Discover four easy and effective methods to reheat chicken tenders perfectly. From the oven and toaster oven to the microwave and air fryer, learn how to restore their deliciousness with our step-by-step guide. Enjoy crispy and tender reheated chicken with these simple techniques.
Theres nothing better than enjoying delicious chicken tenders for a meal or snack. My kids love them! Our two favorite recipes are Healthy Chicken Tenders and Oven Baked Chicken Fingers. But if you cant finish them all, saving them in an airtight container for the next day is the best option to avoid expensive food waste.
Chicken tenders are a family favorite in my house. My kids can’t get enough of how crispy the outside is and how juicy the inside is. A lot of the time, I make a little extra so I have food left over for quick lunches or after-school snacks.
But when it comes time to reheat those leftover chicken tenders, I want them to come out tasting just as delicious as when they were freshly made. I don’t want them to end up dry, soggy or rubbery. The good news is you can easily revive leftover chicken tenders in the microwave with a little know-how.
How long should you microwave chicken tenders to get the same crispy, juicy texture? That’s what this article is all about. In just 60 to 90 seconds, you can eat my quick and easy microwave method chicken tenders that are hot again.
Why Reheating Chicken Tenders in the Microwave Can Be Tricky
While the microwave seems like the quickest and easiest way to reheat chicken tenders, it does come with some pitfalls to avoid.
The high heat of the microwave can quickly overcook the chicken, drying it out. Microwaves also don’t crisp up the breading like an oven or air fryer would.
You need to carefully control the microwave time so that your leftovers don’t go bad. Reheat them in short bursts, flipping them every so often, so they heat through without getting any more done.
With the right technique, your reheated chicken tenders will come out hot and juicy, with the tender inside and crispy coating you love.
Tips for Reheating Chicken Tenders in the Microwave
Follow these tips to successfully reheat chicken tenders in the microwave:
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Use a microwave-safe plate. Glass or ceramic plates work best as metal can cause arcing.
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Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer so they heat evenly,
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Start with 30-second intervals at high heat. Check and flip tenders between intervals.
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Add 10-15 seconds per extra tender to account for more food mass.
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Watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
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Let stand 1 minute before eating as insides retain heat.
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Consume immediately before crispiness fades.
You can lock in moisture and flavor with the right prep and cooking method. Now let’s look at how long chicken tenders should be cooked in the microwave.
Recommended Microwave Times for Chicken Tenders
The microwave time can vary based on amount and size of the chicken tenders. Follow these microwave times as a guide:
1-2 small chicken tenders:
- Microwave for 30 seconds on high heat.
- Flip and microwave 15 more seconds.
3-4 average sized chicken tenders:
- Microwave for 45 seconds, flip, then 30 more seconds.
5-6 large chicken tenders:
- Microwave for 60 seconds, flip, then 30 more seconds.
For best results, check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. If reheating frozen chicken, extend microwave time to account for frozen state.
I recommend microwaving in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking. If you’re uncertain, err on the side of less microwave time. You can always zap it longer, but you can’t reverse overcooked chicken.
Microwave With Care for Best Results
I’ll be honest – the microwave isn’t my first choice for reheating chicken tenders. I prefer using my air fryer or oven to really revive the crispy texture.
However, when I’m in a rush, the microwave does work in a pinch. Just be extra careful not to overdo it.
For moister, more tender results, I suggest:
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Covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
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Avoid tightly stacking tenders as it steams rather than crisps.
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Allow to rest 1 minute before eating as insides stay hot longer than outside.
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Consume immediately before the crispy coating softens.
With the right timing and a few easy hacks, you can enjoy leftover chicken tenders from the microwave. Just 60-90 seconds is all you need for hot, tasty chicken on demand.
Storing Cooked Chicken for Best Results
You can easily reheat chicken tenders if theyre properly stored.
- Let the chicken tenders cool to room temperature, then put them in a container that won’t let air in. They keep for 3-4 days.
- FRIDGE: Let them cool down completely, then put them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for one to two hours. Once each one is frozen, put it in a freezer bag or container that won’t let air in. Theyll be good for up to 3 months.
Here are all the tips for freezing and defrosting chicken.
4 Reheating Methods for Tasty Chicken Tenders
Heres how you can reheat your chicken strips to get another tasty meal!
When reheating, you want to ensure the chickens internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
Most homes have an oven, so reheating there is a practical option, especially if you have a larger amount of chicken to warm up.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before putting the chicken strips back in it.
- Put aluminum foil on a baking sheet while you wait for things to heat up.
- Put the chicken tenders on the baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch.
- If the chicken tenders are cold, bake them for 10 to 15 minutes. If they are frozen, bake them for 20 to 25 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, .
TIP: If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, put it on a wire rack and coat it in oil. Also, flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking.
Reheating chicken tenders in the toaster oven is just as easy and gives you crispy results. This method is ideal if you have just a few leftovers.
For best results, set your toaster oven to 400 degrees F.
- To make the chicken extra crispy, put it on a baking sheet with paper towels or right on the wire rack.
- For this method, bake the chicken strips for 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 3 minutes.
The best way to reheat chicken tenders is using your air fryer (our preferred method). It heats them quickly without drying them out inside, giving them a nice crispy exterior. Many people say this is their favorite method to warm them up.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not put them too close together; they need air flow or they will come out soggy.
- Air fry refrigerated chicken strips for 5-7 minutes. It should be set for 10 minutes if you use frozen chicken hands or tenders. Flip halfway through the cooking time.
PRO TIP: Dont over-crowd the air fryer, as air needs to circulate air to crisp the chicken up!
Most everyone will agree that the microwave is not the best method for reheating chicken strips, but its an easy way. So, use the microwave if youre short on time, in a hotel or dorm room, or dont want to wait another second for a tasty snack.
- Put your extra chicken tenders on a plate that can go in the microwave.
- Reheat for 30-second intervals. It should only take one minute on high to heat up your chicken tenders in the microwave.
You should put a damp paper towel on top to help keep them moist, and you should leave space between each piece of chicken.
Chicken Strips – Reheat Network
FAQ
How long should I microwave leftover chicken tenders?
4. MicrowaveGrab a microwave-safe plate and put your leftover chicken tenders on it. Reheat for 30-second intervals. It should only take one minute on high to heat up your chicken tenders in the microwave.
How long to microwave 3 chicken tenders?
Spray chicken strips lightly with cooking spray. Microwave at 80% power for 3 to 4 minutes, or until no pink remains. Serve immediately.
How to reheat chicken tenders with sauce on them?
You can reheat in a microwave or oven, but you won’t get crispy chicken. The bigger concern is making sure it doesn’t dry out. You may need to add water, and if you cook it in the microwave you should do it a minute at a time, checking it and stirring it before putting it back in until it’s as hot as you want.
How long should I microwave leftover chicken?
If it’s a very small amount (a serving for a single meal), begin with 1. 5 minutes of reheating using the normal setting on your microwave–usually 1000 watts. If you have a large amount of chicken, begin with 2. 5-3 minutes of microwaving. At the halfway mark, carefully flip the chicken over so both sides heat evenly.