Got leftover chicken tenders sitting in your fridge? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with the ultimate guide on how to reheat them perfectly in your microwave! As someone who absolutely loves chicken tenders (and hates food waste), I’ve tested all the methods to make sure your leftovers taste almost as good as when they were fresh
Let’s dive right into the specifics of microwave reheating times plus some pro tips to keep those tenders juicy and delicious!
Quick Answer: Chicken Tender Reheating Times
For the busy folks who just need the basic info
- Refrigerated chicken tenders: 30-60 seconds at 50-70% power
- Frozen chicken tenders: 2-3 minutes (thawed first) at medium power
- Check between intervals: Test for doneness every 30 seconds
- Safe temperature: Ensure they reach 165°F (74°C)
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Chicken Tenders in the Microwave
Follow these simple steps for the best results:
- Prepare your tenders: Take them out of the refrigerator (if frozen, ideally thaw overnight first)
- Arrange properly: Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer without overlapping
- Cover for moisture: Use a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out
- Set proper power level: Use 50-70% power (medium to medium-high) to avoid rubbery texture
- Heat in intervals: Start with 30 seconds, then check and continue in 15-30 second increments
- Rest before eating: Let them sit for 1-2 minutes after heating for even temperature distribution
Why Power Level Matters
I’ve found that using full power is one of the biggest mistakes people make when reheating chicken tenders. This often leads to dried-out, tough chicken that nobody wants to eat!
Using a reduced power setting (50-70%) allows the chicken to heat more gently and evenly. This helps preserve moisture and prevents that rubbery texture that can happen with microwave reheating.
Best Ways to Prevent Dry Chicken Tenders
Nobody likes dry chicken! Here are my favorite tricks to keep your tenders moist:
- Cover them properly: Always use a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid
- Add moisture: Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth before reheating
- Avoid overcooking: Check frequently and stop as soon as they’re heated through
- Use short intervals: Heating in 30-second bursts gives you more control
- Let them rest: Allowing 1-2 minutes after heating helps redistribute moisture
When Not to Use the Microwave
While microwaving is convenient, there are times when you might want to use another method:
- When you want crispy coating: Microwaves tend to make breaded coatings soggy
- For large quantities: It’s hard to heat many tenders evenly in a microwave
- When you have time for better results: Oven or air fryer methods preserve texture better
Alternative Reheating Methods
If you’ve got a little more time, consider these alternatives:
Oven Method
- Preheat to 400°F
- Place tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer
- Bake for 10-15 minutes (refrigerated) or 20-25 minutes (frozen)
- Optional: use a wire rack and flip halfway for extra crispiness
Air Fryer Method (My Personal Favorite!)
- Preheat to 375°F for 3 minutes
- Place tenders in a single layer in the basket
- Air fry for 5-7 minutes (refrigerated) or 10 minutes (frozen)
- Flip halfway through cooking time
Safety Considerations
Food safety is super important when reheating chicken! Here are some crucial tips:
- Check temperature: Always ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature
- Storage timeline: Only reheat chicken that’s been properly stored for 3-4 days max
- Reheat once only: Don’t reheat chicken tenders multiple times
- Even heating: Make sure there are no cold spots in your reheated tenders
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes reheating chicken tenders, so learn from my errors:
- Overheating: This leads to tough, dry chicken
- Overcrowding the plate: Tenders need space for even heating
- Skipping the cover: This is essential for moisture retention
- Using full power: Always use reduced power for better results
- Reheating with sauce: Remove sauces before reheating to prevent sogginess
Making Reheated Chicken Tenders Taste Better
Want your reheated tenders to taste more like fresh ones? Try these tricks:
- Add fresh seasoning: A light sprinkle of your favorite spice blend before reheating
- Serve with fresh sauce: New dipping sauce makes reheated tenders more exciting
- Pair with fresh sides: Add a new side dish to make the meal feel fresh
- Try new uses: Add to wraps, salads, or sandwiches for a different experience
FAQ About Reheating Chicken Tenders
Can I reheat chicken tenders more than once?
No, it’s not recommended to reheat chicken tenders multiple times. Each reheating cycle increases the risk of bacterial growth and decreases quality. Only reheat what you plan to eat.
How can I tell if my chicken tenders are safely reheated?
The safest way is using a food thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F internally. Without a thermometer, make sure they’re steaming hot throughout with no cold spots.
How long do reheated chicken tenders stay good?
Once reheated, you should consume chicken tenders immediately. Don’t store and reheat them again, as this increases food safety risks.
Can I reheat chicken tenders with sauce already on them?
It’s better to remove sauce before reheating when possible, as sauces can make the coating soggy. You can always add fresh sauce after reheating.
Why do my chicken tenders get tough in the microwave?
This typically happens because of overheating or using too high power. Use 50-70% power and heat in short intervals to prevent toughness.
Final Thoughts
Reheating chicken tenders in the microwave doesn’t have to mean sacrificing taste or texture! With the right timing (30-60 seconds for refrigerated tenders) and technique (lower power, moisture retention), you can enjoy delicious leftover chicken tenders with minimal effort.
Remember that the microwave isn’t always the best option – if you have time, the air fryer or oven will give you better results, especially for maintaining that crispy coating. But when you’re in a hurry, these microwave tips will help you get the most out of your leftovers!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy leftover chicken tenders? I love making quick wraps with mine – just add some lettuce, tomato and a bit of ranch dressing!
How to Reheat Chicken Tenders
You want those tasty chicken tenders or leftover fried chicken pieces to be as crispy and delicious leftover as they were when they were fresh. That’s totally possible with any of the reheating methods below.
For the crispiest leftover chicken fingers, I would skip the microwave oven method. But if you’re looking for speed, you’ll spend less time reheating if you use the microwave.
Air fryer chicken tenders are the best, in my opinion, so that’s also my favorite method of reheating. Whatever your preferred method turns out to be, you’ll have delicious chicken tenders in just a couple of minutes. Follow the step-by-step guide for the method of your choice below.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Place chicken tenders into the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 8 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken tenders onto a foil-lined baking sheet. For extra crispy chicken strips, put them right on the rack with a layer of aluminum foil or a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any mess or grease that drips from them.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Flip the tenders over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F.
- Place chicken tenders onto a baking sheet, or for even crispier tenders, just put them right on the wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated toaster oven for 7 minutes.
- Flip the tenders over and bake for an additional 3 minutes.
- Place chicken tenders onto a microwave-safe plate.
- Heat the tenders in the microwave on high heat for 1 minute.
- Flip the tenders over and heat them for another minute.