How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders on the Stove for Perfectly Juicy Results

Chicken tenders are a weekday dinner staple in many households. Their mild flavor and tender texture make them appealing to kids and adults alike. Knowing exactly how long to cook chicken tenders on the stove is key to achieving the ideal balance of crispy exterior and moist, delicious interior.

This complete guide will teach you everything you need to know to make perfect chicken tenders on the stove, from picking the right chicken cut to making sure they are done. If you follow these tips, you’ll always get tenders that make you want more.

Selecting the Best Chicken for Tenders

The starting point for great chicken tenders is choosing the right cut of chicken. Here’s what to look for:

• Chicken breast: Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Breast meat has the mildest flavor and tenderest bite.

• Even thickness: Pick chicken breasts that are relatively even in thickness to ensure uniform cooking.

• Fresh or frozen Both fresh and frozen chicken work well as long as frozen chicken is properly thawed before cooking.

• Pre-cut tenders Opt for buying pre-cut tenders to save prep time. Otherwise, slice tenderloins from breasts yourself.

Quality ingredients mean quality results. So choose fresh wholesome chicken whenever possible.

Prepping Chicken Tenders for the Stove

Before cooking chicken tenders on the stove, proper prep is necessary for the best outcomes.

• Wash and dry: Wash the chicken in cool water and dry it well with paper towels. Moisture on the exterior can cause splattering.

• Trim off excess fat: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or sinew. This prevents uneven cooking.

• Cut into tenders: If you don’t have chicken tenders already cut up, cut tenderloins from the breasts lengthwise. Cut into strips about 1/2-inch thick.

• Season generously: Seasoning is a must for flavorful tenders. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano – get creative!

• Bread if desired: For crispy, breaded tenders, use the classic flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating technique.

Now the chicken is prepped and ready for the stove!

Stovetop Cooking Time for Chicken Tenders

The stovetop offers quick, convenient cooking for chicken tenders. But how long should you cook them for to make sure they are safe and still juicy?

• 6-8 minutes per side is the ideal stovetop cooking time for chicken tenders 1/2-inch thick.

• Thicker tenders may need a minute or two longer per side. Monitor thickness and adjust cook time as needed.

• Chicken is safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Follow these approximate cook times for perfect doneness. But always validate with a meat thermometer!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Tenders on the Stove

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly cooked chicken tenders every time:

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.

• Add seasoned tenders carefully in a single layer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

• Cook first side for 6-8 minutes until golden brown. Do not disturb or flip prematurely.

• Flip and cook second side for another 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.

• Check temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into thickest area. It should read 165°F (74°C).

• Let rest 5 minutes before serving for juiciest results.

It’s that easy for quick weeknight chicken tenders the whole family will request again and again.

Handy Tips for Perfect Stovetop Tenders

Pick up these handy tips for flawlessly cooked, juicy tenders every time:

• Use medium-high heat only. Too high of heat risks burning the exterior before the inside cooks.

• Work in small batches. Overcrowding the pan steams the chicken instead of searing it.

• Let chicken rest before slicing for juicier results as juices redistribute.

• Use a splatter screen if pan is popping and spattering grease.

• Add a pat of butter the last 30 seconds for extra browning and flavor (optional).

Testing Chicken Tender Doneness

With chicken, being undercooked poses safety risks. How can you reliably test if tenders are cooked through?

• Use an instant-read thermometer – Insert into thickest area and check for 165°F. This is foolproof.

• Cut into thickest tender – If thermometer unavailable, check that meat is white throughout with no pink.

• Check juices – Cut into a tender and ensure juices run clear with no traces of pink.

Monitoring temperature and visual cues prevents undercooked, dangerous chicken. Never rely on solely eyeballing color to gauge doneness.

Flavorful Marinades and Sauces for Chicken Tenders

One of the joys of chicken tenders is how easily they soak up flavors. Consider these tasty marinades and sauces:

Marinade Ideas:

• Lemon garlic

• Rosemary balsamic

• Chili lime

• Greek yogurt and spice

Sauce Options:

• Barbecue

• Ranch

• Honey mustard

• Sweet and sour

Get creative with global flavors! Tenders are the perfect canvas for marinades and dips.

Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders

For a healthier take, oven-baked chicken tenders using minimal oil are a smart choice.

• Prep tenders the same with seasoning and light oil coating

• Bake at 425°F for 10-12 minutes per side

• Flip halfway through and continue baking until 165°F

The oven gives you crispy, delicious tenders without all the added fat and calories.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders aren’t just for kids menus! Adults can enjoy them in endless ways:

• Pair with sides like french fries, coleslaw, vegetables, or salad

• Chop and add to pasta, rice bowls, or tacos

• Stuff into sandwiches or wraps

• Serve with creative dipping sauces for fun flavors

With the right cooking time, chicken tenders make for a quick, versatile dinner the whole family will love. Follow these tips for juicy, golden tenders every time. Now that you know exactly how long to cook chicken tenders on the stove, you can enjoy this protein any night of the week.