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!
Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe
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!
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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.
How to Freeze
Freeze chicken tenders in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Notes and Tips
- You can buy pre-cut chicken tenders (tenderloins), or buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them lengthwise into tenders.
- If using frozen tenders, you’ll need to cook the tenders for an extra minute or two.
- 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.
- Try using taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, herbs de Provence, chicken seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning for a different flavor.
- They make a great topper for salads or a chicken tzatziki bowl, and a great filling for fajitas.
Top Reader Review
“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
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
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.
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