Hey there, kitchen friends!
Want to know a dinner secret that'll make you feel like a cooking superhero? These Instant Pot chicken tenders are about to rock your world!
Picture this: perfectly juicy Instant Pot chicken tenders that are so tender they practically melt in your mouth - and get this - they're ready in just minutes! It's like having a magic wand for dinner! ✨
You're going to love this recipe because:
- It's basically foolproof (seriously, it's hard to mess up!)
- Perfect for those "I need dinner NOW" moments
- The kids will actually eat it (no more dinner table battles!)
- The chicken turns out so juicy, you'll think you ordered takeout!
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Hey there! Let me tell you why these Instant Pot chicken tenders are about to become your new favorite recipe!
Ever wonder how to get super juicy chicken without watching it like a hawk? That's where your Instant Pot comes in - it's like having a kitchen assistant who never messes up!
Think of your Instant Pot as a flavor vault - once you close that lid, all the juicy goodness stays locked inside your chicken. No more dry, sad chicken tenders! These come out perfectly moist every single time (like magic! ✨).
You'll love these tenders because:
- They're practically impossible to mess up (seriously!)
- They stay super juicy (no more hockey puck chicken!)
- Perfect for busy nights when you need dinner ASAP
- Great for meal prep - make a batch on Sunday and you're set!
Want to know the best part? While your Instant Pot chicken tenders does all the work, you can kick back and relax (or help with homework, or catch up on your show, or whatever!). It's like having a personal chef, but way more affordable!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
- Ingredients
- Instant Pot chicken tenders Instructions
- Pro Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Equipment For Instant Pot chicken tenders
- Storage Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Dietary Adaptations
- Grandma's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Perfectly Tender Instant Pot Chicken Tenders – Quick, Juicy & Flavor-Packed!
- Related
- Pairing
- Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Let's get your shopping list together for these amazing chicken tenders! ????
What You'll Need:
- Chicken tenderloins (2 pounds) - pick fresh ones if you can!
- Chicken broth (1 cup) - this keeps everything super juicy
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons) - helps make them extra tender
Your Flavor Squad (AKA seasonings!):
- Garlic powder (2 teaspoons) - because garlic makes everything better!
- Onion powder (2 teaspoons) - adds that savory yumminess
- Paprika (1 teaspoon) - for a touch of color and flavor
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) - brings that herb magic
- Salt (1 teaspoon) - the flavor enhancer!
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon) - gives it a little zip
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon) - totally optional, but so good!
Instant Pot chicken tenders Instructions
Let's make some amazing chicken tenders together - it's easier than you think! ????????
First Up - Let's Get Those Flavors Ready:
- Mix up your seasoning dream team in a bowl (all those yummy spices!)
- Pat your chicken dry (like giving it a little towel massage!)
- Give those tenders a nice olive oil jacket and season them up good!
Getting Your Instant Pot Ready (Super Easy!):
- Pour in your chicken broth - this is like making a flavor hot tub!
- Pop in that trivet (it's like a chicken diving board!)
- Lay out your seasoned tenders - try not to let them snuggle too much
Time for the Magic! ✨
- Lock that lid and flip the valve to "Sealing"
- Hit "Pressure Cook" (or "Manual" - same thing!)
- Set it for 4 minutes - yep, that's all it takes!
- When it beeps, give it 2 minutes to chill (natural release)
- Then carefully let out the rest of the steam (watch your hands!)
Pro Tips
- Don't skip patting the chicken dry – this step ensures better seasoning adhesion
- Avoid stacking chicken tenders to ensure even cooking
- If cooking frozen tenders, increase cooking time to 6 minutes
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking for optimal juiciness
Serving Suggestions
These versatile chicken tenders pair wonderfully with:
- Fresh garden salad
- Steamed vegetables
- Rice or quinoa
- Homemade dipping sauces
- Pasta dishes
Equipment For Instant Pot chicken tenders
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
- Trivet or steamer basket
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Place cooled tenders in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Warm in microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through
Recipe Variations
- Lemon Herb
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and fresh herbs to the seasoning mix
- Spicy Buffalo
- Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce before serving
- Asian-Inspired
- Replace seasonings with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic
Dietary Adaptations
- Keto/Low-Carb: This recipe is naturally low-carb
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free
- Dairy-Free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free
Grandma's Magic Touch
Hey there! Let me share some cozy kitchen wisdom that makes these Instant Pot Chicken Tenders extra special!
You know what makes comfort food taste even better? Those precious cooking secrets passed down through generations! My grandma (the queen of perfect chicken!) always had the most amazing tricks for making her Instant Pot chicken tenders absolutely incredible.
"The secret," she'd say with that loving smile, "is treating your chicken right!" Here are her special touches that make these tenders pure magic:
- She'd always pat the chicken super dry - "Moisture is the enemy of seasoning, sweetheart!"
- Her spice trick? "Mix the seasonings in your palm first and rub them together - it wakes up the flavors!"
- Before cooking, she'd let the seasoned chicken rest for 10 minutes - "Give those spices time to make friends!"
- And her brilliant broth tip? "Add just a tiny splash of lemon juice to the broth - it makes the chicken extra tender!"
Sure, she might giggle at using an Instant Pot (she swore by her old cast iron skillet!), but even she'd have to admit - these little tricks make any chicken dish taste like it came straight from Grandma's kitchen!
Want your chicken tenders to taste like they're wrapped in a warm hug? Just follow these loving little details! Want more of Grandma's chicken secrets? Just ask!
FAQ
How long does chicken take in the Instant Pot?
The cooking time depends on the cut and thickness of the chicken. For boneless, skinless chicken tenders, they typically take 6–8 minutes on high pressure, followed by a quick release. If cooking frozen chicken tenders, add 2–3 extra minutes to the cook time.
How long does it take to cook a raw chicken tender?
In an Instant Pot, raw chicken tenders cook in about 6 minutes on high pressure, with a quick release. If sautéing first, reduce pressure cook time to 5 minutes for extra tenderness.
Why does my Instant Pot chicken come out rubbery?
Rubbery Instant Pot chicken tenders typically results from overcooking or quick pressure release. To prevent this: use the correct cooking time (5-6 minutes for tenders), allow natural release for at least 5 minutes, avoid stacking chicken pieces, and ensure adequate liquid (1 cup minimum). Adding a marinade or broth instead of plain water can also help maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.
Does chicken have to be covered in liquid in the Instant Pot?
No, but you do need at least ½ to 1 cup of liquid (such as broth or water) in the Instant Pot for proper pressure cooking. The steam generated is what cooks the chicken efficiently. However, the chicken does not need to be fully submerged—just enough liquid to create steam and prevent burning.
Perfectly Tender Instant Pot Chicken Tenders – Quick, Juicy & Flavor-Packed!
Craving a quick and delicious dinner? These Instant Pot Chicken Tenders are your answer! Juicy, tender, and infused with a savory garlic-herb seasoning, they come together in minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
We’d love to hear from you! How did your chicken tenders turn out? Share your thoughts in the comments and drop a star rating. Your feedback helps our food-loving community!
Did you put your own spin on it? Maybe a squeeze of lemon, a dash of spice, or a special dipping sauce? We love seeing your creative twists! Post a photo of your masterpiece and inspire fellow home cooks.
Looking for more easy meals? Try our comforting Easy Turkey Soup Recipe or wow your family with a fun and flavorful Easy Taco Ring Recipe—both guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Don’t forget to tag #Tastyeatsco on social media so we can celebrate your kitchen wins together!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- Instant Pot (6 or 8 quart)
- Trivet or steamer basket
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins Fresh preferred
- 1 cup chicken broth Low sodium recommended
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For coating the chicken
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder Flavor boost
- 2 teaspoons onion powder Savory depth
- 1 teaspoon paprika Adds color & mild heat
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano Optional herbaceous note
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper For a slight kick
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning Optional for extra flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Seasoning
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure better seasoning adherence.
- Coat the chicken tenders evenly with olive oil and the seasoning mixture.
Prepare the Instant Pot
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Place the trivet or steamer basket inside.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders on the trivet, avoiding overlap when possible.
Pressure Cook
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing."
- Select "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" (depending on your model).
- Set timer for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking completes, allow 2 minutes for natural pressure release.
- After 2 minutes, carefully perform a quick release of remaining pressure.
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