Tengréla Department was created in 1980 as a first-level subdivision via a split-off from Boundiali Department.[3]
In 1997, regions were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast; as a result, all departments were converted into second-level subdivisions. Tengréla Department was included in Savanes Region.
In 2011, districts were introduced as new first-level subdivisions of Ivory Coast. At the same time, regions were reorganised and became second-level subdivisions and all departments were converted into third-level subdivisions. At this time, Tengréla Department became part of Bagoué Region in Savanes District.