Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a burst of flavor and ease? Look no further than this Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe! In just 30 minutes, you can transform simple chicken breasts into a tantalizing dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or even a hearty salad. With the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll achieve tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty taco seasoning and vibrant salsa. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless—let’s dive into the recipe that will become your new go-to for Mexican nights!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and ensuring they are trimmed of any excess fat.
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Sauté" function. Add olive oil and briefly sear the chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes on each side to develop a light golden color.
- Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, distributing it evenly to provide additional moisture and flavor.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to "Sealing" position, and select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting.
- Cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. For thicker breasts, use 15 minutes; for thinner cuts, 12 minutes is sufficient.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken's internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat thoroughly, mixing it with the cooking liquid for added moisture and flavor.
- Serve immediately in tacos, burritos, salads, or as a protein for other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best texture, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully too!
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the sauté step! Searing the chicken adds depth and a delightful golden crust that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like it spicy, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning for an extra kick.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps retain moisture and makes shredding easier.
- Use the Cooking Liquid: When shredding, mix the chicken with the cooking liquid for added flavor and moisture. This will keep your shredded chicken juicy and delicious.
- Versatile Serving Options: This shredded chicken is incredibly versatile. Use it in tacos, burritos, enchiladas, or even as a topping for nachos or salads!
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a larger batch and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for quick meals throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
