Smoked Chicken Tenders are sure to become a family favorite. Chicken tenders cook quickly, stay incredibly juicy, and soak up smoky flavor beautifully, making them perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or backyard cookouts.
Unlike chicken breasts, chicken tenders are naturally tender and cook in less time, making them an excellent option when you want a delicious smoked meal without waiting for hours. A simple blend of pantry spices creates a flavorful crust while the smoker does the rest of the work. The result is juicy chicken with a lightly smoky finish that pairs well with everything from salads to sandwiches.
Whether you serve these smoked chicken tenders as a main dish, slice them over a salad, or use them in wraps and pasta, this versatile recipe is one you will want to make again and again.
If you like grilling and smoker recipes check out Spicy Smoked Chicken Thighs, Smoked Pulled Pork Nachos, Traeger Smoked Pulled Pork, and Smoked Almonds.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick cooking time compared to larger cuts of chicken.
- Juicy, tender chicken every time.
- Perfect balance of smoky flavor and simple seasonings.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers.
- Easy enough for beginners.
- Works with a variety of wood pellets.
- Pairs well with countless side dishes.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken Tenders - Chicken tenders are quick to make on a grill or smoker!
- Seasoning Salt of Choice - There are so many seasonings to choose from. I like a good blackened seasoning or Lemon pepper seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Substitution Tips
Optional seasoning ideas:
- Garlic powder + paprika (simple and classic)
- BBQ seasoning or dry rub
- Cajun seasoning for a little heat
- Italian seasoning for a lighter flavor
- Ranch seasoning for an easy, crowd-pleasing option
How to make Smoked Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.
Step 2: Season generously both sides of the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and seasoning of choice.
Step 3: Place the chicken strips on the smoker and they cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
Pro Tips Smoked Chicken Tenders
- Use an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps create better color and texture.
- Do not overcrowd the smoker grates. Leave space so the smoke can circulate around each tender.
- Apple, cherry, or pecan wood pellets all pair well with chicken.
- For a sweeter flavor, brush the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- If your chicken tenders vary greatly in size, check the smaller pieces first since they may finish cooking sooner.
Storage
Store leftover smoked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until warmed through.
These chicken tenders also freeze well. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve smoked chicken tenders with Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Mac and Cheese Lasagna, roasted vegetables, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple side salad.
Slice them over Caesar salad or garden salad for an easy lunch.
Use leftovers in wraps, sandwiches, tacos, quesadillas, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
Pair with barbecue sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or Alabama white sauce for dipping.
Tips for Smoked Chicken Tenders
The smoker is so great for cooking simple basic food like smoked corn on the cob, smoked meatloaf, bbq ribs for beginners, and smoked salmon. The smoke gives the salmon an extra layer of flavor that you wouldn’t get from a grill.
Some smokers require a preheat before setting the actual temperature to the desired one. Read the instruction manual your smoker came with to make sure.
Recipe FAQs
Chicken tenders do not take long on the smoker at all! It takes any where from 45 minutes to 1 hour on a smoker.
The best way to tell if chicken is ready is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is ready when the temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Apple, cherry, pecan, and maple wood pellets all provide a mild smoky flavor that pairs well with chicken.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently or eat cold in salads or wraps.
If you tried this Smoked Chicken Tenders or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries
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Smoked Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 45min - 1 hr
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Easy
- Method: Smoker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This recipe for simple smoked chicken tenders is as easy as it gets! The chicken tenders come out juicy and perfect every time and it's cooked in the smoker! Great for salads, casseroles, or pasta salads!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of Chicken Tenders
- 1 to 2 tablespoons of Seasoning Salt of Choice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.
- Season generously both sides of the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and seasoning of chocie.
- Place the chicken strips on the smoker and they cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
Notes
Some smokers require a preheat before setting the actual temperature to the desired one. Read the instruction manual your smoker came with to make sure.
Nutrition
- Calories: 309
- Sugar: 0g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
Jennifer says
These chicken tenders came out great!