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 are the perfect healthy dinner. Hundreds of 5-star reviews agree that these chicken tenders are a winner!
Top Reader Reviews
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.
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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!
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Pressure Cooker Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders have always been one of my go-to finger foods, perfect for both party appetizers and 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 tenderloins come out perfectly succulent and juicy, guaranteed! Plus these are a healthy and kid-friendly dinner idea to replace fried tenders, so it has saved me tons of stress about what to feed my little ones. My kids love these dipped in Chick-fil-a sauce, and I also use leftovers to make fajitas!
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Sear it First!
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. Be sure to add a bit of cooking oil for this step.
Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 quart)
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (*)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Combine the seasonings in a bowl, then season both sides of each chicken tender.1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon ground pepper, 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- Set the Instant Pot to sauté and brown the chicken tenders on each side for 1-2 minutes. This step is optional but seals in moisture and adds flavor. You can sear on the stovetop instead.
- 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
- 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.
- Searing the chicken first is optional, but makes a big difference in the texture and final flavor.
- Fully cooked chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165F before consuming.
- Seasoning Ideas: Try using taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, herbs de Provence, poultry seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning for a different flavor.
Note: Water, salt, pepper, oil, and broth are not counted as ingredients on this site.
Cooking Frozen Chicken Tenders
Using an Instant Pot, you can cook chicken tenders straight from frozen just as quickly and easily! No thawing or defrosting is required, just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time. I set my Instant Pot for 8 minutes instead of 6 minutes when using frozen chicken tenders. Note that the cooker may take slightly longer to come to pressure.
My one tip: frozen tenderloins will release more moisture when cooking, so you may want to use less broth (½ cup instead of 1 cup).
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.
Cook the Chicken: Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot, then layer in the chicken tenders. Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the pot, directly over the chicken. Place the lid and seal the cooker, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes (or 8 minutes if frozen). Then release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, and let the chicken tenders rest another 5 minutes before serving.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Store chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for 3 months. You can eat leftovers cold, added to salads and sandwiches. Or reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
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