Instant Pot Chicken Tenders
This Instant Pot Chicken Tenders recipe offers a quick, easy, and flavorful way to prepare tender, juicy chicken with simple seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it cooks in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (called mini chicken fillets in the UK)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup water (250ml)
Instructions
- Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and prevent steaming.
- Toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano until evenly coated.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Place the steaming rack or trivet inside the pot, then arrange the seasoned chicken tenders on top in a single layer if possible.
- Seal the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Select “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” and set the timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for about 5 minutes after cooking, then carefully switch the valve to “Venting” to release remaining pressure and remove the lid.
- Use tongs to lift the chicken tenders out of the pot. Serve immediately or let cool and store for meal prep.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Steaming Rack or Trivet
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken tenders for 30 minutes before cooking. To get a crispy exterior, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after pressure cooking. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Avoid overcrowding the pot to cook evenly. Variations include adding chili flakes for spice, using different herbs, or brushing with BBQ sauce.