Name: Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts ((about 1 ½ – 2 lb)); 1.25 ounces low-sodium taco seasoning; 1.5 cups thick and chunky salsa; 0.5 cups water or chicken broth; 1 pack Taco Toppings: Corn or Soft Shell Tortillas and optional toppings such as:

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When I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to my mind is the Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe. It’s those busy weeknights when everyone’s running in different directions, and you need something quick yet satisfying that really hits the spot. I remember the first time I made these tacos; the aroma filled the kitchen, drawing my family in like a warm hug. The instant pot makes this dish so effortless, you can practically set it and forget it. I love how versatile these tacos are; they can easily be customized with your favorite toppings, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. And the best part? You’re left with mouthwatering shredded chicken that can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether it’s in a taco or piled on a salad. The Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe has become a staple in our home, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
12 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
7 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
270 kcal

Protein:
34 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Mixing Bowl, Instant Pot

Why This Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe Hits Different

Quick and Easy Preparation

The Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is all about speed and ease. With the press of a button, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. The instant pot cuts down cooking time significantly, allowing you to have shredded chicken ready in just a matter of minutes. There’s no need for lengthy marinating or slow cooking—just toss everything in, set the timer, and carry on with your evening.

Flavor-Packed Ingredients

What I love about this recipe is the combination of flavors. The chicken absorbs the spices from the taco seasoning and blends beautifully with the salsa. This creates a rich, savory dish that’s bursting with taste. You can truly savor every bite, especially when served with fresh taco toppings like shredded lettuce or diced tomatoes. It’s a simple yet tasty way to enjoy a classic!

Family-Friendly Meal

Kids can be picky, but the Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is one they usually love. The shredded chicken is tender and flavorful, perfect for wrapping in tortillas. You can even let them create their personalized taco masterpieces with their favorite toppings, making mealtime fun. This recipe not only satisfies the little ones but also brings joy to the whole family.

Healthy and Balanced

This recipe is a healthier alternative to takeout tacos. Packed with protein from the chicken and fresh vegetables from the toppings, it’s a meal that you can feel good about eating. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, whether you want to load up on veggies or keep it classic.

Leftovers for Days

Leftovers? Yes, please! The Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe yields plenty of flavorful chicken that can be used in various meals. Whether you have taco salads, quesadillas, or even nachos, the versatile chicken can be repurposed in multiple ways. It’s a lifesaver for busy weekdays, ensuring that you won’t go hungry!

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re into meal prepping, this recipe is your new best friend. You can prepare a big batch on the weekend, store it in the fridge, and enjoy delicious tacos throughout the week. The Instant Pot makes it easy to whip up a large portion, giving you more time to enjoy other things during your busy days.

What to Buy for Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe

The ingredients for the Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe are simple yet essential. Each component plays a vital role in creating a delightful dish that everyone will love. The key players here are the chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa, which together create a flavorful base for your tacos.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ – 2 lb): The star of the show, providing protein and serving as the foundation for all the taco goodness.
1.25 ounces packet low-sodium taco seasoning: This brings all the essential Mexican flavors to your chicken, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
1 ½ cups thick and chunky salsa: Adds moisture and a burst of freshness, elevating the dish to something truly special.
½ cup water or chicken broth: This helps to create steam in the Instant Pot, essential for the cooking process.
Taco Toppings: Corn or soft shell tortillas along with optional toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pico de gallo for personalizing each taco.

How to Assemble Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe

Making the Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is a breeze and incredibly satisfying. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that will impress everyone around the table!

Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Make sure they are laid flat and not overlapping. This ensures even cooking throughout the chicken. The chicken is the main ingredient here, so having enough room for it to steam properly is important.
Next, sprinkle the taco seasoning on top of the chicken. Don’t be shy—make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor! The seasoning is what will give the chicken its delicious taste that ties the whole dish together.
Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, spreading it out evenly. You’ll want to see the colorful mixture on top, as it will infuse the chicken with moisture and flavor as it cooks. The combination of the salsa with the seasoning will create a delightful sauce.
Add the water or chicken broth to the pot. This is crucial for generating steam in the Instant Pot and ensuring that your chicken cooks perfectly. Just pour it around the edges to keep the chicken intact.
Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring that the valve is set to the sealed position. This is an important step as sealing the pot will create the necessary pressure for cooking.
Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 7 minutes if using fresh chicken breasts. If you’re using frozen chicken, adjust the time to 11 minutes for thorough cooking. While it cooks, you can enjoy the aromas wafting from the pot!
Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. After that, perform a quick release if there is any remaining pressure. This helps to keep the chicken moist and tender.
After the chicken is done cooking, carefully shred it with two forks right in the pot. The chicken will fall apart easily, and mixing it back into the sauce ensures that it stays flavorful and juicy.
Finally, serve your delicious shredded chicken on corn or soft shell tortillas. Top it with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even some pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor!

Things Worth Knowing

Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option. You could also use thighs for a juicier texture.
Pressure Release: Allowing natural pressure release is key to keeping your chicken moist. Don’t skip this step!
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different taco seasonings or even homemade blends for a unique flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions: You can add in beans or corn into the pot for a heartier filling.

Tips for Success

Every chef has their secrets, and here are some that will elevate your Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe to perfection:

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers for up to three to four days in the refrigerator. It’s a great way to enjoy tacos throughout the week!
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to three months. Just ensure it is cooled and stored properly in resealable bags.
Pairing: Serve with a side of black beans or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that delights the palate.
Customization: Don’t hesitate to add toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or jalapeños for that extra kick!
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Double the batch and enjoy it throughout the week with different meals.

Serving Ideas for Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe

There are countless ways to savor the delicious Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Classic Tacos: Serve on warm corn or soft shell tortillas with a variety of toppings. Customize each taco to suit individual tastes.
Taco Salads: Turn your chicken into a hearty salad by adding greens, corn, beans, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing option.
Quesadillas: Use the shredded chicken to create cheesy quesadillas. Simply load the chicken and cheese into a tortilla and cook until golden.
Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with shredded chicken, cheese, and jalapeños, then bake until melted for the ultimate nacho experience.
Quick Lunch: Use the chicken to make a quick wrap or sandwich for a satisfying lunch on the go.
Seasonal Pairings: Enjoy these tacos during summer BBQs or cozy winter gatherings; they fit perfectly into any occasion.

FAQ

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken! Just increase the cooking time to 11 minutes instead of 7 minutes for fresh chicken. The Instant Pot will handle the extra time needed to cook the chicken thoroughly while still keeping it juicy and tender.

The beauty of tacos is in the customization! You can use toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, or even avocado. Feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings to make these tacos your own.

Leftovers from the Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a resealable bag for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it down before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor.

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to serve. This is great for meal prep, as you can simply reheat the chicken and serve it fresh for a quick and easy meal.

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Chicken Taco Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family. I encourage you to try it out and make it your own with your favorite toppings. You won’t regret having this quick and easy dish in your dinner rotation!