Freezing raw chicken tenders can extend their shelf life for several months. However, there are some important steps you should take when freezing raw chicken tenders to ensure safety and quality.
Should You Freeze Raw Chicken Tenders?
Freezing is an effective way to preserve the freshness of raw chicken tenders for longer storage. Here are some of the main benefits of freezing raw chicken tenders:
- Extends shelf life – Properly frozen raw chicken tenders can last in the freezer for 9-12 months compared to just 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
- Maintains quality – Freezing prevents bacterial growth that causes chicken tenders to spoil quickly at fridge temperatures.
- Allows stocking up – Buying chicken tenders in bulk when on sale and freezing gives you a supply ready to thaw and cook whenever needed.
- Enables meal prepping – Cooked frozen chicken tenders can be used in meal prep recipes for quick weekday lunches and dinners.
Freezing is not recommended for cooked chicken tenders. Cooked tenders should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days for best safety and quality.
How to Freeze Raw Chicken Tenders
Follow these steps for safe freezing of raw chicken tenders:
- Choose fresh, high quality chicken tenders. Avoid tenders that have torn packaging or appear slimy or foul-smelling.
- Rinse tenders under cool running water and pat dry using paper towels.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
- Place sheet in freezer for 1-2 hours until chicken is completely frozen solid.
- Transfer frozen tenders to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air before sealing.
- Label bag with contents and freeze-by date (9-12 months from freeze date).
- Store frozen chicken tenders at 0°F or below. Place bag in coldest part of freezer.
Freezing tenders first on a lined baking sheet prevents them from freezing together in a block. It allows easy removal of only the amount needed when cooking.
How Long Do Frozen Raw Chicken Tenders Last?
The shelf life of frozen raw chicken tenders stored continuously at 0°F is:
| Type | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Frozen raw chicken tenders | 9-12 months |
Properly stored frozen raw tenders maintain quality for 9-12 months. Check for signs of freezer burn, color changes, or rancid odors before use if frozen for longer periods.
How to Thaw Frozen Chicken Tenders
Raw frozen chicken tenders must be thawed fully before cooking. Here are some safe methods for thawing:
Refrigerator Thawing
- Place frozen tenders in refrigerator (40°F or below).
- Allow 6-8 hours per pound or overnight to thaw completely.
- Use thawed tenders within 1-2 days.
Cold Water Thawing
- Seal frozen tenders in leak-proof plastic bag.
- Submerge bag in cold tap water, changing water every 30 minutes.
- Thawing time is about 30 minutes per pound.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
Microwave Thawing
- Place frozen tenders on microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave at 30% power for 2-3 minutes per pound.
- Turn over several times during defrosting.
- Cook immediately after thawing.
Do not thaw chicken tenders at room temperature or in hot water. This allows bacteria to multiply to unsafe levels.
How to Cook Thawed Frozen Chicken Tenders
Thawed frozen chicken tenders can be cooked just like fresh raw tenders. Safe cooking methods include:
- Pan frying – Fry over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
- Baking – Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until juices run clear.
- Grilling – Grill for 6-8 minutes per side on medium-high.
- Air frying – Set to 380°F and cook for 10-12 minutes, flip halfway.
Internal temperature should reach 165°F as measured by a food thermometer inserted into thickest part.
Allow cooked frozen tenders to rest for 5 minutes before serving. They can be used in any recipe calling for cooked chicken tenders.
Freezing Cooked Chicken Tenders
For best quality, freeze cooked chicken tenders within 2 hours of cooking. Follow these steps:
- Allow cooked tenders to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
- Place in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, 1-2 hours.
- Transfer frozen tenders to an airtight freezer container or bag.
- Press out air and seal bag.
- Label bag with contents and freeze-by date (2-3 months).
- Return bag to freezer immediately at 0°F or below.
Cooked frozen tenders will keep for 2-3 months before quality loss occurs. Reheat directly from frozen state until hot and steaming.
Can You Refreeze Thawed Chicken Tenders?
It is not recommended to refreeze raw chicken tenders after they have been thawed:
- Bacteria multiply quickly in thawed chicken left at fridge temperatures.
- Refreezing does not kill bacteria that grew during thawing.
- Thawed chicken tenders have shorter shelf life compared to never frozen.
- Quality declines with repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
For food safety, thaw only the amount of frozen tenders needed for cooking. Use thawed raw tenders within 1-2 days. Discard any remaining thawed tenders.
Once cooked, chicken tenders can be safely refrozen. Let cool, freeze within 2 hours of cooking, and reheat thoroughly when ready to eat.
Storing Thawed Chicken Tenders
Proper storage of thawed raw chicken tenders helps maximize shelf life and safety:
- Keep in a bowl or leakproof bag on a plate to catch juices.
- Refrigerate at 40°F or below immediately after thawing.
- Use within 1-2 days for best quality.
- Discard if thawed for over 2 days.
Cooked thawed tenders can be stored in the refrigerator 3-4 days. Discard any chicken tenders kept over 7 days in the fridge after initial thaw.
Identifying Spoiled Chicken Tenders
Check thawed raw chicken tenders for these signs of spoilage:
- Slimy texture or sticky surface
- Gray, dull color
- Weird or sour smell
- Discoloration or dark spots
- Unpleasant ammonia-like odor
Discard thawed chicken tenders immediately if they have these characteristics. Do not taste or cook spoiled frozen chicken.
Food Safety with Raw Chicken Tenders
Practice food safety when handling raw chicken tenders:
- Wash hands before and after handling.
- Store in fridge 40°F or below.
- Use within 1-2 days of thawing.
- Don’t rinse raw chicken – spreads bacteria.
- Marinate in fridge.
- Cook to minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Contaminating surfaces with raw chicken juice can spread bacteria. Wipe down surfaces with hot soapy water after handling.
Conclusion
Freezing is an easy way to safely preserve fresh raw chicken tenders for 9-12 months. Allow proper thawing time before cooking frozen tenders through to 165°F internal temperature. Follow food safety guidelines when handling raw chicken to prevent illness. With proper freezing, thawing, cooking, and storage, frozen chicken tenders can be enjoyed conveniently for meals and recipes.