Cook chicken tenders in a crockpot on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Long To Cook Chicken Tenders In Crockpot
Crockpots are a lifesaver – toss in a few ingredients, and voila, a hot meal awaits you! Chicken tenders are a particularly easy and tasty option for the crockpot. But just how long should they cook?
The answer depends on your heat setting:
- High Setting: Cook for 2-3 hours.
- Low Setting: Cook for 4-6 hours.
It’s always best to double-check doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why Use a Crockpot for Chicken Tenders?
Got a few reasons for you! Here’s why a crockpot is a fantastic way to whip up chicken tenders:
- Effortless: It doesn’t get much easier than throwing everything in the pot and hitting start.
- Fork-Tender Results: The slow cooking process breaks down the meat, yielding incredibly tender and juicy tenders.
- Hands-Off Cooking: No need to worry about flipping or stirring, perfect for busy days.
- Flavor Infusion: Your choice of seasonings and sauces have ample time to permeate the chicken.
Basic Crockpot Chicken Tenders
Want a simple base recipe? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Place chicken tenders in the crockpot.
- Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred or serve whole.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Tenders
Here are some tips for maximizing your crockpot chicken tender success:
- Thaw First: Frozen chicken can release extra liquid and affect cooking time. Thaw for best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure the chicken has some space for even cooking.
- A Little Liquid Goes a Long Way: You don’t need to submerge the chicken fully. This prevents the flavors from diluting.
- Choose Your Flavor Adventure: Play around with different spices, sauces, and additions like vegetables.
Flavor Variations
The possibilities are nearly endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:
| Flavor | Additional Ingredients |
| Buffalo | Hot sauce, ranch dressing mix, butter |
| BBQ | BBQ sauce, onion powder, paprika |
| Honey Garlic | Honey, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar |
| Italian | Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, bell peppers |
| Teriyaki | Teriyaki sauce, brown sugar, ginger |
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot chicken tenders are amazingly versatile. Here are some serving ideas:
- In wraps or sandwiches
- On top of salads
- As a taco filling
- With your favorite dipping sauces
- Alongside rice and vegetables
Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to handle them:
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Can I Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders in a Crockpot?
While it’s not ideal, technically, yes, you can cook frozen chicken tenders in a crockpot. However, there are some important points to keep in mind:
- Longer Cooking Time: Frozen chicken will take significantly longer to cook. Add at least an extra hour to your cooking time.
- Food Safety: Always double-check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
- Potential for Mushy Texture: Freezing and then slow-cooking the chicken can make the texture a bit less appealing.
For the best results, it’s recommended to thaw chicken tenders before cooking them in the crockpot.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Crockpot?
Absolutely! Crockpot cooking is all about customization. Here are some ingredients that pair well with chicken tenders:
- Vegetables: Onions, bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, potatoes – pick your favorites! Just ensure larger or denser vegetables are cut into smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Sauces: Experiment with different premade sauces or whip up your own.
- Starches: Cook rice or even small pasta shapes directly in the crockpot with the chicken. Just add them during the last hour of cooking for optimal texture.
Troubleshooting Crockpot Chicken Tenders
Here’s a quick guide to tackle common issues:
Problem: Chicken is Dry
- Possible Causes: Overcooking, not enough liquid, or using lean breast meat.
- Solutions: Check doneness early, add a touch more liquid if needed, or try using chicken thighs instead of tenders for even juicier results.
Problem: Chicken is Mushy
- Possible Causes: Cooking on high for too long, using frozen chicken, or overcrowding the crockpot.
- Solutions: Switch to the low setting, thaw chicken first, and cook in batches if needed.
Problem: Flavors are Bland
- Possible Causes: Not enough seasoning, too much liquid, or not browning the chicken first.
- Solutions: Be generous with spices and herbs, reduce the amount of liquid, or sear the chicken briefly in a pan for extra flavor before adding it to the crockpot.
Nutritional Information
Chicken tenders are a good source of lean protein. Here’s some approximate nutritional information for a 3-ounce serving of plain, cooked chicken tenders:
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 120-150 |
| Protein | 25-30 grams |
| Fat | 2-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 0 grams |
Conclusion- How Long To Cook Chicken Tenders In Crockpot?
Cooking chicken tenders in a crockpot is a simple and satisfying way to get a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort. Just remember, cooking times for chicken tenders in a crockpot will depend mainly on whether you’re cooking on low or high. And, always ensure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving for ultimate food safety.