Are you craving a healthy and flavorful dinner that's ready in minutes? Look no further! This Instant Pot chicken tenderloin recipe is your new go-to for quick, easy, and delicious homemade meals. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and even beginner cooks. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked chicken and hello to juicy, tender perfection. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the Instant Pot.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken in the Instant Pot before pressure cooking. Turn the Instant Pot to the "Sauté" function and add the seasoned chicken. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional, but highly recommended for a richer flavor.
- Pressure Cook: Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the lid on and set the valve to "Sealing." Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Shred (Optional): Once the pressure is released, you can either remove the chicken whole or shred it with two forks. Shredding is great for tacos, salads, or sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve your delicious Instant Pot chicken tenderloins immediately. They are perfect on their own, or you can add them to your favorite recipes like salads, wraps, pasta dishes, or grain bowls.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the Instant Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the chicken to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.
- Adjust cooking time: Thicker chicken tenderloins may require an extra minute or two of cooking time. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use a meat thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. This eliminates any guesswork.
Variations:
- Lemon Herb Chicken: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano) to the seasoning mixture.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: Around 150-200 (depending on serving size and added ingredients)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 5-7g
This easy and healthy Instant Pot chicken tenderloin recipe is a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that don't require hours in the kitchen. Try it out and let us know what you think! We're confident this will become one of your best recipes.