Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipe

Instant Pot salsa chicken checks all of the right boxes when it comes to easy weeknight dinners. It calls for just 6 inexpensive ingredients, it only takes 30 minutes to make and it’s SO good! My kids ask for this chicken on a weekly basis and I’m always happy to make it for them. Plus, it’s super versatile when it comes to serving so I never get bored of it! My kids love it in tacos while my husband and I usually serve it in a burrito bowl. The possibilities are pretty endless here! Salads, burritos, you name it.

What’s in Instant Pot salsa chicken?

There’s nothing better than an easy dinner that can feed my whole family for under $15! With only 6 ingredients needed to make this dish, it’s an inexpensive recipe that will fit your budget. Here are just 3 that stand out to me:

Salsa: Any red salsa will do the trick! That’s something I love about this recipe – it’s pretty customizable. If I’m serving this salsa chicken with kids at the table, I use a milder salsa that won’t be too spicy for them. Chicken Breasts: I don’t recommend using thighs with this method. Since they’re such different cuts of meat, chicken thighs require a different cooking process. Chili Powder: Ancho chili powder also works if preferred.

How to Store and Reheat

In an airtight container in the fridge, this chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It reheats very well in the microwave, but even better in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure to save all of that delicious salsa sauce so the chicken stays moist when reheated.

How to Freeze

You can freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it fully cool to room temperature prior to storing. Let it slowly thaw in the fridge before you reheat it.

Notes and Tips

To add more spice to this chicken, toss in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Also, consider serving it with chopped jalapeños and hot sauce! Trim the fat off of the chicken before cooking it if there is any. That way, it’s a healthier dish and has a better texture. The easiest way to shred the chicken is with two forks. Personally, I like to shred the chicken right in the pot, but some find it easier to shred the chicken out of the pot, then stir it back in.

How to Make Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Step by Step

Season the chicken: Sprinkle 4 chicken breasts with 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour 16 oz salsa and 3/4 cup chicken broth over the chicken. Cook the chicken on the Manual setting for 15 minutes. Let the steam release naturally for 5 minutes. Then, release the remaining steam using the quick release button. Shred the chicken: Shred the chicken in the pot, or on a cutting board. Stir the shredded chicken into the salsa mixture until it’s nice and saucy.