Wondering how long to boil chicken tenders and how much water to add? Follow our simple step-by-step instructions for boiling chicken tenders in under 10 minutes. Use in your favorite recipes, salads, casseroles, or freeze to use later. Gluten-free.
Boiling chicken is a no-fail cooking method that creates juicy chicken every time, especially boiled chicken tenderloins. For what to cook with boiled chicken tenders, we list our popular side dishes below. Paired with the tenderloins, you will have a complete meal to serve.
Looking for more ways to cook chicken tenders, check out our Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (No Breading), Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Tenderloins and Chicken On A Stick recipes.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below. Enjoy!
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
- tongs
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken tenderloins ✅
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs, optional
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Boil Chicken Tenders
Add the chicken tenderloins to the skillet
Add salt and pepper and the fresh herbs if using. Add water until the chicken is covered. Place the lid on the chicken.
Bring to a boil
Bring the chicken tenders to a boil. Once boiling, remove a tender with the tongs. Check to make sure the internal temperature of chicken is 165°F. Continue boiling another minute if not. Once cooked remove with tongs and enjoy plain chicken or in your favorite recipe.
How To Season Chicken
Season boiled chicken with salt and pepper for ease or opt to include fresh herbs or vegetables if desired. Fresh parsley, thyme, oregano along with celery, onion, garlic and carrots are all delicious options that will boost the flavor of the tenders.
Leftover Broth
Save the cooking liquid after boiling chicken, it is packed with SO much flavor and can be used in future rice, pasta, soup or casserole recipes. If needed, strain the broth prior to storing.
For storage, simply place in a container, jar or ice cube tray to store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What To Serve With Tenderloins
While we often add these boiled chicken tenderloins to a soup or casserole dish, serving plain is also an option. Pair with any of our most popular side dishes for a complete meal any night of the week.
- Hasselback Potatoes with Cheese
- Roasted Frozen Broccoli
- Gluten Free Cheesy Potatoes
- Air Fryer Twice Baked Potato
- Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
- Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
- Gluten Free Pasta Salad
- Gluten Free Potato Salad
- Broccoli Salad without Mayo
- Grilled Spaghetti Squash
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Brown Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Yes, frozen chicken can be boiled. If using frozen, increase the cooking time by 10 minutes then temp the chicken. Continue cooking if the internal temperature has not reached 165 degrees.
Boiling any cut of chicken is possible when following this step-by-step guide. Simply adjust the total cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the chicken. For fresh chicken thighs, boil for approximately 30 minutes and 40-50 minutes for frozen. Regardless of the cut, the internal temperature of chicken must be 165 degrees prior to serving.
Chop or shred to use in wraps, salads, sandwiches, tacos, enchiladas, casseroles, soups or your favorite chicken recipe.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Pick a new herb to season the chicken each time you create this recipe
- Serve boiled tenders with your favorite dipping sauce such as BBQ, honey mustard or ketchup
- Stick a thermometer into the thickness part of the chicken tender – once it hits 165 degrees F, it is safe to serve
Boiled Chicken Recipes
- Oven Baked Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Tatertot Casserole
- Grandmas Chicken Casserole
- Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
- Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
- Gluten Free Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup
- One Pot Chicken and Rice
- Gluten-Free Chicken And Dumplings
- Boiled Chicken Recipes
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
Boiled Chicken Tenders
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins ✅
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh herbs, optional
Instructions
- Add chicken to skillet. Add the chicken tenders to the skillet. Add salt and pepper and the fresh herbs if using. Add water until the chicken is covered. Place the lid on the chicken.1 pound chicken tenderloins, salt and pepper to taste, fresh herbs, optional
- ⭐️Bring to a boil. Bring the chicken tenders to a boil. Once boiling, remove a tender with the tongs. Check to make sure the internal temperature is 165°F. Continue boiling another minute if not. Once cooked remove with tongs and enjoy in your favorite recipe.
Notes
- Season boiled chicken with salt and pepper for ease or opt to include fresh herbs or vegetables if desired. Fresh parsley, thyme, oregano along with celery, onion, garlic and carrots are all delicious options that will boost the flavor of the chicken tenders.
- Store cooked chicken in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
If you enjoyed these recipes make sure to leave a comment and a star rating below!
Then follow us on social media and tag #createkidsclub if you make the recipe. We love seeing what you come up with!
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