Can I cook Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins from frozen?

Yes, you can absolutely cook Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins from frozen. One of the best things about using an Instant Pot is how it handles frozen meat without compromising texture. Just increase the pressure cook time from 5 minutes to 7 minutes, and keep the natural release at 3 minutes. You’ll still get juicy, tender, flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins without having to thaw anything beforehand.

How do I prevent Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins from coming out dry?

The key to juicy Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins is getting the timing right and making sure you don’t skip the broth. Cook them on high pressure for 5 minutes with a 3-minute natural pressure release. Use 1 cup of chicken broth , which infuses flavor and prevents dryness. And don’t overcook—tenderloins are thinner than chicken breasts, so they cook fast.

What seasonings work best for Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins?

The beauty of Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins is how well they take on flavor. A simple mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper works beautifully. You can also go for Cajun, Italian, lemon-pepper, or even teriyaki seasonings to change things up. Just coat the tenderloins evenly before cooking for maximum flavor payoff.

Can I make shredded chicken from Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins?

Yes! Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins are perfect for shredding. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks. The result is moist, pull-apart chicken that works great in tacos, wraps, salads, or casseroles. If you're meal prepping, shredded Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins are your best friend.

Do Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins need to be sautéed first?

While not mandatory, sautéing your Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins for 1–2 minutes per side before pressure cooking adds an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful golden crust. It locks in moisture and gives the outside a more satisfying bite. If you're short on time, you can skip it—but if flavor matters, sautéing is worth it.

Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins: Your Ultimate 5-Step Weeknight Dinner

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Pressure Cooked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Description

Instant Pot Chicken Tenderloins are your go-to solution for a quick, juicy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. With only 5 simple steps, this recipe delivers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken that’s ready to serve with rice, pasta, veggies, or your favorite sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season the chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Turn on the Instant Pot and select the ‘Sauté’ function. Add olive oil and sear chicken tenderloins for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any brown bits at the bottom.
Secure the lid, set valve to sealing position, and cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ for 5 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid carefully, check doneness, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes. Garnish with parsley or lemon if desired.

Notes

Use frozen tenderloins by increasing cook time to 8 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Change up the spices for different flavor profiles – try taco seasoning or Italian herbs.
Use the leftover broth as a base for gravy or sauce.
Perfect for meal prep – keep cooked tenderloins in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Find it online: https://cooktune.com/instant-pot-chicken-tenderloins/