This easy chicken taco recipe puts the “instant” in Instant Pot! I always have these few ingredients on hand, I hardly have to do anything at all to cook, and the chicken comes out super tasty and ready for shredding. Voila!
What’s in Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos?
No need to worry about running to the store for ingredients, because this Instant Pot taco recipe only requires chicken, taco seasoning, and a couple of pantry staples!
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. Boneless thighs work too! Taco Seasoning: 1 packet of taco seasoning adds instant flavor. Chicken Broth: This liquid is necessary for Instant Pot cooking–it relies on steam to create pressure. Chicken broth infuses more flavor and gives a better end result, but water works in a pinch. Diced Tomatoes: A can of Rotel-style diced tomatoes with green chilies adds delicious Mexican flavor. You can use a spicier version to add some heat.
To make the tacos, just grab some tortillas and any toppings you’d like to add (lettuce, salsa, shredded cheese, etc.).
Variations to Try
Using an Instant pot to make chicken for tacos is so so simple, and it’s just as easy to change the flavor of the shredded meat in a snap! Instead of taco seasoning, you can use blackened seasoning, chili lime seasoning, elote seasoning, or any seasoning blends you have on hand.
How to Store and Reheat
Store Instant Pot chicken taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, the oven, or on the stovetop until warm. Then assemble tacos fresh to serve!
How to Freeze
Store Instant pot shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and freeze for 3 months. Let the chicken defrost in the fridge before reheating.
Notes and Tips
You can shred the chicken taco meat right in the Instant Pot. No need to move it to another bowl! Make the chicken spicier by adding crushed red pepper, cayenne powder, or chopped jalapeños to the mix. When it comes to topping these tacos, I recommend keeping things light and fresh! Pico de Gallo, red cabbage, and fresh avocado are so delicious with this chicken. I’ve also used this pressure cooker pulled chicken to make taco bowls with rice, beans, and a range of toppings!
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title: “Instant Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-11-11” author: “Stacy Jordan”
What’s in Pressure Cooker Chicken Tacos?
The chicken broth, homemade salsa, and spices in the Instant Pot make the chicken incredibly juicy, tender, and flavorful with minimal effort.
Chicken Breasts: Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are best when making shredded chicken for tacos. But you can also use boneless chicken thighs for juicier meat. Spices: Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt season the chicken breasts. Salsa: A good salsa is the start of the most flavorful sauce for these Instant Pot chicken tacos. I like to use my easy blender salsa, but you can make any type you like, or use your favorite jar of salsa from the store. Chicken Broth: While you can always buy premade broth at the store, homemade low-sodium chicken broth is easy to make and tastes even better. Tortillas: I like soft and pliable flour tortillas, but you are welcome to use corn tortillas.
Variations on Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
These instant pot chicken tacos are endlessly riffable! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, swap the spices for store-bought or homemade taco seasoning, and swap the salsa for a hotter or milder salsa to adjust the spice level. Try using salsa verde for a fresh take!
How to Store and Reheat Instant Pot Taco Meat
Store leftover instant pot chicken taco meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
How to Freeze Instant Pot Chicken for Tacos
Freeze instant pot shredded chicken in an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Tacos
When it comes time to serve the tacos, set out bowls of sour cream, sliced ripe avocados, lime wedges, the best guacamole ever, pico de Gallo, and more fresh homemade salsa. If you want to add more sides to complete the meal, consider Crockpot Red Beans and Rice or Mexican grilled corn on the cob. You can also use the chicken to make chicken burrito bowls, chicken nachos, or your other favorite Mexican chicken recipes.
More Chicken Taco Recipes We Love
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