I’ve said it over and over again: in cooking, the simplest things are often the hardest to get right, and poached chicken is a perfect example. Because chicken breasts are extra lean and poaching requires zero fat, poached chicken is typically really dry. Most recipes mistakenly call for simmering boneless skinless chicken breasts over very low heat until cooked through. I prefer to use chicken tenderloins, which are more tender than whole breasts. And instead of simmering the tenderloins over low heat, I place them in a pot of boiling salted water, immediately remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is just cooked through. This method guarantees succulent chicken every time.
Chicken tenders are a quick, easy, and healthy protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. Knowing how to properly boil chicken tenders ensures they come out juicy, tender and fully cooked. Follow this simple guide for foolproof boiled chicken tenders.
What Are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders, also called chicken tenderloins or chicken strips, are strips of meat that run along the underside of a chicken breast They connect the breast meat to the ribcage
Chicken tenders are versatile and quick-cooking. They can be used in soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, pasta dishes and more. Their mild flavor takes on the taste of whatever sauce or seasoning they are cooked with.
Compared to chicken breasts, tenders cook faster since they are smaller and thinner. They are naturally tender since they don’t get as much exercise as legs or thighs.
Benefits of Boiling Chicken
One of the easiest and healthiest ways to cook chicken tenders is to boil them. Here are some of the benefits:
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Keeps the moisture in: Boiling water cooks chicken all the way through without drying it out. Boiled chicken comes out juicy and tender.
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It adds flavor because the chicken tenders soak up the seasonings and flavors from the boiling water. Try using chicken broth, garlic, herbs or spices.
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Easy to shred: Boiled chicken shreds easily for tacos, casseroles, chicken salad and more.
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Versatile: Boiled chicken can be used in endless recipes from Asian dishes to Italian pasta.
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Healthy Boiling doesn’t require any added fat or oil It’s a low calorie cooking method.
How Long to Boil Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders boil quickly since they are small and thin. The boiling time depends on a few factors:
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Size: Thicker tenders take a little longer than thin strips.
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Amount: Cooking large batches takes more time. Don’t overcrowd.
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State: Frozen tenders take longer than fresh. Thaw first for best results.
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Altitude: Higher altitudes increase boiling time.
For 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders of about the same size, the boiling time is:
- 10-12 minutes at sea level
- 12-15 minutes at 3000 feet
- 15-18 minutes at 6000 feet
For 1 pound of frozen chicken tenders, increase boiling time by 2-5 minutes. Check internal temperature to confirm doneness.
Never use time to check the temperature of meat; always use a meat thermometer. Once the chicken reaches 165°F on the inside, it is safe to eat.
Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked chicken tenders every time:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Rinse tenders under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
- Trim off any excess fat or sinew.
- Cut larger tenders into smaller, evenly sized strips. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Choose a Cooking Liquid
- Water: Use plain water for clean chicken flavor to take on any seasoning or sauce later.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory flavor as the tenders boil.
- Garlic, herbs and spices: Add extra flavor to the boiling liquid.
3. Fill a Pot with Liquid
- Use a heavy pot with a lid for even boiling.
- Add enough liquid to cover tenders fully with about 1-inch extra.
4. Bring Liquid to a Boil
- Heat pot over high heat until liquid is bubbling rapidly.
5. Add Chicken Tenders
- Gently add chicken tenders to the boiling liquid.
- Make sure they are fully submerged.
- Do not overcrowd the pot.
6. Reduce Heat and Simmer
- Once liquid returns to a boil, reduce heat to medium.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.
- Cover pot with lid slightly ajar.
7. Cook Until Done
- Simmer for recommended time based on amount and thickness.
- Check internal temp with a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
- Remove immediately once chicken reaches 165°F.
8. Drain and Use as Desired
- Drain tenders well in a colander.
- Allow to cool slightly before handling.
- Use in your favorite recipes. Enjoy!
Keeping Tenders Moist and Tender
It’s easy for boiled chicken to turn out dry, stringy and bland. Here are some tips for keeping tenders super juicy and tender:
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Don’t overcook: Check temperature early and remove once done. A few extra minutes can dry them out.
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Simmer gently: Rapid boiling causes meat to seize up and toughen. Gently simmer instead.
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Rest before using: Allowing tenders to rest 5-10 minutes after cooking allows juices to redistribute evenly.
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Avoid freezing boiled chicken: Freezing can damage the tender texture.
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Store in broth: Placing boiled tenders in broth keeps them extra moist for meal-prepped dishes.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While boiling is quick and easy, chicken tenders can also be prepared using other moist-heat cooking methods:
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Poaching: Gently simmering in flavorful liquid like broth, wine or juice
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Steaming: Using a steamer basket to cook tenders suspended above boiling water
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Braising: Browning then simmering tenders in a sauce or broth
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Sous vide: Cooking vacuum-sealed tenders in a precisely temperature controlled water bath
Dry-heat cooking methods like grilling, broiling, baking or pan frying work well too. Just avoid overcooking to prevent drying out the lean meat.
Serving Ideas for Boiled Chicken
Boiled chicken tenders are endlessly versatile. Try adding them to:
- Salads, lettuce wraps or grain bowls
- Soups, stews and chilis
- Tacos, burritos, enchiladas or fajitas
- Casseroles or stir fries
- Sandwiches, subs or wraps
- Pasta dishes like chicken alfredo or chicken parmesan
- Pizza, flatbreads and nachos
Shred or dice boiled chicken to blend seamlessly into your favorite recipes. The mild flavor complements any cuisine.
Learning how to properly boil chicken tenders helps you turn out tender, juicy and fully cooked meat every time. Follow these tips for temperature, time, simmering, seasoning and more. Boiled tenders can be used in endless quick and healthy recipes.
What You’ll Need To Make Tender Poached Chicken
In a large pot, bring 2-1/2 quarts of water and the salt to a boil.
Remove the pot from the heat and add the chicken.
Put the lid on the pot right away and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is just done.
Using tongs, transfer the poached chicken to a cutting board.
Let cool, then shred, discarding the tough tendon at the end of each tenderloin. Transfer the chicken to an airtight container, and refrigerate until ready to use. The poached chicken will keep for 3 to 4 days.
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Tender poached chicken is easy to achieve using chicken tenderloins and the right cooking method.
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- Bring 2½ quarts of water and the salt to a boil in a large pot. Put the lid on top of the pot and take it off the heat right away. Then add the chicken. Leave it alone for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is almost done. Cut into the middle of one of the tenderloins to see if it’s done. It should be white all the way through and show no pink. (Or, put a meat thermometer in the tenderloin’s thickest part; it should read 165°F.) ) Do not overcook.
- Using tongs, transfer the poached chicken to a cutting board. After letting it cool, shred it and throw away the tough tendon at the end of each tenderloin. Put the chicken in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. The poached chicken will keep for 3 to 4 days.
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- Per serving (9 servings)
- Serving size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 265
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Sodium: 455 mg
- Cholesterol: 41 mg
This website is written and produced for informational purposes only. The nutrition facts on this site have not been reviewed or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration. I am not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional information is offered as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. The data is calculated through an online nutritional calculator, Edamam. com. Although I do my best to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates only. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Furthermore, different online calculators provide different results depending on their own nutrition fact sources and algorithms. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator.
How to Boil Chicken Breast | The Right Way!
FAQ
How long do you boil chicken tenders for?
Thin cutlets will cook in about 8 minutes; large chicken breasts will need up to 15 minutes. An instant read thermometer should read 165°F in the thickest part of the meat to mean the chicken is done. You can also cut into the chicken to see if it’s cooked through.
What is the secret to cooking tender chicken?
When using boneless, skinless breasts, the common recommendation is to brine or marinate them ahead of time. Whether it’s a quick brine of just 20 to 30 minutes, an overnight salt bath, or an all-day soak in a marinade, prepping chicken breasts ahead of time yields the succulent texture and flavorful finish you crave.
How long does it take for chicken to boil?
The boiling time for chicken depends on the cut and size. A whole chicken typically takes 60-90 minutes, while boneless, skinless breasts might be done in 10-15 minutes. Bone-in pieces generally require 20-25 minutes.
How long should you cook chicken tenders for?
In a 350-degree oven, chicken tenders will take between 20 to 30 minutes to bake. You want them to be an internal temperature of 165 degrees and no longer be pink in the center.