how to cook chicken tenders in instant pot

Are you looking to cook perfect chicken tenders? Do you own an Instant Pot and want to make the most out of it? Then you’ve come to the right place. Cooking chicken tenders in an instant pot is a fantastic way to make a delicious and healthy meal in no time. In this article, we’ll look at why chicken tenders are perfect for your Instant Pot, how to prepare them, and step-by-step instructions for cooking them to perfection.

Why chicken tenders are perfect for the instant pot

Chicken tenders are a great cut of meat to cook in your Instant Pot for several reasons. Firstly, they cook quickly, which makes them perfect for a weeknight meal. Secondly, they’re easy to prepare, making them ideal for novice cooks who want to experiment with their Instant Pot. Lastly, chicken tenders are lean and healthy, which means you can enjoy a tasty meal without consuming too many calories.

Another reason why chicken tenders are perfect for the Instant Pot is that they are versatile. You can season them with a variety of spices and herbs to create different flavor profiles. You can also use them in a variety of dishes, such as salads, wraps, and sandwiches.

Additionally, cooking chicken tenders in the Instant Pot helps to keep them moist and tender. The pressure cooking method locks in the juices, resulting in a flavorful and succulent dish. This is especially beneficial for those who are trying to eat healthier, as it eliminates the need for added fats or oils to keep the meat from drying out.

The benefits of using an instant pot for cooking chicken tenders

The Instant Pot is an excellent kitchen tool for cooking chicken tenders. It’s essentially a multifunctional pressure cooker that allows you to cook meals quickly and easily. Cooking chicken tenders in an Instant Pot has several benefits. For instance, the pressure cooking mode allows the meat to cook evenly, resulting in juicy and tender chicken. The sealed environment also locks in the flavors and nutrients, providing you with a delicious and healthy meal.

In addition to the benefits mentioned above, using an Instant Pot for cooking chicken tenders also saves time and energy. Unlike traditional cooking methods, the Instant Pot requires less monitoring and attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks. Additionally, the Instant Pot uses less energy than an oven or stovetop, making it a more eco-friendly option. Overall, using an Instant Pot for cooking chicken tenders is a convenient, healthy, and efficient way to prepare a delicious meal.

Preparing your chicken tenders for the instant pot

Before you start cooking, you need to prepare your chicken tenders. First, ensure that your chicken tenders are completely thawed if they were frozen. Next, trim any excess fat and cut the tenders to your preferred size. You can also season them with your favorite spices if you’d like. Make sure to pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help them brown better in the Instant Pot.

Additionally, you can marinate your chicken tenders for added flavor. Simply mix together your desired marinade ingredients, such as olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, and let the chicken tenders soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will not only enhance the taste of your chicken tenders, but also help to keep them moist and tender during the cooking process.

Step-by-step instructions for cooking chicken tenders in the instant pot

Here’s how to cook chicken tenders in your Instant Pot:

Plug in the Instant Pot and add one cup of liquid, such as chicken stock, to the pot.
Season your prepared chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices.
Add the chicken tenders to the liquid in the Instant Pot.
Close the lid and ensure that the pressure valve is set to “sealing.”
Select the “pressure cook” button and set the timer for 5 minutes.
Once the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “venting”.
Open the Instant Pot and check the temperature of the chicken. It should be at least 165°F.

Chicken tenders are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Once you have cooked them in the Instant Pot, you can use them in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or as a main dish with a side of vegetables.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken tenders, you can marinate them in your favorite sauce or seasoning before cooking them in the Instant Pot. This will infuse the chicken with additional flavor and make it even more delicious.

Tips and tricks for perfectly cooked chicken tenders in the instant pot

Here are some tips for making sure your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time:

Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
Don’t overcook the chicken as it could end up dry.
If you’d like a crispy coating on your chicken tenders, use the sauté function after you’ve cooked them.
You can also marinate the chicken tenders before cooking to add more flavor.

Another tip for perfectly cooked chicken tenders is to use a natural release method after cooking. This will allow the chicken to continue cooking in the residual heat and help it retain its moisture.

Additionally, you can experiment with different seasonings and spices to add variety to your chicken tenders. Some popular options include garlic powder, paprika, and cumin.

How to add flavor and seasoning to your chicken tenders in the instant pot

If you want to add more flavor to your chicken tenders, you can experiment with different seasoning blends. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cumin, or Italian seasoning to your chicken tenders before cooking. You can also add BBQ or hot sauce to the liquid in the Instant Pot for extra flavor.

Another way to add flavor to your chicken tenders is to marinate them before cooking. You can use a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, or try a more complex marinade with soy sauce, honey, and ginger. Marinating your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes before cooking will infuse them with flavor and make them more tender.

Instant Pot Chicken Tenders with a crispy coating: A recipe guide

If you’re looking for a recipe that has a crispy coating on your chicken tenders, try this one:

Prepare your chicken tenders as per the instructions above.
In a separate bowl, mix together one cup of breadcrumbs, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and one tablespoon of paprika.
Dip each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat evenly.
Place the chicken tenders in the Instant Pot and follow the cooking instructions as above.
Once the Instant Pot has finished cooking, remove the chicken tenders and place them on a baking tray.
Broil the chicken tenders in the oven for a couple of minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Serve with your preferred side dishes.

For a healthier option, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of breadcrumbs. These flours are gluten-free and low in carbs, making them a great alternative for those who are on a low-carb or gluten-free diet.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken tenders, you can mix in some herbs and spices to the breadcrumb mixture. Some great options include garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried basil. This will give your chicken tenders a delicious and unique flavor that everyone will love.

Cooking frozen vs. fresh chicken tenders in the Instant Pot, which one is better?

While you can cook frozen chicken tenders in your Instant Pot, it’s recommended to use fresh chicken tenders for better results. Fresh chicken tenders will cook more evenly and result in a more tender and flavorful end product. If you must use frozen chicken tenders, add an additional 2-3 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

It’s also important to note that frozen chicken tenders may release more liquid during cooking, which can result in a less flavorful dish. To combat this, you can try browning the frozen chicken tenders in a pan before adding them to the Instant Pot. This will help to seal in the juices and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Quick and easy Instant Pot Chicken Tender meal ideas

Here are some meal ideas for using your Instant Pot chicken tenders:

Chicken tender salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light dressing.
Chicken tenders with your preferred dipping sauce and roasted vegetables.
Chicken tender tacos with your preferred toppings and a side of rice.
Chicken tender Alfredo with a creamy sauce and pasta.

Now that you know how to cook perfect chicken tenders in your Instant Pot, get creative and try out different seasoning blends and meal ideas.