How Long Do You Boil Chicken Breast Tenderloins? A Detailed Guide

Chicken breast tenderloins are a quick, healthy and delicious protein choice that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, properly cooking tenderloins can be tricky, as they tend to cook faster than chicken breasts and can easily become dry and overcooked. So how long should you boil chicken tenderloins to get them perfectly cooked?

From beginning to end, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about boiling chicken tenderloins.

What are Chicken Tenderloins?

If you want to make chicken tenders, you cut the meat from the underside of a chicken breast into strips. These strips are long, thin, and tender pieces of meat that connect the breast to the keel bone.

Whole chicken breasts take longer to cook than tenderloins because they have more bone than tenderloins. They have a mild taste that works well with spice rubs and marinades. They are also very tender, which makes them great for chicken salads, sandwiches, wraps, stir fries, and other foods.

Benefits of Boiling Chicken Tenderloins

One of the best and easiest ways to cook chicken tenderloins is to boil them. These are some of the good things about cooking with moist heat:

• Retains moisture and prevents drying out: The hot water gently cooks the chicken while keeping it succulent and juicy.

• Quick cooking time: Tenderloins cook faster with boiling, usually within 10-15 minutes.

• Infuses flavor: You can add herbs, spices, vegetables and other aromatics right to the boiling water.

• Versatile uses for boiled chicken: Shred for salads and sandwiches, dice for stir fries, keep whole for fajitas, tacos and more.

• Minimal cleanup: Boiling doesn’t require much active cooking time or cleanup.

• Healthy technique: Boiling chicken does not require any added fats or oils.

How Long to Boil Chicken Tenderloins

On average, it takes 10-12 minutes to fully cook chicken tenderloins by boiling. However, the timing can vary a bit depending on a few factors:

• Size of tenderloins – Smaller, thinner pieces may cook faster in around 8-10 minutes. Larger, thicker tenderloins may need 12-15 minutes.

• Amount of tenderloins – The more chicken you add to the pot, the longer it will take to return to a boil which extends the overall cooking time. Don’t overcrowd.

• Cooking temperature – A gentle simmer is best, too vigorous of a boil can cause them to overcook.

• Frozen vs. thawed – Frozen tenderloins added directly to the water will take longer, around 15-18 minutes.

The best way to ensure they are fully cooked is to use an instant read thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Chicken Tenderloins

Follow this simple process for perfect boiled chicken tenderloins every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Rinse tenderloins under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
• Trim off any excess fat or sinew.
• Pound them to an even thickness if desired.
• Season with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc.

2. Bring Water to a Boil

• Fill a pot with enough water to just cover the chicken.
• For flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of water.
• Bring the liquid to a rapid boil over high heat.

3. Add Chicken and Simmer

• Gently add seasoned tenderloins to the boiling water.
• Reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway.

4. Check for Doneness

• Use a meat thermometer to test internal temperature.
• Chicken is done at 165°F.
• If undercooked, simmer for 2-3 more minutes and recheck.

5. Remove and Serve

• Immediately remove cooked tenderloins from the water.
• Allow to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or shredding.
• Use boiled chicken as desired in recipes.

Tips for the Best Results

• Start with cold water – it helps the chicken cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot – leave room for even simmering.
• Use low sodium chicken broth for extra flavor.
• Add herbs, garlic, peppercorns or other aromatics to the water.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
• Save the broth for soups, gravies or cooking rice/grains.

How to Tell When Chicken Tenderloins are Done

Checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when chicken tenderloins are fully cooked. But here are a few other visual and textural cues that your chicken is done boiling:

• The meat will turn opaque white throughout when fully cooked.

• Tenderloins should feel firm yet still tender when pressed.

• If pierced with a fork, the juices should run clear with no traces of pink.

• The meat will start to flake and pull apart easily when poked with a fork.

If there is any pink coloration in the thickest part or the juices are tinted pink, return to boiling for a few more minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when boiling chicken tenderloins:

• Undercooking – Ensure the minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F is reached.

• Overcooking – Don’t boil too long or the texture becomes tough and dry.

• Uneven cooking – Don’t overcrowd the pot and simmer gently.

• Starting with hot water – Can make meat dry and rubbery. Always start with cold water.

• Adding salt too early – Season tenderloins after cooking for best flavor and texture.

Uses for Boiled Chicken Tenderloins

Boiled chicken tenderloins are extremely versatile. Here are just a few ideas for how to use those tender, flavorful cooked chicken pieces:

• Shred for chicken salads, wraps or sandwiches
• Dice and add to pasta salads, soups, fried rice, stir fries
• Slice for fajitas, tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas
• Top salads, flatbreads, pizza or pasta dishes
• Use in casseroles or pot pies

The simple boiling method allows the mild chicken flavor to shine through while keeping the tenderloins moist and juicy. Season, shred, dice or slice them any way you like after cooking for easy chicken meals and sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some substitutes for chicken tenderloins?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips can be used instead of tenderloins in most recipes. Cook time may need to be increased by a few minutes.

Can you boil frozen chicken tenderloins?

Yes, frozen tenderloins can be added directly to boiling water from the freezer. Increase cooking time to 15-18 minutes and verify temperature.

Is boiled chicken safe for toddlers and young children?

Yes, fully cooked boiled chicken that reaches 165°F internally is safe for toddlers and kids. Just be sure to cut it into small pieces to prevent choking hazards.

Can you marinate chicken tenderloins before boiling?

Absolutely! Marinating for 30 minutes to an hour before boiling will infuse the chicken with lots of extra flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftover boiled chicken?

Refrigerate boiled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, shred chicken and freeze it in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

The Takeaway

Boiling chicken breast tenderloins is one of the quickest and healthiest cooking methods. It takes an average of just 10-12 minutes to fully cook tenderloins, but always verify doneness by temperature. Maintain a gentle simmer, don’t overcrowd the pot and start with cold water for the most tender, juicy results. Use boiled tenderloins shredded, diced or sliced in salads, sandwiches, tacos, stir fries and other recipes for a tasty and versatile addition to any meal.