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Smoked Chicken Tenders

These Smoked Chicken Tenders are smoked low and slow to infuse them with a deep smoky flavor and to tenderize the meat. From there, the juicy chicken is drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, which adds a sticky and caramelized coating. You can make these using a Traeger or any smoker pellet grill.

smoked chicken tenders drizzled in honey bbq sauce
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What Type of Chicken to Use

Chicken tenderloin is a cut of meat found underneath and attached to the chicken breast. It is the most tender part of the chicken breast even though it is smaller than the breast. Chicken tenderloins are usually sold along with the chicken breasts or on their own, so you can feel free to use these cuts interchangeably (just slice the chicken breast about 1/2″ in thickness) to get the same result.

Chicken tenderloins are a great source of protein and low in fat.

raw chicken tenders in a glass bowl

Spices and Seasoning

I love to use my Dry Rub For Chicken recipe which includes brown sugar or sweetener, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also use your favorite BBQ or chicken rub.

homemade BBQ rub spices in a white bowl

Sauce

Sauce is optional. I love to slather these in a mixture of honey and BBQ sauce. Feel free to grab your favorite BBQ sauce brand and flavor. I love local Kansas City BBQ sauce.

honey and BBQ sauce in separate measuring cups

How to Make Smoked Chicken Tenders

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Sprinkle the BBQ rub over the chicken and rub them into the meat.
  2. Place the chicken tenders on the smoker.
  3. Smoke.
raw seasoned chicken tenders in a glass bowl
raw seasoned chicken tenders on a Traeger smoker grill

Smoker Temperature

I recommend 225 degrees so the chicken cooks slowly and soaks up the smoky flavor.

Cook Time/How Long to Cook

Cook time will vary based on the size of your tenders.

As a general rule of thumb, smoking chicken tenderloins typically takes around 1 to 2 hours.

To ensure that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken periodically during the smoking process.

smoked chicken tenders on a Traeger smoker grill

What Flavor of Wood/Pellets to Use

I love to use apple or the Traeger Signature Blend. Here are some options:

  • Fruit flavors: Apple, cherry, and peach woods are all excellent choices for smoking chicken. They impart a slightly sweet and mild flavor that complements the delicate flavor of the chicken.
  • Pecan: Pecan is a popular choice because it provides a slightly nutty flavor that works well with the chicken’s natural flavor.
  • Hickory: Hickory is a more robust wood that imparts a smoky and bacon-like flavor to the chicken. It’s a good option if you prefer a more intense smoky flavor.
  • Mesquite: Mesquite is a strong-flavored wood that is often used for smoking beef, but it can also work well with chicken. It has a slightly bitter and smoky flavor that can be overwhelming if not used sparingly.
smoked chicken tenders on a sheet pan

How to Reheat

I recommend reheating them in the oven or in the air fryer. You can reheat them in both the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until warm. You can also use the microwave if you wish.

Freezer Tips

You can freeze them tightly covered and sealed for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating them.

smoked chicken tenders drizzled in honey bbq sauce

Pair With These 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

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)

smoked chicken tenders drizzled in honey bbq sauce
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Smoked Chicken Tenders

These Smoked Chicken Tenders are smoked low and slow to infuse them with a deep smoky flavor and to tenderize the meat. From there, the juicy chicken is drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce, which adds a sticky and caramelized coating. You can make these using a Traeger or any smoker pellet grill.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword smoked chicken tenderloins, smoked chicken tenders, smoked honey BBQ chicken tenders, Traeger chicken tenders
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 249kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins/tenders

Homemade Dry Rub (You can also use your favorite BBQ or chicken rub).

Optional Honey BBQ Sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees.
  • Sprinkle the spices over the chicken and rub them into the meat.
  • Place the chicken tenders on the smoker. Smoke the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. This will usually take an hour or two.
  • Remove the chicken from the smoker and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes prior to serving.
  • Mix the honey and bbq sauce together in a bowl or mixing cup. Drizzle the honey BBQ sauce over the tenders.

Air Fryer Instructions

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer.  
  • Air fry for 8 minutes at 400 degrees.
  • Open the air fryer and flip the tenders. Air fry for an additional 4-8 minutes at 400 degrees or until the chicken is crisp. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. 
  • Remove the tenders from the air fryer. Drizzle the tenders in honey BBQ sauce
  • Serve.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 2g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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