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Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

These Instant Pot chicken tacos are easy, cozy, and perfect for busy nights. Juicy shredded chicken cooks fast and works for tacos, bowls, or leftovers all week. This is one of those chicken dinner recipes you make once and keep forever.
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Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts boneless skinless
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
For serving
  • Tortillas
  • cheese Shredded
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • guacamole
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute. Add olive oil. Place chicken breasts in the pot and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes per side. This adds flavor but can be skipped if needed.
  2. Turn off saute mode. Pour in chicken broth. Sprinkle taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika over the chicken. Spoon salsa on top. Do not stir much.
  3. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure.
  4. Open the lid and shred the chicken directly in the pot using two forks. Stir the chicken into the cooking liquid so it stays juicy.
  5. Spoon chicken into warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings and serve right away.

Notes

Tips
  • Shred the chicken in the pot so it absorbs all the flavor
  • If the chicken is too saucy, use saute mode to thicken it for a few minutes
  • For crispy chicken, broil the shredded chicken on a sheet pan for 5 minutes
  • Use mild salsa for kids and spicy salsa for adults
Variations
  • Spicy tacos: Add jalapenos or hot sauce
  • Creamy tacos: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese after shredding
  • Taco bowls: Serve over rice instead of tortillas
  • Low carb option: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas