Name: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 6-8 pieces Foster Farms Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs (or boneless skinless); 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste); 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano (rubbed between fingers); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 piece onion (peeled and sliced into large rings); 1 piece jalapeno (halved); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 piece orange (zest and juice); 1 piece lime (zest and juice)

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There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm taco filled with tender, flavorful chicken. When you can whip it up in your Instant Pot in under an hour, there’s no reason not to treat yourself to this delightful dish. This Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe features succulent chicken thighs infused with zesty citrus and robust spices, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as the chicken cooks to perfection, melding with the spices and citrus juices. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering dish that’s sure to be a hit!

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of this Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe lies in the pressure cooking method, which locks in moisture and flavor. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs yield the juiciest results, but boneless skinless thighs work just as well if you prefer a leaner option. The blend of spices combined with the citrus zest enhances the natural flavors of the chicken, creating a delicious filling for your tacos. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, ensuring you have a tasty meal ready in no time.

The Ingredient Lineup

To create this flavorful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

6 – 8 Foster Farms Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs (or boneless skinless)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, rubbed between your fingers to break into smaller bits
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 onion, peeled and sliced into large rings
1 jalapeno, halved
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 orange
Zest and juice of 1 lime

Cook’s Kit

Before you get started, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:

Instant Pot: The star of the show, perfect for quick cooking.
Cutting Board & Knife: For slicing your vegetables and chicken.
Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of spices and liquids.
Wooden Spoon: To stir and mix ingredients.
Serving Platter: For presenting your delicious tacos.

Make Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe: A Simple Method

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear if you choose to brown them first. Season the chicken with kosher salt, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and black pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Using the sauté function on your Instant Pot, add a splash of oil and sauté the onion, jalapeno, and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds a solid flavor base for your tacos.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Citrus

Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot on top of the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, and add the zest from both fruits. This citrusy addition not only brightens the dish but also tenderizes the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Pressure Cook

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 12 minutes if using boneless skinless thighs, or 15 minutes for bone-in skin-on thighs. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked and the pressure is released, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones if using bone-in. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix with the remaining juices and vegetables for extra flavor.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas on a skillet or directly over the flame for that delightful char. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken mixture and top with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, avocado, or a squeeze of extra lime juice.

Tailor It to Your Diet

This Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary preferences:

Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour.
Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with seasoned jackfruit or tofu.
Spicy: Add more jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.

If You’re Curious

If you’re eager to learn more about the ingredients and techniques used in this recipe, here’s a bit of insight:

Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken provides more flavor and moisture, while boneless skinless is quicker to cook and easier to shred.
Mexican Oregano: This herb has a more robust flavor compared to regular oregano and is key to authentic Mexican dishes.
Citrus Zest: The zest of the orange and lime adds an aromatic quality that elevates the dish.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

To ensure your leftovers stay delicious:

Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze any extra chicken in portions for easy meals later; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily. Adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure for boneless breasts.

What can I use instead of orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, pineapple juice is a great substitute that adds a sweet and tangy flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.

What toppings do you recommend?

Some delicious toppings include diced avocado, fresh cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness!

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Serve & Enjoy

There you have it! A simple, flavorful, and satisfying Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. Serve these tacos at your next gathering or taco night, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds. The combination of vibrant spices and citrusy notes will keep your taste buds dancing with joy. So grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy these delectable tacos that are sure to impress!