Tacos are a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease, and these Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are no exception. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a juicy, tender, and flavorful filling in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. The pressure cooking process infuses the chicken with a bold mix of spices, salsa, and lime, creating a mouthwatering base for tacos that can be customized to your taste. Whether topped with fresh pico de gallo, creamy avocado, or a sprinkle of cheese, these chicken tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
Instructions:
- Prepare the Instant Pot:
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over the chicken.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour the salsa and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered. Add the lime juice.
- Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to “sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. If using frozen chicken, increase the time to 15 minutes.
- Release Pressure:
- Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove the remaining pressure.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to coat in the flavorful sauce.
- Assemble Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with the shredded chicken and add your favorite toppings.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are not only simple to make but also versatile. Feel free to use the chicken as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even over a bed of rice for a taco bowl!
