Imagine transforming rock-hard frozen chicken tenders into a mouthwatering meal in just 15 minutes - without ANY defrosting! This Instant Pot miracle recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who wants delicious food with minimal effort, these chicken tenders will save your hunger and your schedule in one swift, flavor-packed punch!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen chicken tenders
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Instant Pot by placing the metal trivet or steamer basket inside the inner pot.
- Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the Instant Pot, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pot completely.
- Remove frozen chicken tenders from packaging and place them directly onto the trivet or steamer basket in a single layer.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly over the frozen chicken tenders to season them thoroughly.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to the sealing position.
- Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 10 minutes at high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow for a quick release of pressure by carefully moving the valve to venting position.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Remove chicken tenders from the Instant Pot and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Optional: For a crispier texture, briefly broil tenders in the oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes.
Tips
- Always use fresh chicken broth for maximum flavor infusion
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot - arrange tenders in a single layer for even cooking
- Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure food safety
- For extra crispiness, consider a quick 2-3 minute broil after pressure cooking
- Experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs or cajun spice blend
- Let chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness
- If cooking from completely frozen, add 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time
- Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
