Want a quick and easy way to make chicken tenders in Instant Pot? This foolproof recipe is your new weeknight hero! With minimal prep and under 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have perfectly juicy tenders ready to serve. For more tasty variations, try our gluten-free chicken tenders, low-carb chicken tenders, or low-carb chicken fingers.
I discovered this Instant Pot chicken tenders method during a hectic week when I needed dinner fast. The Instant Pot worked its magic, delivering tender, flavorful chicken my family couldn’t stop raving about. Now, it’s my go-to for a quick dinner fix! For more easy meals, try our healthy Instant Pot chicken, garlic chicken, or bone-in chicken breast.
What You'll Love About This Recipe
- Time-Saving Wonder - From start to finish, these chicken tenders in Instant Pot take less than 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Foolproof Results - The Instant Pot's precise cooking environment ensures perfectly cooked, tender chicken every single time.
- Versatile Base - These chicken tenders can be used in countless meals from salads to wraps to pasta dishes.
Recipe Ingredients
Everything you need for perfect chicken tenders in Instant Pot is likely already in your pantry! The simple seasoning blend creates a versatile flavor profile that pairs well with almost any side dish.
- Chicken tenders
- Italian seasoning
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Ground pepper
- Chicken broth
- Optional ingredients for honey mustard dipping sauce:
- Dijon mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Honey
- Cayenne pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Tenders - If you can't find chicken tenders, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just be sure they're approximately the same size for even cooking.
- Chicken Broth - I recommend using low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level. The broth creates steam for pressure cooking while adding flavor to the chicken.
- Seasonings - Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste preferences. The Italian seasoning provides a nice herb base, but you could substitute with taco seasoning, cajun seasoning, or any other blend you enjoy.
How to Cook Chicken Tenders in Instant Pot
For the complete printable recipe with detailed measurements and instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Here's a quick overview of the process:
- Season the chicken by combining all spices and applying to both sides of tenders
- Optional sauté step to brown the chicken for added flavor
- Add trivet and broth to the Instant Pot
- Arrange chicken on the trivet
- Pressure cook for 6 minutes on HIGH
- Natural release for a few minutes, then quick release
- Rest chicken for 5 minutes before serving
- Serve with optional spicy honey mustard dipping sauce
Pro Tips
For the juiciest chicken tenders in Instant Pot, don't skip the resting period after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful, tender chicken. Also, if you're cooking frozen chicken tenders, add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time and make sure they're arranged in a single layer for even cooking.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration - Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They're perfect for meal prep salads throughout the week!
- Freezing - These chicken tenders freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating - For best results, reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed through. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough or dry.
Additions & Substitutions
Additions:
- Add a splash of lemon juice to the seasoning for bright, citrusy notes
- Include sliced onions and bell peppers at the bottom of the pot for a complete one-pot meal
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor
- Brush with barbecue sauce after cooking and broil for 2 minutes for a delicious twist
Substitutions:
- Swap chicken tenders for chicken thighs (adjust cooking time to 10 minutes)
- Replace Italian seasoning with ranch seasoning mix for a different flavor profile
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed
- Substitute honey in the dipping sauce with maple syrup for a different sweetness
FAQs about Chicken Tenders in Instant Pot
How do you not overcook chicken in an Instant Pot?
Does chicken get more tender the longer you cook it in an Instant Pot?
How long to cook raw chicken tenderloins?
What Can I Serve with Chicken Tenders in Instant Pot?
These versatile chicken tenders in Instant Pot pair beautifully with so many sides! Try them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad. They're also perfect for slicing and adding to pasta, wraps, or grain bowls.
If you try this recipe, I'd love to hear how it turned out! Please leave a comment below and share your experience. Your feedback helps other readers and inspires me to create more delicious recipes for you!
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Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 quart)
- Trivet
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
Cooking Liquid
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Combine Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and pepper in a bowl. Season both sides of each chicken tender.
- (Optional) Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add a small amount of oil if needed. Brown the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes on each side.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot. Add the chicken tenders on top of the trivet. Pour in the chicken broth.
- Close the lid and seal. Set the Instant Pot to HIGH pressure for 6 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for a few minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
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