Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering tender, flavorful chicken that can be served in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer soft tortillas or a crunchy taco shell, the possibilities are endless. The best part? It takes just minutes to prepare in your Instant Pot, making it a convenient option for any home cook.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
– Quick and easy preparation in the Instant Pot.
– Tender and juicy chicken that’s bursting with flavor.
– Versatile – serve in tacos, salads, or bowls.
– Minimal cleanup with just one pot to wash.
– Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
What Goes Into Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) – the star of our dish, providing lean protein.
- 1.25 ounces packet low-sodium taco seasoning – adds a delicious Mexican flavor without too much salt.
- 1 cup thick and chunky salsa – brings moisture and a burst of tomato goodness.
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth – helps create steam for pressure cooking.
- Taco toppings: Corn or soft shell tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pico de gallo – customize your tacos to your liking!
Equipment at a Glance
- Instant Pot – the magic kitchen gadget that makes this recipe a breeze.
- Measuring cups – for accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to mix and serve your delicious tacos.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping up your toppings.
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the low-sodium taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Pour in Salsa and Liquid
Pour the thick and chunky salsa over the seasoned chicken, followed by the water or chicken broth. This combination will create the perfect environment for pressure cooking.
Step 4: Seal and Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the vent is set to “sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
Step 5: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then switch the vent to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mixing it back into the salsa mixture for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Fill your corn or soft shell tortillas with the shredded chicken and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pico de gallo. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tacos!
Customize for Your Needs
- Swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresh twist.
- Add black beans or corn to the mixture for extra texture.
- Top with avocado or guacamole for creaminess.
Behind-the-Scenes Notes
This Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is incredibly forgiving. If you prefer a spicier taco, you can easily add some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the salsa. Additionally, feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your taste. Cooking with an Instant Pot also means you can save time, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or last-minute dinners.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To cool down the cooked chicken, allow it to come to room temperature before sealing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes. Just make sure to separate them as much as possible for even cooking.
What can I serve with chicken tacos?
Chicken tacos are versatile! Serve them with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also offer a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their tacos.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! The shredded chicken keeps well in the fridge and can easily be reheated. Consider making a bigger batch for meal prep during the week.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use either corn or flour tortillas based on your preference. Corn tortillas tend to be gluten-free, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture.
One Pan, More Ideas
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This Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to simplify dinner while still enjoying a flavorful meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in no time. Enjoy the savory flavors and the joy of cooking with your Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Instant Pot. Make sure they’re in a single layer for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the low-sodium taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavor as it cooks.
- Pour the thick and chunky salsa over the seasoned chicken, followed by the water or chicken broth. This combination will create the perfect environment for pressure cooking.
- Close the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the vent is set to “sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then switch the vent to “venting” to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the lid and remove the chicken breasts. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mixing it back into the salsa mixture for extra flavor.
- Fill your corn or soft shell tortillas with the shredded chicken and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pico de gallo. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Tacos!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, swap out chicken breasts for thighs.
- Use homemade taco seasoning for a fresh twist.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture.
