We are going to show you how to make your chicken tenderloin pieces in this single post in 6 different ways, and share the best uses for this incredibly versatile cut of meat.
Once you know how to cook chicken tenderloins, you can whip up a WHOLE LOTTA YUM meal in no time, whether it takes 10 minutes in the oven, on the stove, in the Instant Pot, or with the air fryer.
Boiled Chicken Tenderloin
Our quick and simple recipe for boiled chicken tenderloins, which can be made with fresh or frozen chicken tenderloin pieces, is ideal for dishes that call for precooked chicken.
Simply place 1 pound of fresh tenderloins in a large pot and cover with water (or chicken stock) to boil your chicken tender pieces. Bring the pot to a boil with the lid on. When the pot reaches a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for a further two to three minutes, or until the chicken tenderloin pieces reach 160°F.
If you are using frozen tenderloins, simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Needed Supplies
The ingredients you need will depend on how to prepare chicken tenderloins and which recipe you choose, but to get you started, here are the ingredients we’ll be using in this recipe.
Baked Chicken Tenders (without breading)
Another of our readers’ favorite recipes is how to cook chicken tenderloins in the oven because it’s straightforward but results in deliciously flavored chicken. Chicken tenders baked in the oven are a simple yet flavorful option for dinner.
Preheat
Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position and set the oven to 400°F.
Lay the raw chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Olive oil or melted butter should be applied to one side of the chicken tenderloin pieces. On the side that has just been brushed with melted butter or olive oil, sprinkle the chicken rub. Turn the chicken tenderloins over, continue to brush them with butter or oil, and then add more chicken rub to the second side.
Bake
The chicken should be baked for a total of 10 minutes, turning the chicken over after 5 minutes if you’d like (flipping isn’t necessary), and continuing to cook the chicken on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is strongly advised to use a digital meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature because ovens can occasionally cook food differently.
MASTER TIP: Use different seasonings, such as taco seasoning, lemon pepper, McCormick spice blends, or even just salt and pepper, to change the taste of your baked chicken tenderloins.