A little while back, I showed you How To Boil Chicken Legs, and I got loads of excellent feedback from you about this.
One of the easiest ways to cook chicken tenderloins that can be quickly turned into a tasty meal is to boil them.
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You can have perfectly cooked with a tender texture, lean protein meat on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Also, do you need to make dinner? On busy weeknights, it’s simple to make a full meal with classics like How To Boil Carrots and How To Boil Broccoli.
A lot of people love chicken tenders. These thin, tender strips of meat are great for weeknight dinners, appetizers, and quick meals on the go. But it can be tricky to boil chicken tenders; if you do it for too long, they’ll get dry and stringy. Undercook them and they’ll be dangerously underdone. How long should you boil chicken tenders to make sure they are always soft and juicy? Let’s take a closer 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
One of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook chicken tenders is to boil them. 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
When you boil chicken, it’s also cooked and ready to go in soups, salads, sandwiches, and more. It’s a versatile base for healthy meals.
How Long Should You Boil Chicken Tenders?
How long to boil chicken tenders depends on how big and thick they are. Use these tips to get the best 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 use paper towels or tissue to dry it off so the sauce sticks better.
- Just cover the cooked chicken tenders in your favorite sauce.
- Then, broil for a few minutes on each side until it’s as crispy as you like it.
- To bake them, put the chicken fingers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Bake for about 3–4 minutes.
- Place in a single layer in an air fryer basket that has been heated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Air fry for two to three minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Make sure the pot is big enough to fit all the meat. Overcrowding may lead to uneven cooking and tough meat.
- Please make sure that the water covers all of the meat while it’s cooking.
- You can make soup or cook pasta with the chicken broth that you save.
- Once they’re done, you can serve them whole or shred or slice the tenders however you like.
- If you want your chicken to taste even better, you can brine it before cooking it.
- After draining the tenders, let them rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute inside the meat. This will keep the meat juicy and tender.
- Keep an eye on the meat and use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If the meat is undercooked or overcooked, it will be dry and tough.
- Handling raw chicken incorrectly can lead to food poisoning. To avoid getting sick or spreading germs, please clean your kitchen tools and wash your hands properly.
- Stay tuned for posts about how to boil whole chickens, chicken thighs, and more.
- Make sure there is enough room for chicken tenders to cook evenly when you boil them.
- Use different sauces. While garlic butter is used in this recipe, you can add your favorite sauces like BBQ sauce, peanut butter sauce, ranch sauce, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, or sriracha sauce after cooking.
- Season the food with different spices. You can add BBQ seasoning, ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and other spices.
- Change the liquid used for cooking. For extra flavor, you can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth as the liquid for cooking.
- Put the chicken in the fridge in an airtight container and put it there for up to three days.
- Freeze: Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then put in a container that won’t let air in and freeze for up to three months.
- If you want to make sure the chicken doesn’t dry out, read how to Reheat Chicken In Air Fryer.
How To Boil Chicken Tenders
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Take tenders and rinse them under cold water. Then, put them in your Dutch oven with the herbs, peppercorns, and best ever salt.
- Add enough water to cover the raw chicken tenderloins all the way to the top (about an inch).
- Put the lid on top and heat it up to medium-high.
- Once the water is at a gentle boil, lower the heat and cook the chicken for 7 to 15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked. The exact amount of time needed will depend on the size of the chicken. At least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) should be inside the oven.
- Be careful when taking out the cooked chicken strips with tongs. Strain the broth and set it aside.
- Add the chicken back to the pot and mix in about ¼ cup of garlic butter. Don’t be too rough with the meat. Note, it will melt as you mix.
Chef’s Tip: Serve your cooked tenders with garlic butter, fresh herbs, and red pepper flakes.
