Quick Answers
The best way to freeze raw chicken tenders is to:
- Pat the chicken dry and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags.
- Exclude as much air as possible.
- Label with contents and date.
- Freeze for up to 9 months at 0°F or below.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Selecting and Preparing the Chicken
Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or finger steaks, are versatile, quick-cooking cuts ideal for freezing. Choose fresh, raw tenders with no tears or punctures in the packaging. Check the sell-by date and use them within a couple days for best flavor and texture.
Before freezing, pat the tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture on the surface. Moisture promotes ice crystal formation during freezing, which can compromise the texture. Make sure the tenders are spread out in a single layer on the paper towels so both sides have a chance to dry.
Wrapping the Chicken
It’s important to wrap or seal the tenders well before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Freezer burn occurs when moisture evaporates from the chicken due to improper wrapping. It leaves the meat dry, discolored and less flavorful.
Here are some good options for wrapping chicken tenders before freezing:
- Plastic wrap: Wrap the tenders tightly in plastic wrap, pressing out as much air as possible.
- Freezer bags: Place the tenders in freezer bags, removing excess air. You can also use a straw to suck out more air before sealing the bags.
- Vacuum sealing: For the best results, vacuum seal the chicken in special freezer bags using a vacuum sealer machine.
Freezing and Storing
For safe freezing, store chicken tenders at 0°F or below. Place wrapped tenders in a single layer on a tray or pan and freeze until solid, about 2-3 hours. Then transfer to freezer bags or other airtight containers, labeling the package with the contents and freeze-by date.
For best quality, use frozen raw chicken tenders within:
- 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture
- 6 months for good quality
- 9 months for acceptable quality
Avoid storing the chicken tenders longer than 9 months, as the texture and flavor really start to deteriorate after that point. If stored properly at 0°F or below, frozen tenders are safe indefinitely, but the quality declines over time.
Thawing and Cooking
Always thaw frozen chicken tenders in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Do not thaw at room temperature, as this allows bacteria to grow on the exterior before the interior thaws. Other safe thawing methods include:
- In the refrigerator: Overnight thawing in the fridge keeps food at a safe 40°F or below.
- In cold water: Submerge a vacuum sealed or sealed bag of tenders in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed.
- In the microwave: Thaw tenders in the microwave if cooking immediately, following manufacturer’s instructions.
Raw chicken should not be refrozen once thawed. Cook thawed tenders within 1-2 days for safety and quality.
Chicken tenders can be cooked from either a thawed or frozen state. Just increase the cooking time if cooking frozen to ensure the center reaches 165°F. Popular cooking methods include sautéing, baking, air frying, and grilling or smoking to add flavor.
Freezing Tips for Raw Chicken Tenders
Follow these tips for best results freezing raw chicken tenders:
- Choose fresh, high quality tenders and use within a couple days.
- Pat dry thoroughly before freezing to prevent ice crystals.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, freezer bags or vacuum seal bags.
- Exclude as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze on trays until solid, then transfer to bags or containers.
- Label packages with contents and freeze-by date.
- Store at 0°F or below for up to 9 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Proper wrapping technique and freezing at the right temperature are key for maintaining quality and extending freezer storage life!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do raw chicken tenders last in the freezer?
Properly frozen, raw chicken tenders will keep for up to 9 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. They are safe to eat while frozen indefinitely, but the texture and flavor will degrade over time.
Can you refreeze chicken after thawing?
It’s not recommended to refreeze raw chicken after thawing it in the refrigerator. Any bacteria that might be present could start multiplying again during the thawing process. Cook thawed chicken within 1-2 days and do not refreeze.
What happens if chicken tenders get freezer burn?
Freezer burn causes dry spots, discoloration and changes in texture. It won’t make the chicken unsafe, but it negatively impacts the quality and flavor. Prevent it by wrapping tenders airtight and freezing properly.
Is it better to freeze chicken tenders raw or cooked?
Freezing chicken raw preserves texture and flavor better than freezing cooked chicken. Raw tenders also take less time to thaw and can be cooked from frozen.
Can you bread chicken tenders before freezing?
It’s best not to bread chicken before freezing. The breading can become soggy in the freezer. Bread or coat tenders after thawing for best texture and crunch.
Freezing Other Types of Chicken
While chicken tenders are ideal for freezing, other chicken pieces can also be successfully frozen:
Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts freeze well for up to 9 months. Flatten to 1⁄2-inch thickness before freezing to ensure quick, even thawing and cooking. Wrap each breast individually.
Chicken thighs
Chicken thighs can be frozen for up to 9 months. They have slightly more fat than breasts, making them less prone to drying out. Wrap thighs individually or stack together with parchment paper between layers.
Chicken drumsticks and wings
Drumsticks and wings hold up well in the freezer for 4-6 months. Their higher skin and bone content protects them from freezer burn compared to chicken breasts. Wrap drumsticks individually and wings in serving portions.
Ground chicken
Raw ground chicken maintains quality in the freezer for 4-6 months. Portion it into recipe-sized packets wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or freezer bags before freezing.
Whole chicken
Freeze whole chickens for up to one year at 0°F or below. Place it in a freezer bag to help it keep its shape. Allow extra thawing time as needed before cooking.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Safely
It’s important to handle and cook all frozen chicken properly to reduce risk of foodborne illness:
- Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill any bacteria present.
- Use a food thermometer placed in the thickest part of the meat to check temperature.
- Wash hands, utensils and surfaces that have touched raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Don’t leave frozen or thawed chicken at room temperature for longer than 2 hours total.
Conclusion
Freezing is an excellent way to preserve the freshness and quality of raw chicken tenders for later use. With proper packaging, freeze-by dating, thawing and food safety practices, frozen tenders can keep for up to 9 months and provide delicious chicken recipes long after purchase.