How Long to Cook Frozen Uncooked Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Guide

Ever found yourself staring at a bag of frozen chicken tenders at 5:30 pm with hungry family members asking about dinner? I’ve been there too many times! Cooking frozen chicken tenders doesn’t have to be complicated, and you definitely don’t need to thaw them first. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about turning those icy chicken pieces into a delicious meal.

Can You Cook Chicken Tenders Straight From Frozen?

Yes, you absolutely can! According to the USDA, it’s perfectly safe to cook chicken tenders directly from frozen. In fact, cooking from frozen can sometimes result in juicier chicken since the slow thawing process during cooking helps lock in moisture.

The key thing to remember is that frozen chicken requires approximately 50% longer cook time compared to fresh chicken So if your recipe calls for cooking fresh chicken tenders for 15 minutes, you’ll need about 22-23 minutes for frozen ones

How Long to Cook Frozen Uncooked Chicken Tenders

Cooking times vary based on your chosen method and the thickness of your chicken tenders. Here’s a handy guide for different cooking methods:

Remember: Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. Always use a food thermometer to check!

Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders in the Oven (My Favorite Method)

The oven is probably the most popular way to cook frozen chicken tenders, and for good reason – it’s easy, reliable, and gives consistent results

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup
3. Drizzle or spray olive oil on the lined baking sheet
4. Place frozen chicken tenders on the sheet with about 1/2 inch between each piece
5. Drizzle tenders with olive oil and melted butter (about 2 tbsp each)
6. Season liberally with salt and pepper (or your preferred seasonings)
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown
8. Check internal temperature with a food thermometer – it should read 165°F
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute

For thicker chicken tenders, you might need to increase cooking time. I usually start with a timer set for 20 minutes, then check and add more time if needed.

Deep-Frying Frozen Chicken Tenders

If you’re craving that extra crispy exterior deep-frying is the way to go

1. Heat oil in a large skillet to 350°F (180°C) – use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature
2. Carefully place frozen chicken tenders in hot oil (don’t overcrowd!)
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
4. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil
5. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Pan-Frying Frozen Chicken Tenders

Pan-frying is quicker than baking and doesn’t require as much oil as deep-frying:

1. Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
2. Add chicken tenders and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side
3. Total cooking time is approximately 10-14 minutes
4. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F

Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Tenders

The air fryer has become my go-to for quick weeknight meals! Here’s how to cook frozen tenders:

1. Preheat air fryer to 360°F
2. Place frozen chicken tenders in a single layer
3. Cook for 10-14 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through
4. Check temperature to ensure they’ve reached 165°F

Tips for Perfect Frozen Chicken Tenders Every Time

I’ve cooked a LOT of frozen chicken over the years, and here are my top tips for success:

• Don’t crowd the pan – Leave space between tenders for air circulation
• Always use a meat thermometer – Insert into the thickest part to ensure it reaches 165°F
• Cook low and slow – This helps ensure the chicken cooks through without burning on the outside
• Flip halfway through cooking – This ensures even cooking on all sides
• Let chicken rest after cooking – About 5 minutes helps redistribute juices
• Season simply – Salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika work great
• For crispy tenders – Pat dry with paper towels before cooking if there’s excess ice

Delicious Ways to Use Cooked Chicken Tenders

Once you’ve mastered cooking frozen chicken tenders, here are some quick meal ideas:

• Chicken sandwiches or wraps
• Chicken salad with mayo
• Chicken Caesar pasta salad
• Chicken pot pie with crescent rolls
• Enchiladas
• White chicken chili
• Chicken and dumpling soup
• Chicken tortilla casserole

Storing Leftover Cooked Chicken Tenders

If you’ve cooked more chicken than you need (great for meal prep!), here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 4 months

When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken tenders from frozen in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until they reach 165°F internal temperature.

Is it better to thaw chicken tenders first?

Not necessary! Cooking from frozen is safe and often results in juicier chicken. Plus, it’s much more convenient.

How do I prevent frozen chicken tenders from becoming dry?

Avoid overcooking and consider using a butter/oil mixture when baking. The 165°F internal temperature is your guide – go above that and they might dry out.

Can I refreeze thawed chicken tenders?

It’s not recommended to refreeze raw chicken that has been thawed. If thawed tenders aren’t used within 1-2 days, cook them first, then you can freeze the cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

Cooking frozen uncooked chicken tenders doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right techniques and timing, you can have a delicious meal on the table in under 30 minutes without any advance planning. The key is using the right temperature, spacing the tenders properly, and always checking that internal temperature.

Next time you’re staring at that bag of frozen chicken wondering what to make for dinner, remember these tips! And don’t forget – a good food thermometer is your best friend when cooking chicken from frozen.

Do you have any special ways you like to prepare frozen chicken tenders? I’d love to hear about your favorite recipes in the comments below!