how to smoke chicken tenders

3 min read 07-02-2025

Smoked chicken tenders offer a juicy, smoky flavor that's perfect for appetizers, salads, or a quick weeknight meal. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, ensuring tender, flavorful results every time.

Getting Started: Choosing Your Equipment and Ingredients

Before you begin smoking your chicken tenders, gather your equipment and ingredients. You'll need a smoker (pellet smoker, offset smoker, or even a charcoal grill with a smoker box), good quality chicken tenders, and your favorite smoking wood.

Essential Equipment:

Smoker: Choose a smoker that suits your experience level and budget. Pellet smokers are convenient for beginners, while offset smokers offer more control for experienced smokers.
Meat Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is crucial for ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Smoker Box (if needed): If using a charcoal grill, a smoker box is necessary to hold the wood chips.
Gloves: Protect your hands from heat and smoke.
Tongs: For safely handling the chicken tenders.
Basting brush (optional): To apply your favorite basting sauce during smoking.

Choosing Your Ingredients:

Chicken Tenders: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken tenders. Frozen tenders will work but may require longer smoking times.
Smoking Wood: The type of wood you choose will significantly impact the flavor of your chicken. Popular choices include hickory, mesquite, applewood, and pecan. Experiment to find your favorite!
Rub (optional): A dry rub adds extra flavor and helps create a crispy exterior. Many pre-made rubs are available, or you can create your own.
Sauce (optional): A flavorful sauce adds another layer of deliciousness. Consider BBQ sauce, teriyaki, or even a simple honey garlic glaze.

Preparing the Chicken Tenders for Smoking

Proper preparation is key to perfectly smoked chicken tenders.

Preparing Your Rub (if using):

If using a dry rub, generously apply it to all sides of the chicken tenders. Ensure the rub adheres evenly. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor penetration.

Setting Up Your Smoker:

Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C). Add your chosen wood chips or pellets according to your smoker's instructions.

Smoking the Chicken Tenders: A Step-by-Step Guide

Place the Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer on the smoker grates. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
Maintain Temperature: Monitor the smoker temperature throughout the smoking process. Adjust as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 250°F (121°C).
Smoking Time: Smoking time varies depending on the thickness of the tenders and your smoker. Generally, it takes 1-1.5 hours to smoke chicken tenders until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Basting (optional): If using a basting sauce, apply it during the last 30 minutes of smoking. This adds moisture and extra flavor.
Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest tender. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the smoker and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat.

Serving Your Smoked Chicken Tenders

Serve your smoked chicken tenders immediately. They are delicious on their own, in salads, sandwiches, or as an appetizer.

Serving Suggestions:

On their own: Enjoy the smoky flavor!
In salads: Add them to your favorite chicken salad for a smoky twist.
In sandwiches: Use them in wraps, sandwiches, or burgers.
With dipping sauces: Pair them with your favorite BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

FAQs About Smoking Chicken Tenders

Q: Can I smoke frozen chicken tenders?

A: Yes, but you'll need to add about 30-45 minutes to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q: What happens if my chicken tenders are overcooked?

A: Overcooked chicken tenders will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Q: Can I use any type of wood for smoking chicken tenders?

A: While many woods work well, avoid strong-flavored woods like mesquite unless you prefer a bold, smoky taste.

Conclusion

Smoking chicken tenders is a rewarding process that results in incredibly flavorful and juicy meat. Following this guide, you can easily create delicious smoked chicken tenders at home. Experiment with different rubs, sauces, and woods to find your perfect combination! Remember, patience and a meat thermometer are your best friends when smoking. Enjoy!