a refreshing touch to your table.

The combination of juicy chicken and vibrant pesto not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also keeps the tenders moist and flavorful. Whether served with a side of slaw or your favorite dipping sauce, these tenders are sure to impress!

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until finely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until well combined.
2. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Brush them with the prepared pesto.
3. Grill the Tenders: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Serve: Drizzle any remaining pesto over the grilled chicken tenders. Enjoy with a fresh salad or your favorite dips!

Final Thoughts

Grilled chicken tenders are the unsung heroes of easy, healthy cooking – quick to prepare, universally loved, and endlessly adaptable to whatever flavors you’re craving. As you try these recipes, you’ll discover how the right marinade or spice rub can elevate humble tenders into something truly special. Keep these techniques in your back pocket for last-minute meals that feel anything but rushed, and don’t be afraid to mix-and-match with your favorite seasonal sides. Here’s to simple, satisfying meals that let you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying those perfect summer evenings!