The Best Way to Cook Chicken Tenders on a Blackstone Griddle

I’ve always been a fan of cooking chicken tenders on my Blackstone griddle. The high heat and even cooking surface make it the perfect tool for achieving that crispy, golden-brown exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy. But one question that often comes up is: how long should you cook chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle? In this article, I’ll share my tried and tested method for getting perfectly cooked chicken tenders every time.

When it comes to cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle, timing is everything. Cook them for too long, and you risk drying out the meat. Cook them for too short a time, and they may not be fully cooked through. So, what’s the ideal cooking time? Well, it depends on a few factors, such as the thickness of your chicken tenders and the temperature of your griddle. I’ll break down the cooking process and give you some guidelines to follow for achieving that perfect balance of crispy and juicy.

To cook chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle, I recommend preheating the griddle to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Once the griddle is hot, place the chicken tenders on the cooking surface. Cook them for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that these cooking times are approximate, and it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. With this method, you’ll have deliciously cooked chicken tenders with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

Before cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle, it’s important to properly prepare them. Here’s how I do it:

1. Thaw the chicken tenders: If you are using frozen chicken tenders, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thawing can be done by placing the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for a few hours or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
2. Season the chicken tenders: To enhance the flavor of the chicken tenders, I like to season them with a combination of spices. You can use a seasoning blend of your choice or simply sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken tenders.
3. Preheat the Blackstone griddle: Heat the griddle to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.
4. Brush the griddle with oil: To prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the griddle, lightly brush the surface with cooking oil or spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Place the chicken tenders on the griddle: Once the griddle is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken tenders on the surface. Make sure to leave some space between each tender to allow for even cooking.

Preheating the Blackstone Griddle

When it comes to cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle, preheating is a crucial step for achieving that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Preheating the griddle properly ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken tenders from sticking.

To start, I’ll set the temperature to medium-high heat. This temperature range provides enough heat to cook the chicken tenders thoroughly without burning them. The exact temperature may vary depending on the model of your Blackstone griddle, but generally, a medium-high setting should do the trick.

Next, I’ll allow the griddle to preheat for about 10 minutes. This gives enough time for the cooking surface to reach the desired temperature. The preheating time may also depend on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders. It is important to note that preheating the griddle properly can make a significant difference in the final outcome of the chicken tenders.

Once the griddle is preheated, I’ll do a quick test to ensure it’s hot enough. I I’ll sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates almost instantly, it’s a good indicator that the griddle is ready for cooking. This test is a simple but effective way to check if the griddle has reached the desired temperature.

Remember, a properly preheated griddle is the key to getting those deliciously crispy and juicy chicken tenders. So take the time to preheat your Blackstone griddle before adding the chicken tenders to ensure a successful cooking experience. Now that I’ve covered the preheating process, I I’ll move on to the next step of cooking the chicken tenders.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders on the Blackstone Griddle

Once the Blackstone griddle is preheated to medium-high heat, it’s time to start cooking those delicious chicken tenders. Here’s how I do it:

1. Prepare the chicken tenders: Before cooking, make sure the chicken tenders are seasoned to your liking. Whether you prefer a simple salt and pepper seasoning or a flavorful marinade, be sure to coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavor.
2. Grease the griddle: Even though the Blackstone griddle is already seasoned, it’s a good idea to add a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Just a light coating is all you need.
3. Place the chicken tenders on the griddle: Carefully lay the chicken tenders on the hot griddle, making sure they are spread out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the griddle, as this can prevent even cooking.
4. Cook for a few minutes: Allow the chicken tenders to cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. During this time, resist the temptation to constantly flip them. Let them develop a nice sear and cook through before flipping.
5. Check for doneness: To ensure the chicken tenders are fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into one of the tenders to make sure the juices run clear.
6. Remove from the griddle: Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the griddle and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil and keep them crispy.

Checking for Doneness

Once you’ve cooked your chicken tenders on the Blackstone griddle for the recommended time, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure they are cooked thoroughly and safe to eat. There are a few indicators you can look for to determine if your chicken tenders are ready.

1. Internal Temperature: One of the most reliable ways to check for doneness is by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken tender, making sure not to touch the bone or the griddle surface. The chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. This ensures that any harmful bacteria are killed, making the chicken safe to eat.

2. Visual Appearance: Another way to check if your chicken tenders are cooked to perfection is by their visual appearance. Cut into the thickest part of one tender with a sharp knife and check if the juices run clear. If the juices are clear and there is no pinkness, it’s a good indication that the chicken is cooked through. The meat should also be firm and opaque, without any signs of rawness.

3. Texture: Pay attention to the texture of the chicken tender. When fully cooked, it should be tender and juicy, without any rubbery or chewy texture. Overcooking can result in dry and tough chicken tenders, so it’s important to remove them from the griddle as soon as they reach the appropriate internal temperature.

Remember that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken tenders and the specific heat of your griddle. It’s always a good practice to use a thermometer as the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked safely.

Checking for doneness is a crucial step in cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle. It ensures that your chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy, and safe to eat. By following these guidelines, you can be confident that your chicken tenders will be a delicious and satisfying meal.

Serving and Enjoying the Chicken Tenders

After cooking the chicken tenders on your Blackstone griddle, it’s time to savor the delicious results. Here are a few tips on serving and enjoying your perfectly cooked chicken tenders:

1. Pairing with a Sauce or Dip
Chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sauces and dips. Whether you prefer classic condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce or want something more adventurous like honey mustard or buffalo sauce, the choice is yours. The right sauce can enhance the flavors and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your chicken tenders.

2. Adding a Side Dish
Chicken tenders make a great main course, but they can also be enjoyed as part of a complete meal. Consider pairing them with a side dish to create a well-rounded and satisfying plate. Some popular options include French fries, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, or a simple green salad. These side dishes provide contrasting textures and flavors that complement the tenders perfectly.

3. Making it a Meal
If you’re looking to turn your chicken tenders into a full meal, consider adding some additional components. You can serve them with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or even make them into a wrap or sandwich. Get creative with your ingredients and experiment with different flavors to customize the meal to your liking.

4. Serving Options
Chicken tenders can be presented in different ways depending on the occasion. For a casual gathering or family dinner, serve them on a platter with the sauce or dip on the side. If you’re hosting a party or barbecue, consider skewering the tenders with toothpicks for easy serving. For a more formal setting, you can plate the chicken tenders individually with a garnish for an elegant touch.

Remember, cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle is only the first step. The true joy comes from savoring the mouthwatering flavors and textures of the perfectly cooked chicken tenders. So get creative, experiment with different sauces and side dishes, and enjoy this delicious meal in your own unique way.

Tips on How Long to Cook

Cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this popular dish. By following a few key steps, you can achieve crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked chicken tenders every time.

Preheating the griddle is essential for even cooking and preventing sticking. Once the griddle is hot, seasoning the chicken tenders to your liking and greasing the surface will ensure they cook to perfection.

Cooking the chicken tenders for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side allows them to develop a nice sear and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Using an instant-read thermometer is crucial to ensure doneness and guarantee that your chicken is juicy and safe to eat.

After cooking, transferring the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels helps absorb excess oil and keeps them crispy. From there, you can get creative by pairing them with various sauces and dips or adding them to a full meal with additional components.

The joy of cooking chicken tenders on a Blackstone griddle comes from savoring the mouthwatering flavors and textures of the perfectly cooked chicken. With a little practice and attention to detail, you can master this cooking technique and enjoy delicious chicken tenders whenever you desire.