Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chicken tenders have always been one of my go-to finger foods, perfect for party appetizers or easy meals. They’re always a crowd pleaser on game day, and my picky eaters never refuse them at dinnertime. When cooked in the Instant Pot, chicken tenders come out perfectly succulent and juicy, plus it’s a healthy option!

What’s in this Instant Pot Chicken Tenders Recipe?

Chicken Tenders: You can buy pre-cut chicken tenders (tenderloins), or buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them lengthwise into tenders. Seasonings: Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper give this chicken a classic Italian flavor. Chicken Broth: Helps keep the chicken ultra-moist while it cooks in the Instant Pot.

Variations on Instapot Chicken Tenders

One of my favorite things about these chicken tenders is how versatile they are! I just change up the seasonings to add something new into the mix. Try using taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, herbs de Provence, chicken seasoning, or lemon pepper seasoning.

How to Store and Reheat

These chicken tenders are great straight out of the pressure cooker, but they will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, in an airtight container. You can eat the cooked tenders cold, added to salads and sandwiches, or reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Freeze chicken tenders in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

These Instant Pot chicken tenders are great served with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or Chick Fil A Sauce. They make a great topper for salads or a chicken tzatziki bowl, and a great filling for fajitas. Or shred them up to use in recipes like chicken chili and shredded chicken tacos.

Notes and Tips

Searing the chicken tenders before pressure cooking is an optional step, but it creates a crisp skin, locks in moisture, and adds even more flavor. It helps to add a bit of cooking oil for this step. 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.

How to Make Chicken Tenders in the Instant Pot Step by Step

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper. Then use it to season 2 pounds of chicken tenders on all sides. Brown the Tenders: This step is optional, but I definitely recommend it! Set the Instant Pot to sauté, add a bit of cooking oil, and brown the seasoned chicken tenderloins on each side for 1-2 minutes. You can also do this in a skillet on the stove top. Place Chicken in Pot: Place a trivet inside the Instant Pot, then layer in the chicken tenders. Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the pot, directly over the chicken. Cook the Chicken: Place the lid and seal the cooker, and set to cook on HIGH pressure for 6 minutes. Then release the pressure valve and wait for pressure to release, and let the chicken tenders rest another 5 minutes.