My family absolutely loves these flavorful Instant Pot chicken tenders, and lucky for me, they’re really quick and easy to make! Cooking chicken tenderloins in a pressure cooker only takes 15 minutes and a few ingredients, which means I can make these any time my kids beg for them. Juicy, succulent, and rubbed in a tasty garlic and herb seasoning mix, these little tenders are the perfect dinner!
Chicken tenders have always been one of my go-to finger foods, perfect for party appetizers or easy meals. They’re always a crowd pleaser on game day, and my picky eaters never refuse them at dinnertime. When cooked in the Instant Pot, chicken tenders come out perfectly succulent and juicy, plus it’s a healthy option!
What’s in this Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe?
- Chicken Tenders: You can buy pre-cut chicken tenders (tenderloins), or buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them lengthwise into tenders.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper give this chicken a classic Italian flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken ultra-moist while it cooks in the Instant Pot.
Variations on Instapot Chicken Tenders
One of my favorite things about these chicken tenders is how versatile they are! I just change up the seasonings to add something new into the mix. Try using taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, herbs de Provence, chicken seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning.
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How to Store and Reheat
These chicken tenders are great straight out of the pressure cooker, but they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, in an airtight container. You can eat the cooked tenders cold, added to salads and sandwiches, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freeze chicken tenders in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
These Instant Pot chicken tenders are great served with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or Chick Fil A Sauce. They make a great topper for salads or a chicken tzatziki bowl, and a great filling for fajitas. Or shred them up to use in recipes like chicken chili and shredded chicken tacos.
Notes and Tips
- Searing the chicken tenders before pressure cooking is an optional step, but it creates a crisp skin, locks in moisture, and adds even more flavor. It helps to add a bit of cooking oil for this step.
- Use a trivet for best results. This lifts the chicken up so that it’s not sitting directly in the broth, or touching the surface of the pot.
Top Reader Reviews
- “This was the first recipe I made as trial and error with my new Insta pot–I have to say the tenders came out perfectly cooked. As with anything I added a little extra salt after and spiced to my personal taste. Excellent job thank you.” – Joe
- “This recipe was easy to follow and cook time made perfectly tender tenderloins.” – Toya
Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Equipment
- Instant Pot 6 quart
Instructions
- Combine the seasonings in a bowl and season both sides of each chicken tender to taste.1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, 2 pounds chicken tenders
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté (you can also do this step stovetop) and brown the chicken tenders on each side for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but seals in moisture and adds flavor.
- Place trivet inside the Instant Pot, then layer in the chicken tenders.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot, directly over the chicken.1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Put on the lid, seal the cooker, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
- When the cooking time is done, release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, then let the chicken rest another 5 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Searing/browning the chicken first is completely optional, but it helps seal in moisture, and helps create a crispier texture.
- Use a trivet to cook the tenders. If you place them straight into the pot, the bottoms will burn.
How to Make Chicken Tenders in the Instant Pot Step by Step
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper. Then use it to season 2 pounds of chicken tenders on all sides.
Brown the Tenders: This step is optional, but I definitely recommend it! Set the Instant Pot to sauté, add a bit of cooking oil, and brown the seasoned chicken tenderloins on each side for 1-2 minutes. You can also do this in a skillet on the stove top.
Place Chicken in Pot: Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot, then layer in the chicken tenders. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the pot, directly over the chicken.
Cook the Chicken: Place the lid and seal the cooker, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes. Then release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, and let the chicken tenders rest another 5 minutes.
Cooking times can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders. As a general guideline, cooking chicken tenders in the Instant Pot usually takes around 5-8 minutes on high pressure with a quick release of pressure. It’s important to always check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders in the Instant Pot. However, you may need to increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cooking frozen meat in the Instant Pot.
Using the sauté function before pressure cooking is optional but can help enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken tenders. Searing them briefly on each side in some oil or butter can provide a nice golden color and a bit of crispness. However, you can also skip this step if you prefer.
To prevent chicken tenders from drying out, it’s important not to overcook them. Follow the recommended cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the correct internal temperature of 165°F. You can also add some liquid like broth, sauce, or even water to the Instant Pot to help keep the chicken moist.
The Instant Pot cooks food through pressure cooking, which may not result in crispy chicken tenders. However, after pressure cooking, you can transfer the tenders to a baking sheet and broil them in the oven for a few minutes to achieve a crispy exterior.
Searing meat does not “seal in flavor” it adds flavor.
I followed the recipe exactly as stated right down to the 2lbs of chicken tenderloins. This chicken has no flavor at all. Very bland yet very healthy. Disappointed. Be ready to add salt for flavor.
I am sorry this didn’t work out for you!
I used different spices to fit a white bean chili recipe but the cooking directions here were perfect!! The tenders came out juicy and ready to shred.
Thanks for sharing!
This recipe was so great! I think more aged people on medication and with less taste sensitivity would benefit from doubling the seasoning amounts and adding some stronger ingredients like salt, hot sauce, and/or fish juice.
This recipe was easy to follow and cook time made perfectly tender tenderloins. However, I simply used an Italian dressing mix packet which was much easier and gave it great flavor!
Thanks for sharing!
This is so easy. I added some Italian seasoning. Delicious.
I love the addition!
This was the first recipe I made as trail and error with my new Insta pot. I have to say the tenders can out perfectly cooked. As with anything I added a little extra salt after and spice to my personal taste. Excellent job thank you.
Thanks so much for sharing, Joe!
Don’t you have to have oil to brown these chicken tenders? Did I miss something?
It’s an optional step, so I did not include the oil in the recipe!
This recipe lacked flavor.
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe, Charlotte!
I don’t recommend this recipe at all.
Adding so much water gives the chicken a boiled overcooked taste – most of the chicken is cooking in the water. I could have done that easily on my stove.
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t love this recipe, Jennifer!
This was great! I used a packet of dan-o seasoning. Also dried chicken with paper towel, coated chicken with olive oil prior to seasoning. Then browned chicken on both sides. My picky kids were happy! Sides of rice and broccoli made it an easy meal!
So happy to hear you loved this recipe, Steph!