If you’re a fan of tender, smoky chicken with a sweet and tangy twist, then you’re in for a treat with these mouthwatering Smoked Chicken Tenders. Cooked low and slow to infuse them with deep smoky flavors and enhance their tenderness, these chicken tenders are served with a delicious honey BBQ sauce, giving them a sticky and caramelized coating that will leave you wanting more. Whether you have a Traeger or any smoker pellet grill, you can effortlessly recreate this delightful dish.
What Type of Chicken to Use
Chicken tenderloin, a tender cut found underneath and attached to the chicken breast, is the star ingredient for this recipe. Although smaller than the breast, chicken tenderloin is remarkably tender and can be used interchangeably with chicken breast slices (about 1/2″ thick) for the same delicious results. These tenderloins are not only tender but also a great source of protein and low in fat.
Spices and Seasoning
To elevate the flavor of the chicken tenders, I recommend using my Dry Rub For Chicken recipe. This delectable rub consists of brown sugar or sweetener, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you prefer, you can also opt for your favorite BBQ or chicken rub to season the chicken.
Sauce
While the sauce is optional, I highly recommend slathering these tender chicken pieces in a mixture of honey and BBQ sauce. Feel free to choose your preferred brand and flavor of BBQ sauce. Personally, I’m a fan of the local Kansas City BBQ sauce for its exceptional taste.
How to Make Smoked Chicken Tenders
Detailed measurements and the full recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here’s a brief overview:
- Sprinkle the BBQ rub over the chicken tenders, ensuring it coats the meat thoroughly.
- Place the seasoned chicken tenders on the smoker.
- Allow them to smoke slowly, absorbing the rich smoky flavors.
Smoker Temperature
For the best results, I recommend setting your smoker temperature to 225 degrees. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks slowly, allowing it to absorb the smoky flavor effectively.
Cook Time/How Long to Cook
The precise cooking time varies depending on the size of your chicken tenders. As a general guideline, smoking chicken tenderloins usually takes around 1 to 2 hours. To guarantee that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. You can use a meat thermometer to periodically check the temperature during the smoking process.
What Flavor of Wood/Pellets to Use
To enhance the flavor of your smoked chicken tenders, try using apple or the Traeger Signature Blend wood pellets. Here are some options to consider:
- Fruit Flavors: Apple, cherry, and peach woods all provide excellent choices for smoking chicken. They offer a subtly sweet and mild flavor that complements the delicate taste of the chicken.
- Pecan: Pecan wood adds a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the chicken’s natural taste.
- Hickory: For a more robust and smoky flavor, hickory wood imparts a bacon-like essence to the chicken. It’s a great choice if you prefer a stronger smoky flavor.
- Mesquite: Although often used for smoking beef, mesquite wood can also work well with chicken. Be cautious, as it has a strong and slightly bitter smoky flavor that should be used sparingly to avoid overwhelming the chicken’s taste.
How to Reheat
If you have any leftovers, you can easily reheat the smoked chicken tenders by using either an oven or an air fryer. Simply set the temperature to 350 degrees and warm them until they’re heated through. Alternatively, you can also use a microwave if that’s more convenient for you.
Freezer Tips
To save some for later, tightly cover and seal the chicken tenders and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Pair With These Recipes
For a complete and satisfying meal, I recommend pairing these delicious smoked chicken tenders with the following recipes:
- Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob
- Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- Smoked Salsa
- Smoked Mac and Cheese
- Smoked Baked Beans
- Smoked Asparagus
- Smoked Baked Potatoes
More Traeger and Smoker Recipes
If you’re a fan of cooking with your Traeger or smoker, don’t miss out on trying these fantastic recipes:
- Traeger Smoked Burgers
- Traeger Smoked Glazed Ham
- Smoked Cod
- Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast
- Traeger Smoked Salmon
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast
- Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method)
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings
- Traeger Pulled Pork (Shoulder Butt)
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, visit Ekilove. Enjoy your mouthwatering smoked chicken tenders!
