Boiled chicken tenders are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as soups, salads, stews, casseroles and pasta. They add a burst of flavor and meatiness while being a rich source of protein and other nutrients. You can also enjoy them on their own as a side dish or as a quick snack.
Because of their versatility, chicken tenders are good to have on hand in your freezer. This helps you avoid running to the store every time a recipe calls for boiled chicken tenderloins.
If you’re new to boiling chicken tenders, you may be wondering, “How long to boil chicken tenders?” In this article, we’ll tell you how long and the temperature it takes to boil these juicy pieces of chicken. This will help you get perfectly boiled chicken tenders that you can use for your recipes – every single time.
Let’s dive in.
How Long To Boil Chicken Tenders on a Stovetop
Most people boil chicken tenders using a stove. It’s an easy process that doesn’t require pro cooking skills or experience. All you need are the following:
- Frozen or thawed chicken tenders
- A stove
- A large stove-safe bowl
- Water or chicken broth
Once you have the above items, you can begin boiling your chicken. First, fill your stove-safe bowl three-quarters of the way with broth or water. Once the water starts to boil, throw in your chicken tenders and cover your bowl until the tenders are cooked – about eight to ten minutes. If you want them a little softer, boil them for a while longer before turning off the stove.
The result is soft, juicy and thoroughly cooked chicken tenders that can be added to recipes or eaten straight away.
Can You Overboil Chicken Tenderloins?
Usually, the longer you boil/cook chicken tenderloins, the more tender they become. But after a point, they start to lose all their juiciness and become dry, stringy and flavorless. You should turn off the stove once the tenderloins achieve the right amount of tenderness.
To check if your tenderloins are cooked through and ready, stick a fork or knife into one. You can also stick a thermometer into it. The internal temperature should show 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long To Boil Chicken Tenderloins for Shredding
If you’re wondering how long to boil chicken tenderloins that you plan to shred for a recipe, you should boil them for about 20 to 25 minutes. If the pieces are thick, you can extend the boiling time to around 30 minutes. Once they become fragile and start separating, turn off the stove. The pieces are ready if you can easily pull them apart.
Cooking them beyond half an hour makes them softer and easier to shred – but also drier. So, keep this in mind when working with chicken tenders.
| Process | Time |
| Boiling chicken tenders | Eight to 12 minutes |
| Boiling chicken tenders for shredding | 20 to 30 minutes |
Conclusion
Boiling chicken tenders is an easy process, as long as you know how to do it right. This quick guide will help you master this simple art and impress your guests with your delicious chicken tenderloin recipes. Bon appétit!
