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–+ servings
instant pot chicken tenders next to bbq sauce
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4.55 from 357 votes

Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders have never been so delicious! Cooked in the Instant Pot, these chicken tenderloins are ready to serve in 15 minutes and make for a great appetizer or meal idea.
Prep Time4 minutes
Cook Time6 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Becky Hardin

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
    Raw chicken tenderloins arranged on a cutting board.
  • 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.
    Seared chicken tenders in an Instant Pot.
  • 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
    Trivet set inside of an Instant Pot.
  • Put on the lid, seal the cooker, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
    Instant Pot sealed with a lid on top.
  • When the cooking time is done, release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release. Then let the chicken rest another 5 minutes.
    Chicken tenders stacked up on top of a trivet, inside of an Instant Pot.
  • Serve with your favorite sauce and enjoy!

Video

Notes

*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.
Tips:
  • 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.
Storage: Store Instant Pot chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days, or freeze for 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33pound | Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 602mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 51IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg