These Instant Pot Chicken Tenders are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Minimal ingredients and fuss make them a go-to option for families and anyone who loves hassle-free cooking.

Ingredients

2 lbs (900 g) chicken tenders (called mini chicken fillets in the UK)
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp dried oregano
1 cup (250 ml) water

Instructions

Sauté the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):
Set the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ on normal. Add olive oil and heat. Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and oregano. Brown for 1–2 minutes per side to lock in flavor and improve texture.
Remove and Deglaze:
Take the chicken tenders out of the pot. Add a splash of water and scrape the bottom to remove any browned bits.
Prepare for Pressure Cooking:
Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in 1 cup of water. Stack the chicken tenders on the trivet or place them in a steamer basket.
Pressure Cook:
Secure the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and select PRESSURE COOK/MANUAL. Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. The Instant Pot will take about 5 minutes to come to pressure before cooking starts.
Release Pressure:
When cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam.
Serve:
Remove the chicken tenders from the Instant Pot and serve hot. Enjoy as a main dish or use them in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and tender: Quick pressure cooking locks in moisture.
Super fast: Ready in under 15 minutes of hands-on time.
Minimal ingredients: Simple pantry staples yield great flavor.
Family-friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.

Tips

Optional browning: Sautéing adds flavor and a slightly golden exterior.
Stack carefully: Don’t overcrowd the trivet to ensure even cooking.
Use a steamer basket: For easy cleanup and to keep tenders from sitting in water.
Flavor boost: Add a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of paprika before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Herb variations: Swap oregano for thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning.
Spicy version: Sprinkle with cayenne or smoked paprika.
Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Meal prep: Cook in batches and store in the fridge for 3–4 days.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! Increase the cooking time to 5 minutes at high pressure for frozen tenders.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely — just ensure tenders are stacked carefully and do not exceed the Instant Pot’s max fill line.

Do I have to sauté first?
No, but browning adds flavor and slightly firmer texture. You can skip this step for an even faster prep.

How can I tell if the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Suggestions

Serve Instant Pot Chicken Tenders with:

Steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes
Rice or quinoa for a simple meal
In wraps, sandwiches, or salads
Tossed with your favorite sauce like honey mustard, buffalo, or garlic butter

These chicken tenders are versatile, fast, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. 🍗