How to Make the Juiciest and Most Tender Chicken

Chicken is one of the most versatile and popular meats around the world, but cooking it right can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it comes to chicken tenders. Chicken tenders are a popular cut of chicken, perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. But if you don’t know how to cook them properly, they can easily turn out dry or chewy. In this article, we’ll show you how to make chicken tenders that are juicy and tender every time.

The key to making tender and juicy chicken tenders is to not overcook them. Chicken tenders are thin strips of meat, so they cook quickly. Overcooking them will cause the meat to dry out, resulting in tough and chewy chicken. To avoid this, we recommend cooking chicken tenders for no longer than 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the meat. This way, they will cook evenly and remain tender and juicy in the center. Read on for more tips on how to make chicken tenders that are moist and delicious.

10 Methods to Make the Most Tender Chicken

If you’re looking for ways to make your chicken dishes more tender and juicy, then look no further. Here are ten different methods to help you achieve the tenderest chicken every time.

1. Brine the Chicken

Brining chicken involves soaking it in a solution of salt and water for several hours. This process helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender and juicy.

To brine chicken, mix 1 cup of salt with 1 gallon of water in a large container. Add your chicken to the container and let it sit for at least 2 hours in the fridge.

2. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating chicken in an acidic mixture, like lemon juice or vinegar, can help to break down its fibers and make it more tender. Overnight marination in the fridge is better.

Choose your marinade and let the chicken bathe in it overnight before cooking.

3. Use a Meat Tenderizer

A meat tenderizer is a tool that can help you achieve more tender and juicy chicken. Simply use it to pound the chicken breasts until they’re thinner and more uniform in thickness.

4. Cook on a Lower Heat

Cooking chicken on high heat for too long can cause it to dry out and become tough. Try cooking it on a lower heat for a longer period of time to help retain moisture.

5. Use a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers can help to tenderize chicken by cooking it on a low heat for a long period of time. This method is great for making stews and soups or for cooking whole chicken.

6. Rest the Chicken

After cooking, let your chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will help to lock in the juices and make it more tender.

7. Add a Cooled Liquid

Adding a cooled liquid, like chicken stock or water, to your chicken while it’s cooking can help to keep it moist and tender. It also adds flavor to the dish.

8. Cut Against the Grain

When cutting your chicken, be sure to cut against the grain. This will help to break down the fibers and make it more tender.

9. Use a Sous Vide

A sous vide machine can help you achieve perfectly cooked and tender chicken every time. Simply season your chicken, vacuum-seal it, and let it cook in the sous vide for a few hours.

10. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Different cuts of chicken vary in tenderness. For example, chicken thighs are typically more tender than chicken breasts. Choose the right cut of chicken for the recipe you’re making to achieve the best results.

10 Tips for Making Perfectly Tender Chicken

There’s nothing more disappointing than biting into a dry, tough chicken breast. But fear not, here are ten tips for making chicken so tender, you’ll melt with every bite.

1. Brine the Chicken

One of the easiest and most effective ways to make chicken tender is to brine it. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a solution of salt and water for at least an hour before cooking. This process helps to break down the meat fibers and infuse flavor into the chicken. For a basic brine, combine one gallon of water with one cup of kosher salt and one cup of sugar.

2. Pound it Flat

Another way to make chicken tender is to pound it flat. This technique is especially useful for thin cuts of chicken, such as cutlets. Using a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

There’s nothing worse than overcooking chicken and turning it into a dry, rubbery mess. To prevent this, invest in a meat thermometer and use it to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. Cook white meat chicken to 165°F and dark meat to 175°F.

4. Marinate the Chicken

Marinating chicken not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. Acidic marinades, such as those made with citrus or vinegar, work best for tenderizing chicken. Just be sure not to marinate the chicken for too long, as the acid can actually begin to cook and toughen the meat.

5. Use Low and Slow Cooking Methods

Slow-cooking methods, such as braising and stewing, are great for making chicken tender. These methods involve cooking the chicken in a liquid over low heat for an extended period of time. The liquid helps to infuse flavor and moisture into the meat, resulting in incredibly tender chicken.

6. Let it Rest

After cooking, be sure to let the chicken rest for at least five minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier, more tender chicken.

7. Cook with Bone-In Chicken

Bone-in chicken is naturally more tender than boneless chicken because the bones help to insulate the meat and keep it moist during cooking. Plus, cooking with bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to your dish.

8. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken

Some cuts of chicken are naturally more tender than others. For example, chicken thighs are more tender than chicken breasts because they have a higher fat content. When cooking chicken, consider using thighs, drumsticks, or wings for the most tender results.

9. Cut Against the Grain

When slicing chicken, be sure to cut against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fiber. Cutting against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers and make the chicken more tender.

10. Use a Pressure Cooker

If you’re short on time but still want to make tender chicken, consider using a pressure cooker. Pressure cooking involves cooking the chicken under high pressure, which helps to break down the meat fibers and infuse flavor into the meat. Plus, pressure cooking is much faster than other cooking methods, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

3. Best Ways to Cook Chicken Tender

Chicken tenderloins may look delicate and small, but they pack a lot of flavor. When prepared correctly, they can be a delicious and versatile protein to serve for any meal. Here are some of the best ways to cook chicken tender:

1. Grilling

Grilling is one of the easiest ways to cook chicken tender. It’s also one of the healthiest, as grilling allows the excess fat to drip away from the chicken, leaving you with a lean and tasty protein. You can marinate the chicken before grilling it to add more flavor, or season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the chicken tender for about 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

2. Baking

Baking is another simple and healthy way to cook chicken tender. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the chicken with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Bake the chicken tender for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

3. Pan-searing

Pan-searing is a popular method for cooking chicken tender because it locks in the natural juices and flavors. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, coat it with oil, and sear the chicken tender for 2-3 minutes per side until it’s golden brown. Once you’ve seared the chicken tender on both sides, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Air-frying

Air-frying is a great alternative to deep-frying when it comes to preparing chicken tender. It’s also a healthier option that requires little to no oil. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, add the chicken tender to the basket, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Flip the chicken tender halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.

5. Slow-cooking

If you’re looking for a set-it-and-forget-it method, slow-cooking is a great option for chicken tender. Place the chicken tender in a slow cooker, and cover it with your favorite sauce or broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This method produces tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for shredding and adding to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

No matter which cooking method you choose, always make sure to take the internal temperature of the chicken tender to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once it reaches 165°F, remove it from the heat source, and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute and produce the most flavorful chicken tender.

That’s how you make tender chicken!

Thanks for reading this article and I hope it was helpful for you. Cooking is a fun experience and I encourage you to keep experimenting with different recipes and techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect. Come back soon for more cooking tips and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!