Let us show you just how easy it is to make boiled chicken tenders! Perfect for recipes and dishes that call for precooked chicken, our boiled chicken tenderloins recipe is ready in just 15 minutes, easy to follow, and works with fresh or frozen chicken tenders to help you create the best WHOLE LOTTA YUM precooked chicken.
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Get ready for the BEST Boiled Chicken Tenders
If there is one thing our home goes through a lot of, it's pre-cooked chicken. Whether we are boiling chicken breast on the stovetop or opting for boiled chicken tenders, there is always a need for meat that is ready for our variety of soups, stews, and casseroles.
If you are wondering how long to boil chicken tenders, then keep scrolling because we have all the details in this boiled chicken tenders recipe.
And if you aren't quite sure what to use all of your wonderful boiled chicken tenderloins for, don't worry we have got you covered. In fact, once you know how to boil chicken tenders you will be whipping up sour cream chicken enchilada casserole, green chili chicken casserole, and even buffalo chicken dip or keto cobb salad every chance you get.
Why you'll love Boiling Chicken Tenders
- Cooking in up in just 12 minutes, our boiled chicken tenders recipe is one of the fastest ways to precook chicken tenderloin pieces.
- We are going to show you how to boil chicken tenderloins whether you are working with fresh or frozen pieces of chicken.
- Poached chicken tenders are perfect for just about every healthy eating plan you may follow including gluten-free, keto, low-carb, paleo, Whole30, sugar-free, and dairy-free.
- You can make this whole recipe with as little a 2 ingredients!
We love chicken tenders in our home for their ease and versatility. If you are looking for additional ways to cook chicken tenderloins look no further than our healthy baked chicken tenders, keto air fryer chicken tenders, healthy air fryer chicken tenders, Instant Pot chicken tenders, and our pan fried chicken tenders.
On Keto? Grab our FREE keto foods list here OR Snag our Keto Binder HERE
What you'll need to Boil Chicken Tenders
You can keep things simple with your boiled chicken tenders recipe, or check out the recipe variations to see how to add some extra pizzaz to your chicken tenderloin meat.
- uncooked chicken tenderloins - boneless, skinless, fresh or frozen
- water
Variations
- Liquid - Instead of using water, the chicken tenders can be boiled in chicken broth or stock, too.
- Seasoning - seasoning to the pot when cooking is optional, but feel free to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, fresh herbs, or whole garlic cloves.
How to Boil Chicken Tenders
Making your boiled chicken tenders is as easy as bringing a pot of water to a boil, allowing your tenderloin pieces to cook, and draining. That's all you need to make sure you have plenty of precooked chicken tenders available for all of your favorite soups, stew, and casseroles.
Prep Ingredients
Place 1 lb raw chicken tenders (tenderloins) in a pot.
Cover with cold water until the water covers the chicken about ½-1".
Place the lid on the pot.
How Long to Boil Chicken Tenders?
Bring the water to a boil on high heat.
As soon as the water starts to bubble, turn the stovetop temperature down to medium-low. You are technically making poached chicken tenders and you aren't cooking them at a full boil.
With the lid on, continue to cook the chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes until they're cooked through and the internal temperature is 160 F.
Use the chicken in recipes calling for pre-cooked chicken whether it's shredded chicken or sliced chicken like salads, soups, or casseroles.
Can you boil frozen chicken?
To make your chicken tenderloins from frozen add the tenders to a pan and cover with water. Add the lid to the pot and bring to a boil.
How long to boil frozen chicken
Once boiling, reduce head to medium-low and simmer your frozen chicken tenders for 4-5 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 160F.
Tips for Boiling Chicken Tenders
- The cooking time for this recipe is based on using thawed chicken tenders. See below for additional information on cooking your boiled chicken tenders from frozen.
- Using the lid on your pot will help the water come up to a boil faster and keep the heat in the pot while the chicken tender pieces simmer.
- It is important to cook the chicken tenderloins fully. For best results we recommend using a digital meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Boiling chicken tenders to shred is a great use for our poached chicken tenders recipe. Use in them chicken salad, in a wrap, or with pasta.
Ways to use Boiled Chicken Tenders
- Shred them and use in salads or sandwiches
- Make chicken tacos
- Add to soups at the end of the cooking time
- Slice and add to stir-fries, pasta, and grain bowls.
- Use them as a protein-rich topping for pizzas and flatbreads.
- Or simply serve them with a side of vegetables and a dipping sauce for a quick and healthy meal.
How to Store this Boiled Chicken Recipe
- Store: After boiling, let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator and then warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, or in the air fryer until the internal temp when checked with an instant read meat thermometer reaches 165F.
How to Boil Chicken Recipe FAQs
We use our boiled chicken tenders in a variety of dishes that call for precooked chicken such as keto cobb salad, chicken bacon ranch soup, and sour cream chicken enchilada casserole.
Believe it or not, they are the same thing. The tenderloin part of the chicken comes from the breast meat and it's generally the most tender part. Generally speaking, chicken tender pieces are an economical way to eat chicken since it's less expensive than many cuts.
Yes, boiling chicken for too long can make your meat overcooked and tough, plus it reduces the flavor of the chicken. While we refer to it as boiling chicken, you actually want to bring the water to a boil and then turn it down to a simmer while cooking the chicken tenderloins.
Chicken tenders are done boiling when they are no longer pink in the middle and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). We highly recommend a meat thermometer! It’s truly the only way to know if your chicken is cooked through.
No, boiling chicken for too long can actually make it tough and rubbery. The key is to simmer it gently until it just reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you cook the chicken tenderloin longer than this, you’ll get overcooked and less tender meat.
Boiled chicken becomes tough when it is cooked at too high of a temperature or for too long. To prevent tough chicken, bring your cooking liquid to a boil and then reduce it to a low simmer. This allows the chicken to cook more gently and retain its tenderness. Since chicken tenders cook quickly, we recommend keeping a close eye on them and of course, using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
More Chicken Tenders Recipes
Looking for more chicken tender recipes?
- Keto Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Healthy Baked Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Pan Fried Chicken Tenders
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Tenders
- Frozen Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer (Frozen Chicken Strips)
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Boiled Chicken Tenders
How to boil chicken tenders or chicken tenderloins for recipes that call for pre-cooked chicken like salads, pasta, or casserole. Takes less than 15 minutes and it works for either fresh or frozen chicken tenders (tenderloins).
Ingredients
- 1 lb uncooked chicken tenders, boneless skinless
Instructions
- Place 1 lb raw chicken tenders (tenderloins) in a pot. Cover with cold water until the water covers the chicken about ½-1". Place the lid on the pot.
- Bring the water to a boil on high heat. As soon as the water starts to bubble, turn the stovetop temperature down to medium-low. With the lid on, continue to cook the chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes until they're cooked through and the internal temperature is 160 F.
- Use the chicken in recipes calling for pre-cooked chicken whether it's shredded chicken or sliced chicken like salads, soups, or casseroles.
Notes
To boil frozen chicken tenders, add 2+ minutes to the cooking time until the internal temperature is 160 F.
Instead of using water, the chicken tenders can be boiled in chicken broth or stock too.
Adding seasoning to the pot when cooking is optional, but feel free to add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, fresh herbs, or whole garlic cloves.
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