For busy households and those who cherish a delightful homecooked meal without a fuss, Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins stand out as the perfect solution. This recipe is designed for the modern home cook in mind—those who crave efficiency without sacrificing taste. Imagine tender, well-seasoned chicken served effortlessly, pairing perfectly with whatever side you fancy, be it rice, pasta, or a medley of fresh vegetables. The joy of this recipe isn’t just in the eating; the preparation is equally gratifying. With just 5 straightforward steps, you’ll transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dish, perfect for any weekday dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises ease and delectable outcomes that everyone at the table will love.
In today’s fast-paced world, meals that promise flavor and quick preparation are highly valued. Our Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins recipe checks all these boxes by delivering juicy, flavorful chicken in mere minutes. The simplicity of using an Instant Pot not only speeds up the process but enhances the flavors, ensuring each bite is filled with a savory mix of spices. What’s better is the flexibility; no matter your dietary preferences or available ingredients, this recipe adapts beautifully, offering endless serving possibilities. Chicken tenderloins, being naturally low in fat, complement a low-fat diet while still providing that hearty, satisfying punch we all desire from a homecooked meal. So grab your Instant Pot, and let’s make a dinner winner!
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A blend of spices coats each tenderloin, ensuring every bite is a treat.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from pasta to fresh vegetables.
- Healthy: Low in fat and packed with protein, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Minimal Cleanup: Prepared entirely in the Instant Pot, cleanup is a breeze.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delightful recipe, prepare your kitchen for an efficient cooking experience. Begin by ensuring your Instant Pot is clean and ready for use; this electric pressure cooker is central to creating perfectly tender chicken with minimal fuss. Gather a set of mixing bowls and measuring spoons, as they will aid in the precise application of spices to your chicken tenderloins. Optional but helpful tools include kitchen tongs, which make flipping chicken tenders easy during the sautéing process.
For workspace prep, clean your countertop area and organize the ingredients. This step, though simple, elevates your cooking flow, ensuring you’re not searching for items midway through the process. If your chicken is frozen, ensure it’s thawed to room temperature for even cooking. Lastly, have your favorite sides ready, or plan how you’d like to garnish the tenderloins post-cook—lemon wedges and fresh parsley are beautiful and add a zesty freshness that compliments the dish well.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. In a medium-sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously season each tenderloin, ensuring every piece is well-coated. This step sets the foundation for the flavor profile of the entire dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Activate the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot, allowing it to heat up. Add the olive oil, swirling to coat the bottom of the pot evenly. Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins inside and let them sear for about 2 minutes on each side until a golden hue forms. This process locks in the spices and gives the chicken a beautiful color.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pot
Carefully pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits stuck to the bottom—these bits are packed with flavor, enhancing the broth. This step not only prevents burning but amplifies the savory depth of the dish.
Step 4: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ and set the timer for 5 minutes. Once the timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for an additional 5 minutes. This method ensures the chicken is not only cooked through but remains juicy and tender.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure, then open the lid carefully. Check the chicken for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F. Serve immediately with your choice of sides. Garnish with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added zest if desired.
Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken tenderloins with turkey breast or shrimp for a different protein source.
- Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers or fresh spinach to the pot for a nutritious boost.
- Spices: Experiment with smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicier kick.
Cooking Notes
- For a bolder flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or water with a touch of soy sauce can substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a light pasta salad for a refreshing combination.
- Serve alongside sautéed green beans and almonds for a crunchy, satisfying side.
Tips
- Ensure your Instant Pot has a good seal to prevent loss of pressure during cooking.
- If using fresh herbs, add them during the last minute of cooking for maximum flavor impact.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Protein: 28g per serving
- Sodium: 400mg per serving
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins, but you will need to increase the pressure cooking time to about 10 minutes, followed by a natural release.
What can I use instead of an Instant Pot?
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, a regular pressure cooker or a slow cooker can also work with adjusted timings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the chicken broth you use does not contain any gluten additives.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins prove that fast dinners don’t have to lack in flavor or satisfaction. This dynamic recipe effortlessly combines speed, simplicity, and taste to provide a dish everyone will love around the dinner table. Its adaptability means you can experiment and adjust according to your family’s tastes or what you have in your pantry. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience, tweak the spices to your preference, and tell us your favorite way to serve these tenderloins. Whether it’s for a regular weeknight meal or an impromptu gathering of friends, this dish is poised to become a staple in your home kitchen repertoire. Enjoy and happy cooking!
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Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins are quick, easy, and flavorful, making them a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. In a medium-sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Generously season each tenderloin, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
- Activate the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot, adding the olive oil. Place the seasoned chicken and let them sear for about 2 minutes on each side until golden.
- Carefully pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook for 5 minutes followed by a natural release for 5 minutes.
- Perform a quick release, check for doneness, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
Ensure your Instant Pot has a good seal to prevent loss of pressure during cooking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 per serving
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 28 g