Chicken tenders are a household favorite These thin, tender strips of meat are delicious in everything from weeknight dinners to appetizers and meals on-the-go But boiling chicken tenders can be tricky – cook them too long and they turn dry and stringy. Undercook them and they’ll be dangerously underdone. So how long should you boil chicken tenders to achieve tender, juicy perfection every time? Let’s take a detailed look.
What are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders, also called chicken tenderloins, are slim, boneless, skinless strips of meat that come from the underside of a chicken breast. They connect the breast meat to the keel bone and rib cage.
Tenders have a thin, elongated shape and are more narrow than chicken breast cutlets. They have a very tender texture and mild flavor since they don’t contain much fat or connective tissue. This makes them ideal for quick cooking methods like boiling.
Benefits of Boiling Chicken Tenders
Boiling is one of the healthiest and simplest ways to cook chicken tenders. Here are some of its advantages:
- Requires no added fat or oil, resulting in a lean protein source
- Allows seasonings and aromatics to infuse flavor into the chicken
- Cooks the chicken evenly throughout
- Keeps the meat very moist and juicy
- Quick cooking time compared to oven baking
- Easy cleanup with just one pot to wash
Boiling also gives you cooked chicken ready to add to salads, sandwiches wraps, soups and more. It’s a versatile base for healthy meals.
How Long Should You Boil Chicken Tenders?
The timing for boiling chicken tenders can vary based on their size and thickness Follow these tips for perfect results
- For frozen tenders, boil for 13-15 minutes
- For thinner fresh tenders (1/2 inch thick or less), boil for 8-10 minutes
- For thicker fresh tenders (3/4 to 1 inch thick), boil for 10-12 minutes
As a general rule, fresh chicken tenders take 8-12 minutes to boil, while frozen tenders need a few extra minutes.
Tips for Boiling Chicken Tenders
Follow these best practices when boiling chicken tenders:
- Use a large pot and add tenders in a single layer so they cook evenly
- Cover tenders with water by at least 1 inch
- Bring water to a gentle simmer, not a rapid boil
- Add aromatics like garlic, onion, herbs or lemon for flavor
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness – aim for 165°F minimum
- Don’t overcook! Remove from heat as soon as done to prevent dryness
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving or adding to recipes
How to Tell When Chicken Tenders Are Done Boiling
Using a food thermometer is the most accurate way to assess doneness when boiling chicken. According to food safety standards, chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer, there are a few visual tests you can do:
- The tenders should be opaque throughout with no pink meat visible
- Prick a tender with a fork – the juices should run clear, not pink
- The meat should feel firm when pierced, not squishy or mushy
Don’t rely solely on cooking time, as thickness can vary. Check for these signs of doneness to ensure safety.
Making the Most of Boiled Chicken Tenders
Boiled chicken tenders are extremely versatile. Here are just a few ways to use them:
- In salads, wraps, sandwiches or pitas
- Diced and added to soups, stews or casseroles
- Shredded for chicken tacos or enchiladas
- In stir fries, fried rice or pasta dishes
- Sliced for chicken parmesan or marsala
- In healthy meal prep bowls
Boiled tenders will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, shred or dice the chicken, portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Common Questions about Boiling Chicken Tenders
Can you boil frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, frozen tenders can be boiled without thawing first. Add 1-3 extra minutes to the cooking time. Check the internal temperature to be sure they are fully cooked.
Does altitude affect boiling time?
Higher altitudes may slightly increase boiling time. Add 1-2 extra minutes if boiling chicken tenders a mile or more above sea level.
Can you use an Instant Pot to boil tenders?
Yes, electric pressure cookers like the Instant Pot rapidly boil chicken tenders in just 4-6 minutes. Use natural pressure release after cooking.
Is boiled chicken healthy?
Boiled chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. It’s lower in fat and calories than fried chicken or tenders cooked in oil. Enjoy boiled tenders as part of a balanced, nutritious diet.
For Juicy, Tender Chicken Tenders, Master the Boil
Boiling chicken tenders—whether frozen or fresh—is an easy, no-fuss way to cook this popular, versatile ingredient. In just 8-15 minutes, you can have perfectly cooked, moist, flavorful chicken ready to use in all your favorite recipes. Master the simple boil, and you’ll have tender chicken tenders anytime.
Finish In Oven, Broiler Or Air Fryer
Want more cooking methods to complete this? Then check out these below.
- Allow meat to cool enough for handling. Then pat dry using paper towels or tissue so the sauce sticks more easily.
- Simply brush your favorite sauce all over the cooked chicken tenders.
- Then, place under the broiler for a few minutes per side until crisped up to your liking.
- Or place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and bake chicken fingers in an oven preheated to 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C for about 3-4 minutes.
- Otherwise, place in a single layer in a preheated air fryer basket (at 400 degrees F / 200 degrees C) and air fry for about 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use a large enough pot to easily hold all the meat. Overcrowding may lead to uneven cooking and tough meat.
- Please make sure all the meat is fully covered by the water during cooking.
- Save the resulting chicken broth and use it to make soup or cook some pasta.
- Once cooked, feel free to serve them whole or shred or slice tenders to your preference.
- Brine – feel free to brine your chicken before cooking for extra flavor.
- Let tenders rest for a few minutes after draining to allow the juices to redistribute within the meat so the meat stays juicy and tender.
- Cook meat perfectly – to avoid undercooked or over-cooked dry and tough meat, keep an eye on them and test the internal temperature using a thermometer (should reach at least 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C ).
- Handling raw chicken incorrectly can lead to food poisoning. Please clean your kitchen tools and properly wash your hands to avoid contamination or food poisoning.
- Watch this space for posts on how to boil chicken thighs, whole chicken, and more.
- When boiling chicken tenders, ensure they have enough space to cook evenly.
- Vary the sauce – This recipe uses garlic butter, but you can use your other favorite sauces like BBQ sauce, peanut butter sauce, ranch sauce, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and sriracha sauce to season after cooking.
- Vary the seasoning – feel free to add in seasoning like BBQ seasoning, ranch seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Poultry Seasoning, garlic powder, and more.
- Vary the cooking liquid – you can also use things like chicken broth or vegetable broth as the cooking liquid for that extra flavor.
- Refrigerate – Refrigerate cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat – for the best result, check out how to Reheat Chicken In Air Fryer to avoid drying out the chicken.
How To Boil Chicken Tenders
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Rinse tenders in cold water and add them with the herbs and peppercorns and best ever salt into your dutch oven.
- Fill with enough water to completely cover the raw chicken tenderloins (by about one inch).
- Cover with the lid and bring to a boil on medium high heat.
- Then reduce the heat, so you end up with a gentle boil, and cook chicken between 7-15 minutes (this depends on the size, smaller ones may need a little less time), or until fully cooked through. Check that the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F/ 74 degrees C.
- Remove cooked chicken strips safely with tongs, strain out, and save the broth.
- Return chicken to pot and mix in about ¼ cup of garlic butter and gently coat meat with it. Note, it will melt as you mix.
Chef’s Tip: Serve your cooked tenders with garlic butter, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.
