Chicken tenders are a family favorite for good reason – they’re delicious! Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, oven-baked chicken tenders are easy to make and always satisfy. Heating up leftover chicken tenders in the oven is also a great way to get crispy, delicious results without dirtying extra pans.
What You Need
To properly heat up chicken tenders in the oven, you will need:
- Leftover cooked chicken tenders
- Baking sheet
- Non-stick cooking spray or parchment paper
- Seasonings (optional)
How Long to Heat Chicken Tenders in Oven
The amount of time needed to heat chicken tenders in the oven depends on:
- Amount of chicken tenders – The more chicken you are reheating, the longer it will take.
- Thickness of tenders – Thicker cut tenders may need a few extra minutes compared to thinner ones.
- Whether they are frozen – Frozen tenders require more time than thawed.
On average, it takes:
- 10-15 minutes to heat up thawedtenders
- 15-20 minutes for frozen tenders
Be sure to watch the tenders closely and remove them once they are heated through and slightly crispy. Reheating time can vary based on your oven.
How to Reheat Chicken Tenders in Oven
Follow these simple steps for how to heat chicken tenders in the oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil that has been lightly coated in non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking.
- Place leftover cooked chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
- If desired, brush tenders lightly with oil or melted butter and season with salt, pepper, spices, or other seasonings of choice.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes if thawed, 15-20 minutes if frozen. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Remove from oven and flip tenders over halfway through for even heating, if needed.
- Serve immediately once heated through and slightly crispy. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Oven-Baked Tenders
Follow these tips for foolproof oven-baked chicken tenders every time:
- Use parchment paper or foil – This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Don’t overcrowd – Be sure to spread them out on the baking sheet so they crisp up nicely.
- Flip halfway – Flipping the tenders over ensures even reheating.
- Watch closely – Set your timer and keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
- Let rest briefly – Letting them rest for 2-5 minutes after baking helps lock in the juices.
How to Tell When Tenders Are Fully Heated
Check for these signs to know your chicken tenders are fully heated through:
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a food thermometer.
- Tenders are hot throughout – No cold spots when cutting into them.
- Crisp, golden exterior.
- Heating time complete – 10-15 minutes if thawed, 15-20 if frozen.
Serving and Storing Reheated Tenders
Once your leftover chicken tenders are reheated, follow these tips:
- Serve immediately – Chicken tenders are best served right after baking when they are hot and crispy.
- Store safely – Refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days.
- Reheat again – You can reheat baked chicken tenders one additional time. Heat thoroughly until hot.
Delicious Ways to Use Reheated Tenders
Leftover oven-baked chicken tenders are a great ingredient for all kinds of easy meals and snacks. Get creative with reheated tenders by:
- Tossing in salads, pasta, or grain bowls
- Adding to sandwiches, wraps, or pitas
- Topping flatbreads or pizza
- Layering in casseroles or bakes
- Serving over fresh greens for chicken salad
- Dipping in sauce for easy appetizers
Common Questions
Can you reheat chicken tenders in the oven?
Yes, reheating chicken tenders in the oven is an easy and effective way to heat them up while keeping them crispy. The hot oven air will evenly reheat the tenders throughout.
Is it better to reheat chicken tenders in the oven or microwave?
The oven is better for reheating chicken tenders than the microwave. The microwave can make tenders rubbery while oven heating keeps them crispy outside and juicy inside.
How do you keep chicken tenders crispy after reheating?
To keep reheated chicken tenders crispy, use the oven, spray tenders lightly with oil, don’t overcrowd, and don’t overcook. Watch time carefully and remove once hot and slightly crisped up.
Can you reheat chicken tenders on a pan?
Yes, chicken tenders can be reheated on a skillet or pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Use a small amount of oil to prevent sticking and cook until heated through, flipping occasionally.
Should you cover chicken tenders when reheating?
It’s best not to cover chicken tenders when reheating them in the oven. Keeping them uncovered ensures they get hot and crispy. Covering can cause them to steam and lose their crispy texture.
Cooking Chart for Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
Use this handy chart to determine cooking times and oven temp when baking chicken tenders:
| Amount | Oven Temp | Cook Time (Thawed) | Cook Time (Frozen) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb chicken tenders | 400°F | 12-15 minutes | 18-22 minutes |
| 2 lbs chicken tenders | 400°F | 15-18 minutes | 22-25 minutes |
| 3 lbs chicken tenders | 375°F | 18-20 minutes | 25-30 minutes |
| 4 lbs chicken tenders | 375°F | 20-25 minutes | 30-35 minutes |
Cook times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the chicken tenders. Always check that internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recipe Ideas for Baked Chicken Tenders
Take oven-baked chicken tenders to the next level with these flavorful recipes:
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders
- Eggs
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Set up breading station – beat eggs in one dish, parmesan in another, breadcrumbs in a third.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Dredge tenders in flour, then egg, then parmesan, then breadcrumbs.
- Arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders
- Honey
- Sriracha
- Soy sauce
- Minced garlic
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sriracha, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Brush sauce evenly over chicken tenders.
- Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- Chicken tenders
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
Directions:
- Toss cooked chicken tenders in buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
- Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until hot.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Conclusion
Heating up leftover chicken tenders in the oven is a quick and easy way to get a delicious reheated meal on the table. Follow these helpful tips for getting tender, juicy, crispy results every time. Let your creativity run wild pairing reheated baked tenders with homemade sauces, dips, and other favorite ingredients. Enjoy this versatile and tasty leftover makeover!