Ugh, we’ve all been there – you cook up some chicken tenders hoping for juicy, flavorful meat but somehow end up with dry disappointing pieces that nobody wants to eat. Don’t throw them away! I’ve been in this situation more times than I’d like to admit, and over the years I’ve discovered tons of ways to transform those dry chicken tenders into meals your family will actually love.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite methods for rescuing dry chicken tenders, plus give you some tips on how to prevent them from drying out in the first place. Because let’s be honest – the best solution to dry chicken is avoiding it altogether!
Why Do Chicken Tenders Dry Out?
Before we dive into solutions let’s understand why chicken tenders are so prone to drying out
- They’re super lean: Chicken tenders have very little fat, which means they dry out quickly
- They’re small: Their size makes them cook faster than you might expect
- Overcooking: Even just a minute too long can turn perfect tenders into tough, chewy disappointments
But don’t worry! Whether you’ve overcooked them or just have some leftover dry tenders from yesterday’s dinner, I’ve got solutions that’ll make them delicious again.
13 Tasty Ways to Use Up Dry Chicken Tenders
1. Chicken Salad
This is my go-to solution for dry chicken tenders! The mayonnaise adds back moisture while other ingredients add flavor and texture.
Basic Chicken Salad Recipe:
- 2 cups shredded dry chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
For extra flavor, try adding grapes, raisins, curry powder, or almond slivers. Serve on bread, lettuce wraps, or crackers.
2. Chicken Pot Pie
The moist filling and flaky crust make pot pie perfect for repurposing dry chicken.
- Sauté onions, carrots, and peas
- Add your shredded chicken tenders
- Make a sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream
- Pour into a pie crust and top with another crust
- Bake until golden brown
3. Chicken Enchiladas
Mexican dishes are perfect for dry chicken because the sauces add moisture and tons of flavor!
Cover your shredded chicken in green salsa or enchilada sauce, roll in corn tortillas, top with more sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly. The sauce will rehydrate the chicken as it bakes.
4. Chicken Soup
Nothing rehydrates dry chicken better than simmering it in broth. Make a simple chicken soup by:
- Simmering your chicken tenders in broth with carrots, celery, and onions
- Adding herbs and seasonings
- Serving with noodles or rice
The long simmer time will help the chicken absorb moisture and become tender again.
5. Chicken Fried Rice
This is a personal favorite in our house! Dice your dry chicken tenders and stir-fry with:
- Cooked rice (day-old works best)
- Frozen mixed vegetables
- Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger
- A couple of scrambled eggs
The sauce and quick cooking method help revive the chicken without drying it out further.
6. Chicken Quesadillas
Quesadillas are one of the easiest ways to transform dry chicken into something delicious.
- Shred your chicken and mix with taco seasoning and a bit of salsa for moisture
- Layer between tortillas with plenty of cheese
- Add beans, corn, or peppers if desired
- Grill until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted
The melted cheese and brief heating time prevent the chicken from drying out more.
7. Chicken Alfredo
Rich, creamy Alfredo sauce is perfect for rescuing dry chicken tenders.
- Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Heat them briefly with garlic in a pan
- Add fettuccine and Alfredo sauce
- Finish with Parmesan and parsley
The creamy sauce completely transforms the dry chicken, making it tender and flavorful.
8. Chicken Tacos
Tacos are another great Mexican option for using up dry chicken.
- Shred your chicken and mix with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and garlic
- Heat in a pan until warm
- Serve in warm corn tortillas with your favorite toppings
The seasoning and toppings add moisture and flavor that make the dry chicken delicious again.
9. Chicken Casserole
Casseroles are perfect for dry chicken because they allow the meat to absorb moisture from other ingredients.
Combine your chicken with rice or pasta, cream of mushroom soup, vegetables, and cheese, then bake until bubbly. The sauce will rehydrate the chicken as it cooks.
10. Chicken Parmesan
Transform your dry chicken tenders into a delicious Italian dinner:
- Bread the tenders (even if they’re already cooked)
- Quickly sauté in olive oil to crisp the coating
- Top with marinara sauce and mozzarella
- Bake just until the cheese melts
- Serve over pasta
The marinara sauce adds moisture while the quick cooking prevents further drying.
11. Chicken Stir Fry
Asian-style stir-fries are perfect for dry chicken because they cook quickly and use saucy marinades.
- Cube your chicken and toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch
- Stir-fry with vegetables, garlic, and ginger
- Add teriyaki or stir-fry sauce
- Serve over rice
The cornstarch coating helps the chicken retain moisture during the quick cooking process.
12. Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Turn your dry chicken into spicy Buffalo wraps:
- Shred or cube the chicken
- Toss with Buffalo wing sauce
- Wrap in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and blue cheese dressing
- Add bacon for extra flavor
The sauce adds moisture and the cool toppings balance the spiciness.
13. Chicken Fajitas
Fajitas are a great way to use up dry chicken tenders:
- Slice the chicken and marinate briefly in lime juice, cumin, and chili powder
- Sauté with bell peppers and onions
- Serve in warm tortillas with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa
The vegetables and toppings add moisture while the spices add flavor.
How to Prevent Dry Chicken Tenders in the First Place
The best way to deal with dry chicken is to prevent it from happening! Here are my top tips for juicy chicken tenders every time:
Garlic Butter Method
One of my favorite methods is this simple garlic butter technique:
- Heat olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium-low heat
- Add chicken tenders and season with paprika, salt, and pepper
- Cook for only 3 minutes per side
- Make space in the pan, add more butter and minced garlic
- Cook garlic just 30-60 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!)
- Add Italian seasoning and cook one more minute
- Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons water to create a flavorful sauce
This method creates incredibly juicy, flavorful tenders in just 15 minutes!
More Prevention Tips
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is safe at 165°F, but cooking beyond that dries it out
- Brine before cooking: Soak tenders in saltwater for 15-30 minutes before cooking
- Don’t overcook: Chicken tenders cook very quickly – usually just 3-4 minutes per side
- Let them rest: Allow tenders to rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute
- Cook with fat: Using butter or oil helps keep tenders moist
- Lower heat: Medium or medium-low heat gives more control and even cooking
FAQ About Chicken Tenders
Q: What exactly are chicken tenders?
A: Chicken tenders (also called chicken mini fillets or chicken strips) are a specific cut of meat found underneath the chicken breast. Each chicken has two tenders, and they’re naturally the most tender part of the chicken breast.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Yes! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. They’ll cook similarly to tenders.
Q: Do I need to remove the white tendon from chicken tenders?
A: It’s recommended but not required. The tendon is tough, so removing it makes for a better eating experience.
Q: How do I know when chicken tenders are done cooking?
A: They’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F or when cut open, the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center.
Conclusion
Don’t let dry chicken tenders get you down! With these 13 creative ideas, you can transform those disappointing pieces into delicious meals your family will love. And by following our prevention tips, hopefully you’ll avoid dry chicken altogether in the future.
Remember, the key to rescuing dry chicken is adding moisture through sauces, broths, or mayo-based mixtures, and not overcooking it further. With a little creativity, those dry chicken tenders can become the start of your next favorite meal!
What’s your favorite way to use up dry chicken tenders? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
How to Make Chicken Tenders
- Add olive oil and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a pan/skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken tenders, season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 3 minutes on each side (season each side as you cook).
- Make room for the garlic, melt the remaining butter, and add the garlic. Cook for 30 seconds or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Season with Italian seasoning, and cook for one more minute.
- Add 2 tablespoons of water to the pan to deglaze it, and scrape off any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan (that’s where all of the good flavor is).
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves, and serve warm.
- Don’t overcook the garlic. Garlic cooks very quickly (about 30-60 seconds), and burnt garlic tastes terrible so keep an eye on it as you cook.
- Don’t overcook the chicken tenders, they cook so quickly and if they’re overcooked they can turn out stringy, dry, and tough.
- To create a flavorful sauce, make sure to deglaze the pan with a splash of water as that’s where the flavor is.
What are Chicken Tenders?
Chicken tenders are known as chicken mini fillets in the UK. Many people think that chicken tenders are just thin strips of chicken breast. But a chicken tender is a cut of meat found underneath and attached to the chicken breast, it’s the most tender part of the chicken breast even though it’s so small. Every chicken has 2 tenders, they’re moist and tender when cooked properly.
You can find chicken tenders sold separately from chicken breasts in supermarkets on trays, so you can buy a tray with 10-20 chicken tenders to grill up, fry, or bake.
They are also known as chicken strips, tendies, and chicken fillets.
So if you’re like me, and you prefer home cooked food, grab a tray of chicken tenders next time you go grocery shopping and make this recipe!
- Chicken tenders – if using frozen, then thaw in the fridge overnight. You can use a boneless skinless chicken breast cut into thin strips.
- Butter and olive oil – Olive oil gives the tenders a great flavor, but can be substituted with any neutral oil.
- Garlic – fresh garlic and lots of it! If using jarred, use 1 and half teaspoon of jarred garlic for every garlic clove.
- Salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning – I always make my own homemade Italian seasoning blend, it’s so easy to make, healthier, and cheaper than store-bought.
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
