Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tenders: Quick & Easy Meals

Ever wish you could whip up perfectly tender, juicy chicken tenders in a flash, without all the fuss? If you’ve got an Instant Pot, you’re in luck! This kitchen hero is a game-changer for busy weeknights, transforming humble chicken tenders into a versatile ingredient for countless meals. Forget dry, overcooked chicken – the Instant Pot locks in moisture and flavor, giving you delicious results every time. Let’s dive into mastering how long to cook chicken tenders in Instant Pot, whether they’re fresh or frozen!

Why Your Instant Pot Loves Chicken Tenders (And You Will Too!)

The Instant Pot isn’t just a gadget; it’s a culinary assistant, especially when it comes to poultry. Here’s why it’s fantastic for chicken tenders:

• Lightning Fast: Traditional methods can take a while, but your Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process significantly.
• Effortlessly Tender: The high-pressure environment tenderizes the chicken beautifully, resulting in moist, shreddable meat that’s never dry.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set it, you can walk away. No need to constantly monitor a pan or oven.
• Versatility: Cooked tenders are perfect for salads, wraps, pasta dishes, stir-fries, or simply served as a main dish with your favorite sides.

Gather Your Simple Ingredients

You don’t need much to make magic happen:

• Chicken Tenders: About 1-2 pounds, fresh or frozen.
• Liquid: 1 cup of chicken broth (recommended for flavor) or water. This is essential for the Instant Pot to come to pressure.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your preferred spice blend. Don’t be shy – this is where flavor really builds!
• Trivet or Steamer Basket: Crucial for keeping the chicken out of the liquid.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

It’s simpler than you think to get started:

1. Prep Your Pot: Place the trivet or steamer basket inside your Instant Pot. This lifts the chicken out of the cooking liquid, allowing it to steam rather than boil directly.
2. Add the Liquid: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pot.
3. Arrange the Chicken: Lay your chicken tenders on the trivet in a single layer if possible. Avoid overcrowding too much, as this can affect even cooking. If stacking is necessary, try to keep it minimal and spread them out as much as you can.
4. Season Generously: Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the chicken tenders.
5. Seal the Deal: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the sealing ring is properly in place. Rotate the steam release valve to the “Sealing” position.
6. Pressure Cook: Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” (High Pressure) and set your desired cooking time (we’ll get to that next!).
7. Let it Do its Thing: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 5 minutes (NPR – Natural Pressure Release), then perform a Quick Release (QR) for any remaining pressure. This 5-minute NPR helps keep the chicken extra juicy.
8. Check for Doneness: Carefully remove the chicken tenders and check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C). If they’re not quite there, you can place them back in the pot for another 1-2 minutes of pressure cooking.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, you can shred the chicken, slice it, or serve it whole.

The Golden Question: How Long to Cook Chicken Tenders in Instant Pot?

The cooking time depends primarily on whether your chicken tenders are fresh or frozen, and their thickness. Here’s a quick breakdown:

For Fresh or Thawed Chicken Tenders:

• Standard Size: Set your Instant Pot to High Pressure for 2-3 minutes. Follow with a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
• Thicker Tenders: If your tenders are particularly thick, add an extra minute, cooking for 3-4 minutes at High Pressure, followed by a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release.

For Frozen Chicken Tenders:

• Standard Size: Cook at High Pressure for 4-6 minutes. Again, follow with a 5-minute Natural Pressure Release, then quick release.
• Thicker Frozen Tenders: For those extra-large frozen pieces, extend the cooking time to 6-7 minutes at High Pressure, with the 5-minute Natural Pressure Release.

Remember: The Instant Pot takes about 5-10 minutes to build pressure before the cooking time officially begins. This time isn’t included in the minutes listed above but is part of the overall process.

Essential Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Tender Perfection

• Don’t Skip the Trivet: This is crucial! It keeps the chicken elevated from the liquid, preventing it from boiling and becoming waterlogged, ensuring a more tender, steamed result.
• Flavor Boost with Broth: While water works, chicken broth adds an extra layer of savory flavor to your tenders.
• Season Generously: The Instant Pot does wonders for texture, but flavor is all about your seasoning. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spice blends.
• Avoid Overcrowding: For the most even cooking, try not to stack too many tenders on top of each other. If cooking a large batch, you might need to do it in two rounds or use a wider Instant Pot.
• Always Check Temperature: A meat thermometer is your best friend. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This prevents both undercooking and overcooking.
• The 5-Minute NPR Rule: A brief Natural Pressure Release (NPR) allows the chicken to gently finish cooking and reabsorb juices, leading to incredibly tender and moist results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned cooks can make these blunders:

• Not Using Enough Liquid: The Instant Pot needs at least 1 cup of thin liquid to come to pressure. Without it, you’ll get a “burn” error.
• Overcooking: This is the quickest way to dry, rubbery chicken. Stick to the recommended times and always use a thermometer.
• Immediately Quick Releasing: While QR is fast, for chicken, a short NPR makes a noticeable difference in tenderness and juiciness.

Serving Suggestions for Your Tender Chicken

Once your chicken tenders are perfectly cooked, the possibilities are endless:

• Shredded: Perfect for tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or added to soups and casseroles.
• Sliced: Great for salads, pasta dishes, or on top of grain bowls.
• Whole: Serve with dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch, alongside your favorite vegetables or rice.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, on the stovetop with a splash of broth, or in the oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Chicken Tenders

Q: Can I cook chicken tenders from frozen without thawing?

A: Absolutely! The Instant Pot is fantastic for cooking frozen chicken tenders. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as outlined above (4-6 minutes for standard, 6-7 minutes for thicker frozen tenders).

Q: Do I really need to use a trivet?

A: Yes, it’s highly recommended. The trivet keeps the chicken out of the liquid, allowing it to steam evenly and preventing it from sticking to the bottom of the pot or becoming waterlogged. If you don’t have a trivet, a steamer basket works too.

Q: Can I use water instead of chicken broth?

A: You can, but chicken broth will infuse more flavor into your chicken tenders. If using water, consider adding extra seasonings or a bouillon cube to the liquid.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the trivet?

A: A light spray of cooking oil on the trivet can help, especially if your chicken tenders are particularly lean. However, with adequate liquid and the pressure cooking process, sticking is usually not a major issue.

Q: What if my chicken tenders are still pink after the recommended time?

A: If your thermometer reads below 165°F (74°C), simply close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook for another 1-2 minutes. Always rely on the internal temperature for food safety.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the Instant Pot with the chicken tenders?

A: Yes, you can! Quick-cooking vegetables like broccoli florets or sliced carrots can be added to the trivet alongside the chicken or in a separate steamer basket on top. Be mindful that different vegetables have different cooking times, so experiment or add them closer to the end of the cooking cycle if possible.

There you have it! With your Instant Pot, perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy chicken tenders are just minutes away. Enjoy the ease and versatility this method brings to your kitchen!