Are you looking for a quick and simple meal that you can make in a pinch? Frozen chicken tenders are a great option! They’re tasty, versatile, and easy to prepare. Plus, you can find them in virtually any grocery store. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook frozen chicken tenders in three different ways: oven-baked, pan-fried, and air-fried. We’ll also provide some tips for serving and storing your chicken tenders.

Preparing the Frozen Chicken Tenders

Before you start cooking your frozen chicken tenders, you’ll need to prepare them. First, you’ll want to thaw them out. There are two ways to do this: in the refrigerator or in cold water. If you have time, the best way to thaw your chicken tenders is in the refrigerator. Simply place them in a bowl or on a plate and leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw them in cold water. Place the sealed bag of chicken tenders in a bowl of cold water and change the water every 30 minutes until they’re thawed.

Once your chicken tenders are thawed, it’s time to season them. You can use any seasoning you like, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin. Simply sprinkle your desired seasoning over the chicken tenders and rub it in with your hands.

Oven-baked frozen chicken tenders are a great option if you want a hands-off cooking method. Plus, they’re healthier than fried chicken tenders. Here’s how to make them:

Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. While your oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

Baking the Chicken Tenders

Place your seasoned chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip the chicken tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F. You can also cut into one of the tenders and make sure the juices run clear. Once your chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-Fried Frozen Chicken Tenders

If you prefer crispy chicken tenders with a golden-brown exterior, pan-frying is the way to go. Here’s how to make them:

Preheating the Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

Frying the Chicken Tenders

Place your seasoned chicken tenders in the skillet, making sure they’re not touching. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you’re cooking a large batch, you may need to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F. You can also cut into one of the tenders and make sure the juices run clear. Once your chicken tenders are done, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Air-Fried Frozen Chicken Tenders

Air-frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying, and it produces crispy chicken tenders with a fraction of the oil. Here’s how to make them:

Preparing the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While your air fryer is preheating, lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

Place your seasoned chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook them for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

Checking for Doneness

To check if your chicken tenders are done, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should be 165°F. You can also cut into one of the tenders and make sure the juices run clear. Once your chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

By following these simple recipes, you can have delicious and juicy chicken tenders ready in no time. Whether you prefer oven-baked, pan-fried, or air-fried chicken tenders, these recipes are easy to make and sure to please. Plus, with some creative serving suggestions and dipping sauces, you can turn these simple chicken tenders into a satisfying and delicious meal.