How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Tenders to Perfect Tenderness

Boiling frozen chicken tenders may seem counterintuitive, but it’s actually a quick and easy cooking method for getting dinner on the table fast. With just a pot, some water, and 15-20 minutes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders to juicy, tender perfection

I was skeptical at first too. But after a few tries, one of my favorite things to do on weeknights is boil frozen chicken tenders. Find out how long to boil frozen chicken tenders here.

Why Boil Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Boiling frozen chicken tenders offers several big advantages

• Speed – It’s faster than thawing the chicken first. No need to plan ahead and remember to thaw!

• Convenience – Boiling requires minimal hands-on time and effort. Just drop the chicken in boiling water set a timer and walk away.

• Safety – The boiling water quickly brings the chicken up to a safe internal temperature, ensuring any bacteria are killed.

• Flavor—Contrary to what most people think, boiling doesn’t have to ruin the taste. Aromatics added to the cooking liquid give the chicken a taste.

How Long to Boil Frozen Chicken Tenders

It usually takes 15 to 20 minutes for frozen chicken tenders to cook all the way through when they are boiled. The boiling water will quickly melt the ice on the outside while cooking the inside slowly.

To get the best results, use a thermometer to check the temperature inside. Once the chicken reaches 165°F on the inside, it is safe to eat.

If boiling larger, thicker frozen tenders, err on the longer side. And if boiling partially thawed or thin tenders, start checking earlier at around 12-15 minutes.

Pro tip: For extra assurance, boil a tester tender first to check the timing before adding the rest.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for perfectly boiled frozen chicken tenders every time:

1. Add aromatics – For flavor, add aromatics like garlic, onion, herbs, citrus, and spices to the cooking liquid. You can also use chicken broth.

2. Boil the liquid – Fill a pot with enough liquid to submerge the tenders and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

3. Add chicken – Carefully add the frozen chicken tenders to the boiling liquid.

4. Reduce heat & simmer – Once it returns to a boil, lower heat and simmer gently.

5. Cook 15-20 minutes – Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken registers 165°F.

6. Check doneness – Double check the internal temp using a meat thermometer.

7. Remove & drain – Remove chicken from pot and drain liquid.

8. Serve! – Enjoy your boiled frozen chicken tenders immediately!

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these tips for maximizing flavor and texture when boiling frozen chicken tenders:

• Don’t overcook – Once chicken reaches 165°F, immediately remove it from the heat. Overcooking makes it rubbery.

• Simmer gently – Maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil for tender chicken.

• Use a thermometer – It’s the only way to reliably check doneness for safety and prevent overcooking.

• Rest 3-5 minutes – Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute evenly.

• Season the liquid – Flavor the cooking liquid well for the most flavorful chicken.

• Cook same-sized pieces – Uniformly sized tenders will cook at the same rate.

• Prevent sticking – Gently stir a couple times and don’t crowd the pot.

Serving Ideas

Boiled frozen chicken tenders are extremely versatile. Slice, shred, dice, or chop the cooked chicken to use in:

• Salads
• Soups
• Tacos
• Wraps & sandwiches
• Pasta dishes
• Casseroles
• Stir fries

Or just enjoy the tenders as is with your favorite dipping sauces! Ranch, bbq sauce, buffalo sauce, and honey mustard are all tasty choices.

Is it Safe to Boil Frozen Chicken?

Yes, boiling frozen chicken is completely safe as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F. In fact, starting with frozen chicken can help ensure even cooking. The boiling hot liquid brings the surface temperature up quickly for thorough, reliable cooking.

Just be sure to double check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for safety and doneness. Do not rely solely on cook time, as thickness can vary.

Boiling vs Thawing Before Cooking

While boiling frozen chicken eliminates thawing time, some people prefer thawing first for better moisture retention and flavor.

Thawed chicken tenders will cook faster, in about 8-12 minutes by boiling. And the middle has time to gently come up to temp rather than cooking from frozen.

So boiling frozen chicken tenders is quick and convenient, but thawing first results in juicier, more tender and flavorful chicken. Both methods are safe though, so choose based on your timeline and priorities!

Freezing Leftovers

Boiled chicken tenders freeze remarkably well for grab-and-go convenience:

• Cool completely – Freeze chicken only once fully cooled after cooking.

• Portion – Separate chicken into desired portion sizes or meal-sized bags.

• Exclude liquid – Drain and pat dry chicken well before freezing.

• Use freezer bags – Pack chicken in freezer-safe zip top bags. Exclude as much air as possible.

• Label & date – Clearly label bags with contents and freeze-by date (3 months).

• Thaw safely – Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator, cold water, or the microwave on defrost setting before reheating.

More Quick & Easy Chicken Recipes

If you love quick chicken recipes, try these easy stove-top and oven methods next:

• How to Pan Fry Chicken Breasts

• Baked Chicken Breast

• Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Fajitas

• Easy Chicken Parmesan

Boiling frozen chicken tenders with aromatics is an easy, reliable way to get dinner on the table fast any night of the week. In just 15-20 minutes, you can cook frozen tenders to juicy perfection.