How to Reheat Chicken Tenders (4 Different Ways)

Discover four easy and effective methods to reheat chicken tenders perfectly. From the oven and toaster oven to the microwave and air fryer, learn how to restore their deliciousness with our step-by-step guide. Enjoy crispy and tender reheated chicken with these simple techniques.

Use your favorite dipping sauce and munch away!

There's nothing better than enjoying delicious chicken tenders for a meal or snack. My kids love them! Our two favorite recipes are Healthy Chicken Tenders and Oven Baked Chicken Fingers. But if you can't finish them all, saving them in an airtight container for the next day is the best option to avoid expensive food waste. 

Can You Reheat Chicken Tenders?

You can absolutely reheat chicken tenders. You can revive the crispy texture of chicken tenders, or chicken strips as they're often called, by using one of these 4 different methods to heat them back up. 

Storing Cooked Chicken for Best Results

You can easily reheat chicken tenders if they're properly stored. 

• REFRIGERATOR: Allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature and place them in an airtight container. They keep for 3-4 days. 
• FREEZER: Cool completely and flash freeze them (place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put in the freezer for 1-2 hours). Once individually frozen, place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They'll be good for up to 3 months. 

Here are all the tips for freezing and defrosting chicken.

4 Reheating Methods for Tasty Chicken Tenders

Here's how you can reheat your chicken strips to get another tasty meal!

When reheating, you want to ensure the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

1. Oven

Most homes have an oven, so reheating there is a practical option, especially if you have a larger amount of chicken to warm up.

1. When reheating chicken strips in a regular oven, preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. While things heat up, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 
3. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the baking tray without crowding them. 
4. Bake refrigerated chicken tenders for 10-15 minutes and frozen tenders for 20-25 minutes. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, 

PRO TIP: How to get extra crispy chicken? Use a wire rack and coat the chicken with oil for an extra crispy touch. Also, flip your chicken tenders halfway through for even cooking.

2. Toaster Oven

Reheating chicken tenders in the toaster oven is just as easy and gives you crispy results. This method is ideal if you have just a few leftovers. 

For best results, set your toaster oven to 400 degrees F. 

1. Put the chicken pieces on a lined baking sheet or right on the wire rack to get them extra crispy. 
2. Using this method, bake the chicken strips for 7 minutes before flipping them and cooking for 3 more minutes. 

3. Air Fryer

The best way to reheat chicken tenders is using your air fryer (our preferred method). It heats them quickly without drying them out inside, giving them a nice crispy exterior. Many people say this is their favorite method to warm them up. 

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees F. for 3 minutes. 
2. Put the chicken in your air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't overcrowd them; they need air circulation or will come out with a soggy texture. 
3. Air fry refrigerated chicken strips for 5-7 minutes. If you use frozen chicken tenders or chicken fingers, set it for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through the cooking time.

PRO TIP: Don't over-crowd the air fryer, as air needs to circulate air to crisp the chicken up!

4. Microwave

Most everyone will agree that the microwave is not the best method for reheating chicken strips, but it's an easy way. So, use the microwave if you're short on time, in a hotel or dorm room, or don't want to wait another second for a tasty snack.

1. Grab a microwave-safe plate and put your leftover chicken tenders on it.
2. Reheat for 30-second intervals. A total of one minute on high should do the trick for reheating your chicken tenders in the microwave.

PRO TIP: It's a good idea to add a damp paper towel on top, which will help keep them moist, and you should ensure space around each piece of chicken.

Quick Tips on Reheating Chicken Strips

• MEAT THERMOMETER. To avoid a foodborne illness, use a meat thermometer if you're unsure of the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat at 165 degrees F. 
• DON'T OVERHEAT. Regardless of your chosen method, ensure you avoid overheating your chicken strips. Overheating can cause them to become chewy and tough. Among the methods, using the microwave is the most likely to result in that undesirable texture. So, if you're using the microwave, be sure to consume the chicken strips before they cool down entirely.
• REMOVE SAUCE. Make sure you scrape off any sauce from the leftover chicken pieces. Otherwise, they will get soggy when reheated again.
• DON'T REHEAT MULTIPLE TIMES. Chicken tenders can withstand one reheating, but they will dry out after that. 
• REHEATING TIMES CAN VARY. The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Larger pieces will take longer.

Patience pays off if you take the time to reheat your tenders in the air fryer, oven, or toaster oven. It will ensure they have a texture and taste like they did when you first made them or brought your hot chicken tenders home! 

Our family enjoys leftover chicken tenders in wraps or on top of salads. 

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