Unlock the secret to incredibly moist, tender, and flavor-packed chicken strips with our ultimate Instant Pot Chicken Tenders recipe. This guide will show you how to prepare perfect chicken tenderloins in your pressure cooker, whether they’re fresh or frozen, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights. Forget long marinating times or messy frying – the Instant Pot delivers juicy results in a fraction of the time, transforming a simple ingredient into a versatile meal that the whole family will adore.
Known by many names – chicken strips, chicken tenders, or even chicken fingers – these beloved pieces of poultry are a universal favorite. What truly sets this recipe apart is the magic of the pressure cooker. It guarantees consistently perfect results, locking in moisture and flavor, even when starting with frozen chicken tenderloins straight from the freezer. This eliminates the need for prior thawing, saving you precious time and effort without compromising on taste or texture. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly and effortlessly you can achieve restaurant-quality chicken tenders right in your own kitchen!
Why These Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Are a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about cooking chicken; it’s about transforming your weeknight dinner routine. Here’s why these Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins will become a staple in your home:
Unbeatably Quick and Convenient
In today’s fast-paced world, time is a luxury. This recipe understands that, delivering perfectly cooked chicken tenders in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. This includes prep, sautéing, pressure cooking, and natural release. It’s the ultimate solution for those evenings when you need a delicious, homemade meal on the table in a flash, without resorting to fast food or complex culinary endeavors.A True Family Favorite Dish
It’s rare to find a meal that genuinely pleases everyone, from picky toddlers to discerning adults. These Instant Pot chicken tenders fit the bill perfectly. Their universally appealing taste and tender texture make them an instant hit. Serve them with a selection of dipping sauces, and watch as smiles light up around the dinner table. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy, making mealtime a breeze for parents and a delight for kids.Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion
The beauty of these chicken tenders lies in their adaptability. They’re fantastic as a standalone main course, paired with your favorite side dishes for a complete and satisfying dinner. But don’t stop there! They also make excellent appetizers for parties, a protein-packed snack for after-school hunger, or even a healthy addition to salads and wraps for lunch. Their simple preparation means you can easily integrate them into various meal plans throughout the week.Healthy and Customizable
Unlike many fried versions, these Instant Pot chicken tenders are prepared with minimal oil and packed with protein. You have complete control over the seasonings, allowing you to tailor them to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Opt for gluten-free broths and spice blends for a clean-eating option, or get creative with different flavor profiles like a zesty lemon-herb or a smoky BBQ rub.
🍲 New to Instant Pot Pressure Cooking?
Embarking on your Instant Pot journey is exciting! Before you dive into this recipe, we strongly recommend reading your owner’s manual. While cooking times are generally consistent across brands, each model operates with slight variations in its interface and features. For comprehensive guidance, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Instructions and Top 10 Tips & Hacks. These resources are invaluable for both new owners and seasoned IP users looking to refresh their knowledge and master their appliance!
Essential Ingredients and Smart Substitutions
Creating succulent Instant Pot chicken tenders starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful notes and substitution ideas:
- Chicken Tenderloins or Chicken Breasts Cut into Strips – The star of our dish! Chicken tenderloins are naturally lean and tender, making them ideal for quick cooking. If you only have chicken breasts, simply slice them into uniform 1-inch thick strips. Our quick and easy guide on how to cut chicken breasts into tenders is very helpful for achieving consistent sizes, which ensures even cooking.
- Chicken Broth – This is the essential liquid for pressure cooking, creating steam and preventing scorching. Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the salt content of your dish. Vegetable broth or even water can be used as a substitute, though chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Olive Oil: A little oil helps the seasonings adhere and creates a beautiful sear during the sautéing phase. Choose a high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer, as they have higher smoke points.
- Paprika – Adds a vibrant color and a mild, sweet, peppery flavor that complements chicken beautifully. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper, more robust flavor profile.
- Onion Powder – Contributes a savory, aromatic depth without the texture of fresh onion.
- Garlic Powder – A fundamental seasoning that provides a warm, pungent flavor, essential for well-rounded chicken.
- Salt – Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors. We recommend fine sea salt, but kosher salt works well too. Adjust to your taste, especially if using regular chicken broth.
- Ground Black Pepper – Adds a touch of mild spice and an aromatic kick. Freshly ground pepper is always recommended for the best flavor.
Customizing Your Seasonings – While our blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper provides a classic, delicious flavor, don’t hesitate to experiment! For a zesty, herbaceous twist, consider adding dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary. If you’re craving a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder can elevate the spice level. Or, for a uniquely bold and savory kick, try our taco seasoning for chicken recipe!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins
Achieving perfectly tender and juicy chicken in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a flawless meal every time:
- Prepare the Tenders with Flavorful Seasonings – Begin by adding half a tablespoon of olive oil to your Instant Pot. Select the ‘Sauté’ function and let the pot preheat for a few minutes. While the pot is heating, lightly brush your chicken tenderloins with the remaining half tablespoon of olive oil. In a shallow dish, combine the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Dip each chicken strip into this seasoning blend, pressing gently to ensure the herbs and spices adhere evenly to the chicken’s surface. This coating will create a delicious crust during sautéing.
- Sauté for Golden Perfection – Once the Instant Pot indicates it’s hot (usually with a “Hot” display or after a few minutes of heating), carefully add the seasoned chicken tenders to the pot in a single layer. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can steam the chicken instead of browning it. Sauté the chicken strips for 1-2 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful light golden-brown color. This crucial step adds a layer of depth and flavor through the Maillard reaction. Using tongs, remove the browned chicken strips from the pot and transfer them to a clean plate. Press ‘Cancel’ on your Instant Pot to turn off the Sauté function.
- Pressure Cook to Juicy Tenderness – Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot liner, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (this prevents a “burn” notice). Place the metal trivet (or a silicone sling) at the bottom of the liner, with the handles facing up for easy removal. Carefully arrange the sautéed chicken strips on the trivet, making sure they are elevated above the liquid. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent knob is set to ‘Sealing’. Select the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ function and set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Perfect Pressure Release and Serve! – Once the pressure cooking cycle is complete, the Instant Pot will beep and switch to ‘Keep Warm’. Allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 3 minutes. This means letting the pressure drop on its own without touching the vent. After 3 minutes, carefully perform a quick release by turning the vent knob to ‘Venting’. Stand clear of the steam. Once the float valve drops, indicating all pressure has been released, carefully open the lid. Use the trivet handles to lift out the chicken tenders. Serve these wonderfully tender and juicy chicken strips immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as our 3-ingredient BBQ sauce, creamy ranch, or delightful spicy honey mustard.
Mastering the Pressure Cooker: Pro Tips for Success
Even though Instant Pot cooking is generally straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your chicken tenders from good to exceptional:
- Ensure Even Seasoning by Pressing Firmly.
After lightly brushing your chicken with oil, take the time to gently press the tenderloins into the seasoning blend. This isn’t just about getting the spices to stick; it ensures an even coating on all sides. An even coating means every bite will be infused with flavor, and you’ll achieve a more consistent golden crust during sautéing. - Always Sauté Chicken Strips Before Pressure Cooking.
This step is often overlooked but is absolutely vital for flavor development. Sautéing the chicken creates a beautiful, light golden-brown crust through the Maillard reaction. This process caramelizes the natural sugars and proteins on the chicken’s surface, adding incredible depth and a savory richness that pressure cooking alone cannot achieve. It also helps to prevent the chicken from becoming “boiled” tasting. - Cook Chicken on a Metal Trivet or Silicone Sling.
Placing the chicken directly in the liquid during pressure cooking can result in a less desirable texture and wash away your carefully applied seasonings. Using a metal trivet or a silicone sling keeps the chicken elevated above the broth. This allows the chicken to steam cook evenly while retaining its golden color from sautéing and all its flavorful seasoning, ensuring each tender is perfectly cooked without becoming soggy. - Don’t Overcrowd the Pot.
When sautéing the chicken, work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the Instant Pot liner lowers the temperature and causes the chicken to steam rather than brown, leading to a pale, less flavorful exterior. Allow enough space between the pieces for proper searing. - Always Add Enough Liquid.
Pressure cookers require liquid to create steam and build pressure. Ensure you always add the minimum amount of liquid specified (usually 1 cup for most recipes) to prevent a “burn” notice and ensure your Instant Pot can properly come to pressure and cook the food. - Respect the Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
For this recipe, allowing a 3-minute natural pressure release before performing a quick release is crucial. NPR allows the internal temperature of the chicken to stabilize, preventing it from drying out and ensuring it remains incredibly juicy and tender. Skipping this step can lead to tough, rubbery chicken.
Delightful Serving Suggestions
These versatile Instant Pot chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a wide array of side dishes and dipping sauces, making them perfect for any meal:
Starchy Sides:
- For a hearty meal, serve them alongside some comforting Instant Pot mashed potatoes (no drain), a creamy copycat hash brown casserole, or simple yet elegant basmati rice in the Instant Pot.
- Consider adding a unique touch with fried wontons for a delightful textural contrast.
Fresh Vegetable Sides:
- Balance your meal with a healthy dose of vegetables like vibrant roasted asparagus and carrots, crisp Instant Pot fresh green beans, or perfectly steamed broccoli cooked in your pressure cooker.
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also makes an excellent fresh accompaniment.
Irresistible Dipping Sauces:
- No chicken tender meal is complete without delicious dipping sauces! Our 3-ingredient BBQ sauce offers a sweet and tangy kick.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, our spicy honey mustard is a must-try.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, whip up a batch of our creamy and flavorful bang bang chicken sauce.
- Classic options like ranch dressing, ketchup, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice are also always popular.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
Here are some common questions to help you perfect your Instant Pot chicken tenderloins:
While technically possible, it’s highly recommended to use an elevated trivet or a silicone sling. If you cook the chicken strips directly in the broth, they will essentially boil, losing their beautiful golden crust from sautéing and much of their seasoning. The trivet keeps them elevated, allowing them to steam cook while retaining their texture and flavor.
Rubbery chicken in the Instant Pot is usually a sign of overcooking. If the chicken is pressure-cooked for too long, or if you skip the crucial 3-minute natural pressure release (NPR) and go straight to quick release, the meat can become dry and tough. The NPR step allows the internal temperature to equalize, resulting in juicier, more tender chicken.
For chicken tenderloins, the active pressure cooking time is about 5 minutes at high pressure. However, you also need to account for 1-2 minutes of sautéing to brown the chicken, and approximately 3 minutes for a natural pressure release. Additionally, the Instant Pot needs time to come to pressure (usually 5-10 minutes). So, the total hands-on time from start to finish is typically around 10-12 minutes, plus the initial heating time.
Yes, absolutely! One of the fantastic advantages of the Instant Pot is its ability to cook food directly from frozen. For frozen chicken tenderloins, follow the specific instructions in the “Notes” section of the recipe card below. Generally, you’ll pressure cook them first, then sauté and season.
This recipe is optimized for standard chicken tenderloin thickness. If your chicken pieces are significantly thicker (e.g., cut from large chicken breasts), you might need to add 1-2 minutes to the pressure cooking time. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safety.
Yes, you can easily double this recipe, provided your Instant Pot is large enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer for sautéing (or in batches) and without exceeding the MAX fill line during pressure cooking. The pressure cooking time will remain the same, as it’s determined by the thickness of the individual pieces, not the overall volume.
Store cooked and cooled chicken strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen chicken strips in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or gently in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
If you’re craving more delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out some of our other favorites!
- Nashville Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Shake and Bake Chicken Breast (Tenderloins)
- Baked Chicken Breast Strips
- Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta
We hope you love these Instant Pot chicken tenders as much as we do! If you tried this chicken tenders recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Your feedback helps us continue to create delicious and easy recipes for you. Thanks for visiting!
Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins
Recipe by Renae Gerhardstein
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker)
- trivet or sling
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (fresh or frozen) *for frozen, see notes below*
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Add 1/2 Tbsp of olive oil to the pressure cooker. Press the Sauté function button. While the pressure cooker is coming to pressure (this takes a few minutes) lightly brush the chicken tenderloins with 1/2 tablespoon of oil. Combine the seasonings together in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken strips into the seasonings, pressing gently all around to coat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenders to the pot. Sauté chicken strips for 1-2 minutes on each side, until light golden in color. Use tongs to remove the strips from the pot and transfer them to a plate.
- Add chicken broth to the pot, and add the metal trivet to the pot leaving the handles up. Place the chicken strips on the trivet. Press cancel and manually set the pressure cooker to high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once pressure cooking is done, allow the pot to naturally release pressure for 3 minutes. Then manually perform a quick release of the pressure. Serve the chicken tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Video
Notes
- Pressure cook the chicken first. Pour the chicken broth into the pressure cooker and add the metal trivet. Place the chicken tenderloins on the trivet, and seal the lid. Select manual high-pressure cooking setting for 5 minutes. After the Instant Pot cooking is done, allow the pressure cooker to do a natural release for 3 minutes. Then, initiate a quick release.
- Using tongs, remove chicken tenderloins from the pot. Press cancel. Use pot holders to drain the chicken broth from the pot.
- Press the sauté function button. Then add oil to the bottom of the Instant Pot and allow to heat. Lightly brush the chicken tenderloins with oil. Combine the seasonings together in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken strips into the seasonings, pressing gently all around to coat. Sauté chicken for 1-2 minutes per side until golden in color. Serve homemade chicken tenders warm, with your favorite dipping sauces.
Serve homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces.
Storing Instructions:
- Store cooked and cooled chicken strips in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze, place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag that’s labeled and dated, then keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen chicken strips in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, cook in the oven at 350°F. Or reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed.