Dont have time for breading, dredging and frying? Then start dinner with a handful of oh-so-humble frozen chicken tenders.
Sliders are the perfect finger food for any get-together, and this flavorful chicken Parmesan version won’t disappoint. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado.
It may seem like breaded chicken tenders that have been left over are an afterthought, destined for a dull reheated meal or to be forgotten in the back of the fridge. But these golden, crispy leftovers are a great chance to get creative in the kitchen! With a little imagination, you can turn leftover chicken tenders into fun new dishes that will make your family want more.
This article will show you 12 tasty ways to use up extra breaded chicken tenders, ranging from quick snacks to full meals. You’ll learn smart ways to cook them to bring back their texture, easy ways to change the ingredients to make them taste new, and get ideas from flavors from around the world.
Reheating Leftover Chicken Tenders
The first step to reusing leftover breaded chicken tenders is properly reheating them. You want to revive the crispiness of the coating while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
Here are three effective reheating methods:
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Oven (400°F for 10 to 15 minutes): The oven’s hot, dry heat keeps the coating very crisp. Place a wire rack over a baking sheet.
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Air Fryer (370°F for 5-7 minutes): The rapid air circulation mimics deep frying for an incredibly crunchy exterior.
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Skillet (medium heat with oil for 2-3 minutes per side): Quickly browns the coating while warming the interior.
Once your leftover chicken tenders are hot and crispy again, you’re ready to transform them into something delicious!
12 Creative Ways to Use Leftover Chicken Tenders
1. Chicken Tender Wraps
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Deli-style wraps stuffed with crispy chicken, veggies, cheese, and sauce
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Customize with ranch, buffalo, or barbecue sauce
2. Tender Tacos
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Crispy chicken in soft tortillas with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole
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Mexican spices give a flavorful kick
3. Chicken Tender Salad
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Chopped, chilled tenders on fresh greens with tomatoes, avocado, and vinaigrette
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A lighter, healthier option perfect for lunch
4. Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
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Tenders baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella
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Serve over pasta for a hearty Italian dinner
5. Buffalo Chicken Dip
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Shredded chicken in a hot, creamy buffalo sauce and cheese dip
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Perfect for game day with tortilla chips or celery sticks
6. Chicken Tender Banh Mi
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Tenders, cucumber, pickled carrots/daikon, cilantro, and sriracha mayo
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A fun Vietnamese sandwich twist on the leftovers
7. Crispy Chicken Sandwich
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Chicken tenders, pickles, and slaw on a toasted brioche bun
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Recreate that crispy chicken sandwich shop flavor
8. Chicken Tender Stir Fry
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Bite-size tenders sautéed with vegetables and teriyaki or sesame glaze
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A quick and easy Asian-inspired dinner
9. Chicken Tender Souvlaki
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Skewered, grilled tenders seasoned with Greek herbs and lemon
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Authentic flavors in tender form
10. Chicken Tender Pot Pie
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Hearty pie filled with chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce
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Comfort food perfect for chilly nights
11. Chicken Tenders & Waffles
- A fun riff on a southern classic – drizzle in maple syrup!
12. Chicken Tender Sub
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Pile crispy tenders with tomato, lettuce, onion, and Italian dressing
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Pack it for lunch or serve it whole for dinner
Tips for Maximum Flavor and Variety
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Marinate tenders in olive oil, herbs, and spices before reheating (lemon herb, Cajun seasoning, etc.).
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Coat in bbq sauce, buffalo sauce, or sticky Asian glazes before serving.
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Pair with unique dipping sauces: ranch, honey mustard, chimichurri, etc.
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Mix up the breading – try panko, cornflake crumbs, potato flakes, etc.
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Incorporate global flavors – Mexican, Greek, Italian, Thai – get inspired!
Leftover breaded chicken tenders are a great chance to try something new in the kitchen! If you know how to reheat them right and are willing to get creative, you can turn those leftovers into delicious new dishes. Show off flavors from around the world, try out different sauces, and look for fun ways to pair foods to make dinner more interesting for your family. Your crew will soon ask for those “plain old tenders” you have left over just to see what you’ll make next!
Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps
Chances are good that even the pickiest eater can be won over with this scrumptious snack. Because while the original recipe calls for BBQ sauce, multi-grain tortillas and sliced cheddar cheese, you can customize it with your (or your kids’) favorite ingredients. School lunches, solved.
Sticky Chicken Fingers Salad
For the perfect balance of fresh and frozen, toss your chicken tenders with romaine lettuce and shredded carrots. Top this savory salad with grated cheese, dried cranberries and the dressing of your choice. Here are a bunch of homemade options if you want to skip the bottled stuff.
These kickin’ kabobs are everything you love about a pile of sauce-slathered wings—without all the mess. Stick sliced carrots and raw celery between pieces of buffalo chicken tenders and serve them with a side of blue cheese for a tailgate-worthy treat.
How to Make Chicken Fried Rice Like The Restaurant | Leftover Chicken | 15 min Quick & Easy Recipe
FAQ
How to repurpose leftover breaded chicken?
15 Best Leftover Fried Chicken Recipes You Have to TryChicken & Dumpling Casserole. Photo Credit: thecountrycook. net. Chicken Waldorf Salad Bites. Fried Chicken Salad. Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Peanut Noodles With Chicken. Popeyes Chicken Sandwich. Fried Chicken Over Rice.
How good are leftover chicken tenders good for?
Cooked chicken can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, and 1 week for sausage/lunch meat. Store in labeled, airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking or 1 hour if temps are 90°F plus. Avoid food poisoning by checking for gray-green color, slimy appearance and foul, acidic odor.
How do you make leftover breaded chicken crispy again?
One way is to put the chicken on a plate lined with paper towels and microwave it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take about 3 to 6 minutes. This allows the chicken to reheat and defrost as quickly and safely as possible. Then bake the chicken in a preheated 400°F oven until the outside is crisp, about 7 to 10 minutes. May 29, 2025.
How long is leftover breaded chicken good for?
When should I store and reheat fried chicken cutlets? Cutlets that are left over can be kept in the fridge for up to three to four days in an airtight container. To reheat, place on a wire rack and bake at 375 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes to crisp them up again. I don’t usually like to use my microwave as it makes the breading soggy.
What to do with leftover chicken tenders?
Chicken tender salad is a quick and healthy option. Simply chop the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces, and toss them with fresh greens, colorful veggies, and your favorite dressing. 2. How about chicken tacos? Definitely! Shred or chop the leftover chicken tenders and use them as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos.
What to do with leftover chicken?
Along with the leftover chicken, canned beans and chiles help speed up the process. Chop up your favorite toppings while the chili simmers on the stove. Crusty on the outside and gooey on the inside, this sandwich doesn’t mess around. This recipe is ready in record time and equally good for lunch or dinner.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders?
You can also use frozen breaded chicken tenders for some of the recipes, like the wraps, salad, and chicken and waffles. Most packages of store bought frozen chicken breast provide instructions for baking right on the package. Baking the chicken works great, but will usually take 30-40 minutes with a flip halfway through.
Can you use leftover chicken tenders for tacos?
Definitely! Shred or chop the leftover chicken tenders and use them as a filling for soft or hard-shell tacos. Add some salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal. 3. Can I make a chicken stir-fry? Yes, stir-frying the chicken tenders with veggies and your choice of sauce is an excellent idea.
Can I use leftover chicken for pizza?
With this recipe, you can use any kind of leftover chicken, from barbecued to rotisserie to smoked. They’re equally delicious when baked atop a layer of sweet barbecue sauce and covered with melting smoked gouda. We recommend using a pizza stone for an extra crispy crust. Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis
How do you eat shredded chicken?
Shredded chicken is layered with cheese in flour tortillas, then quickly browned in a lightly-oiled pan to melt the cheese. Add some green onions, chopped tomatoes, or jalapenos, if you like, for extra color and flavor. Rather than discard chicken skin, make good use of it. Chicken skin chips are easy to make and a great way to reduce waste.