Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, cheese-filled taquito that's bursting with tender, spice-infused chicken - all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot! These Mexican-inspired delights are not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're hosting a game night, craving a quick dinner, or looking to impress your family with restaurant-quality appetizers, these Instant Pot Chicken Taquitos are about to become your new go-to recipe that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of chicken breasts, 1 cup of salsa, 1 cup of shredded cheese, 8 small corn tortillas, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, salt and pepper to taste, and cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cumin, and chili powder. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour 1 cup of salsa over the chicken, making sure it is well covered.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare your workstation for assembling the taquitos. Lay out a clean surface or cutting board.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure by turning the valve to the venting position. Wait for the steam to escape completely before opening the lid.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining salsa and half of the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Warm the corn tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- Take one tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, and place it seam-side down on a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Lightly spray the Instant Pot insert with cooking spray. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the pot, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the taquitos.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot again, set the pressure valve to sealing, and select the 'Air Fry' or 'Sauté' function (if your Instant Pot has this feature). Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taquitos are crispy.
- Once done, carefully remove the taquitos from the Instant Pot. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or additional salsa.
- Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Chicken Taquitos with friends and family!
Tips
- Choose the Right Tortillas: Use fresh corn tortillas and warm them slightly to prevent cracking when rolling.
- Shredding Hack: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks or a hand mixer for quick and even shredding.
- Prevent Soggy Taquitos: Pat the chicken dry before mixing with salsa to avoid excess moisture.
- Batch Cooking: If your Instant Pot is small, cook taquitos in batches to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Sprinkle cheese on top just before the final crisp for that perfect golden, melty finish.
- Serving Suggestion: Prepare garnishes like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and dipping sauces in advance for a complete meal experience.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and assemble taquitos when ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
