It’s very simple and doesn’t take long to cook frozen chicken in the oven. This simple method for cooking chicken from frozen has saved me so many times when I have forgotten to let the chicken thaw in the refrigerator.
A quick and easy way to make a meal is to cook frozen chicken tenders that haven’t been cooked yet. If you know what to do, you can cook frozen chicken tenders right from the freezer and get delicious results. That’s all you need to know about how to cook frozen chicken tenders safely, how long to cook them, and how to cook them.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders Without Thawing?
The good news is yes, you can safely cook chicken tenders straight from the freezer without thawing them first. However, it’s important to keep in mind that frozen chicken takes longer to cook than fresh chicken.
According to the USDA frozen chicken requires about 50% longer cook time compared to fresh chicken. So if a recipe calls for baking raw chicken tenders for 15 minutes, expect to bake frozen tenders for about 22-23 minutes.
Always use a food thermometer to confirm chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before serving, Cooking low and slow helps ensure frozen chicken is cooked through without burning the outside
How Long to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders
Exact cook times will vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders, as well as your cooking method. Here are general guidelines for how long to cook frozen chicken tenders:
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Oven: Bake frozen chicken tenders at 350°F for 22-28 minutes based on thickness.
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Stovetop: Pan fry or simmer frozen tenders for 12-15 minutes per side.
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Grill: Grill frozen tenders over medium heat for 14-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Air Fryer: Air fry frozen tenders at 360°F for 10-14 minutes, shaking halfway.
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Instant Pot: Cook frozen tenders on high pressure for 0-2 minutes, depending on amount.
These cooking times are for chicken breast tenders that are boneless and skinless and weigh between 2 and 4 ounces. Tenders that are bigger, thicker, or have bone in them may take longer. Always verify doneness with a food thermometer before serving.
Tips for Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders
Follow these tips for foolproof frozen chicken tenders every time:
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Don’t crowd the pan. Cook tenders in a single layer with space between pieces to allow air flow.
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Use a meat thermometer. Insert into the thickest part of the tenders to check for 165°F.
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Cook gently. To keep food from burning, cook slowly over medium-low heat on the stove or in the oven.
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Flip/rotate halfway. Rotate or flip tenders during cooking for even cooking on all sides.
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Let rest before serving. Allow cooked tenders to rest 5 minutes before cutting to let juices redistribute.
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Season simply. Seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper work well. Avoid overly wet marinades.
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Bread after freezing. For crispy breaded tenders, coat raw tenders in breadcrumbs then freeze on a baking sheet before bagging.
With these handy tips, you can have perfectly cooked frozen chicken tenders for meals, snacks, salads, and more with minimal effort. Keep a stash of ready-to-cook frozen tenders on hand for emergency dinners when time is short.
Marinating and Breading Frozen Chicken Tenders
While wet marinades are not ideal for frozen raw chicken, you can still add flavor. Dry seasoning blends or dry brines work well on frozen chicken. Try seasoning tenders with spices and herbs before freezing or coat in a mixture of salt, sugar, and baking powder to help retain moisture when cooking from frozen.
For crispy breaded frozen tenders:
- Bread raw chicken before freezing, not frozen chicken.
- Coat raw tenders in egg wash then breadcrumbs.
- Freeze breaded raw tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm.
- Once fully frozen, transfer to freezer bags.
- Bake frozen breaded tenders straight from freezer.
The egg wash helps the breading adhere to the chicken for a crispy, crunchy coating.
Is It Safe to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Cooking and consuming frozen raw chicken tenders is perfectly safe as long as they are cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer.
It’s also important to handle frozen chicken safely to prevent foodborne illness:
- Keep frozen until ready to cook. Thaw frozen chicken tenders in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- Don’t refreeze thawed chicken. Cook thawed chicken within 1-2 days.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash hands and surfaces after handling raw chicken.
- Store cooked chicken properly. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Following these safety guidelines along with proper cooking will ensure frozen chicken tenders are safe to enjoy.
How to Buy Frozen Chicken Tenders
When purchasing frozen chicken tenders, read labels carefully and look for:
- Raw, not pre-cooked. Raw frozen tenders need to be cooked fully to 165°F.
- No added solutions. Avoid tenders injected with broth or solution, which can affect cook time.
- USDA grade. Grade A tenders come from younger chickens and are more tender.
- Use or freeze by date. Cook frozen tenders by the use or freeze by date printed on the package.
Top brands like Foster Farms, Perdue, and Tyson offer quality frozen chicken tenders that are convenient, consistent, and cook up juicy and delicious.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Chicken Tenders?
It’s not recommended to refreeze raw chicken that has been thawed. If thawed chicken tenders are not used within 1-2 days, they should be cooked then refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen.
To safely refreeze cooked chicken tenders:
- Cook raw thawed chicken within 1-2 days.
- Properly cool cooked tenders within 2 hours.
- Portion tenders into freezer bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Refreezing thawed raw chicken can allow bacteria to grow to dangerous levels. But cooked chicken frozen properly can be safely refrozen.
Delicious Ways to Use Frozen Chicken Tenders
Frozen chicken tenders are endlessly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use them:
- Chicken sandwiches or wraps
- Chicken salad with mayo
- Sheet pan dinners with veggies
- Chicken parmesan
- Fried chicken fingers or nuggets
- Chicken fajitas or quesadillas
- Chicken pasta dishes like alfredo or cacciatore
- Chicken noodle soup
- Chicken pot pie or casserole
Frozen tenders require minimal prep so they are easy to incorporate into weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining. Whip up flavorful sauces, pair with fresh veggies, or bread and fry for an easy homemade meal in minutes.
The Takeaway on Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders
Cooking uncooked frozen chicken tenders is quick and convenient with the right techniques. Allow 50% longer cook time compared to fresh, and use a food thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F. Frozen tenders can be cooked from frozen in the oven, Instant Pot, skillet, grill and more. Follow proper handling and storage, and enjoy delicious golden brown chicken tenders in minutes with no thawing required.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Oven
- Put the frozen chicken breasts on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil or parchment paper. This is the first step in cooking frozen chicken.
- Sprinkle or spray the foil with olive oil or cooking spray. A piece of foil on the bottom of my pan helps me clean up after these are done cooking and makes my pan look nice. If you don’t like cooking with foil, you could also use parchment paper.
- Make sure there is about 1/2 to 1 inch of space between each piece of frozen chicken breast on the pan.
- Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and melted butter. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Now the frozen chicken is ready to go in the oven.
Great Recipes for Leftover Chicken
How to Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders | Crispy Perfection!
FAQ
How long do you cook frozen uncooked chicken tenders?
Bake from frozen at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until tenders reach 165 degrees F.
How long should I cook frozen raw chicken?
The USDA’s guidelines for frozen poultry is for you to cook it 1. 5 times as long as fresh. So for a frozen 4 pound chicken, that would be 120-150 minutes. I’ve tested this recipe over 20 times in the past 8 years. My chickens have never needed more than the 120 minutes.
How long do you cook raw chicken tenders for?
Place seasoned chicken tenders on a baking sheet in single layer. Use two baking sheets if necessary. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature of largest tender is 165°F. Remove from oven and let rest in pan for 5-8 minutes before serving.
Can I cook frozen raw chicken without thawing?
Yes, you can cook chicken directly from frozen as well. By avoid thawing, you lock in extra moisture inside the chicken. What is critical is making sure the interior of the chicken is not under 165 F before serving it. Take a reading with a digital instant read thermometer to determine safe temperature.
How long to cook frozen chicken tenders?
Arrange the frozen chicken tenders in the parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 mins flipping halfway through cooking time. Feel free to add more time if needed. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F / 74°C to be considered safe to eat.
Can you cook frozen chicken tenders in an air fryer?
While the air fryer is my preferred method for obvious reasons it’s quicker and yields equally crispy results, baking frozen chicken tenders in the oven is great when you want to cook a large batch and don’t have time to cook in batches (sorry air fryer). The good thing is that the oven can make juicy tender meats as well.
How long does frozen chicken take to cook?
In other words, frozen chicken will generally take 50 percent longer to cook than the same amount of raw chicken would take. If your recipe says to bake raw tenders for 15 minutes, you should bake frozen tenders for about 22 to 23 minutes instead.
How long do cooked chicken tenders keep in the fridge?
Baked chicken tenders will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. To heat it up again, use an air fryer and heat it at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. Alternatively preheat the oven to 400°F then place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheats oven for about 5 minutes until hot and crispy.
What are frozen chicken tenders?
There are different names for chicken tenders, such as chicken strips and chicken fingers. They are long strips of chicken breast. They are coated in breading or batter then frozen. Frozen chicken tenders are available at most grocery stores in the freezer section. They provide a quick and easy protein option to incorporate into meals.
Can you cook frozen chicken Tenderloin in a sheet pan?
A simple way to cook frozen raw tenderloin (or tenders) is the sheet-pan method, in which the chicken and whatever vegetables you’re having will both cook in the oven on the same sheet pan. Good vegetables to roast include potatoes, butternut squash, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets and carrots.