Chicken in the Instant Pot is juicy and delicious but chicken tenders in the Instant Pot? That’s another incredible recipe altogether. It’s easy, healthy, and kid-friendly.
From appetizers to the main dish, this chicken tender recipe could be anything you want. Even better, the chances of ruining it are slim. The Instant Pot is perfect for locking the juices in to deliver chicken tenders that are full of flavor.
Here’s what you need to know to make Instant Pot chicken tenders just right every time.
Instant pot chicken tenders tips for success
Before you start making your chicken tenders, try incorporating these tips for a smoother cooking process.
Use chicken broth instead of water. You can make this recipe with regular water, but using chicken broth will provide more flavor.
Let the chicken rest. After cooking, let the chicken rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before cutting or shredding it.
Use a meat thermometer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken tenders are at the safe internal heat temperature of 165° F or 74°C.
Brown the chicken. Browning is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor. Use the saute option on your Instant Pot to brown the chicken tenders for a few minutes before cooking them on a trivet.
Use the trivet. Cooking your Instant Pot tenders on a trivet prevents them from burning.
Feel free to use any seasoning and sauce of your choice. You could always season the chicken to your liking, you could make it spicy by adding some spicy peppers like cayenne pepper. For serving, try your favorite sauce for dipping, such as barbecue sauce or ranch dressing.
Natural release then quick release. When the chicken tenders are ready, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 2 to 3 minutes then do a quick release . The quick-release right after natural release prevents the chicken tenders from overcooking.
Short on time? Cook them from frozen. You could thaw the chicken tenders first before cooking or add them directly into the Instant Pot on a trivet with a little amount of broth or water underneath to help it defrost faster. You’ll do the saute step last after cooking.
- Cook on the manual high-pressure setting for about 5 minutes.
- Follow with a short natural release, then quick release.
- Drain the broth. Add olive oil into the pot, heat on saute mode. Saute the cooked tenders for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Buy chicken breast instead of chicken tenderloins to save. Chicken tenderloins are usually more expensive than chicken breast. Avoid the up-charge by purchasing chicken breast and cutting it into stripes.
Juicy Instant Pot unbreaded chicken tenderloins
Fast, easy, and healthy! These unbreaded Instant Pot chicken tenderloins are good for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken breast into even strips and rub it with ½ tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add ½ tablespoon olive oil to the instant pot and turn on the saute option.
- Sear the chicken tenders for about 1-2 minutes on both sides until they are slightly golden brown with the help of a tong. This would help the chicken get more flavor and texture.
- After searing the chicken, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
- Use chicken broth or water to deglaze the pot, make sure you scrape any extra bit of chicken stuck at the bottom of the pot with a spatula.
- Place the trivet or steamer basket and carefully put the chicken tenders on it and cover the lid.
- Press cancel on the instant pot set it on high pressure and cook for 4 minutes.
- Once the instant pot is done cooking, allow it to naturally release for 3 minutes followed by a quick release of the pressure.
- Remove from the pot and serve it however you want like using your favorite sauce or adding it to another meal.
Notes
If you are cooking frozen chicken tenders, increase the pressure cook time to 6 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 624.5 mg
- Fat: 9.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Protein: 51.6 g
- Cholesterol: 166.7 mg
