Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: a fast, delicious recipe for a weeknight dinner

If you've been searching for a quick, tasty dinner for busy weeknights, look no further than this effortless Instant Pot chicken taco recipe. This easy Mexican recipe is even faster than the classic chicken taco recipe thanks to the Instant Pot. And although it's quicker, the results are the same – tender, moist chicken packed with flavor.

All you need to do is pop the ingredients into your Instant Pot, cook it for several minutes, then shred the chicken. Serve your chicken tacos with a generous dollop of salsa or sour cream. It's a great-tasting dinner that will satisfy your taste buds without you having to spend loads of time in the kitchen.

Instant Pot Chicken Taco Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make easy chicken tacos at home. Most importantly, you'll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts. While other cuts of chicken would also be delicious, chicken breasts are easiest to work with and they're a lean cut. You'll also need some taco seasoning. You can make it at home or pick up taco seasoning from the supermarket. Finally, you'll need some chicken broth and salsa. These two ingredients will infuse the chicken breasts with flavor and help keep the meat tender and moist.

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

The beauty of making chicken tacos in your Instant Pot is how easy it is to do. Simply arrange the chicken breasts in your Instant Pot, pour in the chicken broth, then season them with the taco seasoning. Spoon the salsa over the top of the chicken, close the lid, and cook for 12 minutes. Take the chicken breasts out of the Instant Pot and shred them with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce, and you're ready to go! Scoop the filling into tortillas or taco shells and add your favorite toppings.

Tips for Easy Chicken Tacos

Use fresh raw chicken. Frozen chicken should be thawed out before cooking.

Skinless, boneless chicken breasts are ideal for making chicken tacos, but if you prefer a heartier cut, try chicken thighs.

Don't overcook the chicken – this will make it rubbery. 12 minutes should do the trick for most chicken breasts.

If you enjoy spice, add some cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili peppers to the mix.

For zestier taco filling, squeeze in some lime juice.

Chicken Taco Topping Ideas

There are so many fantastic taco toppings you can use for your chicken tacos. Garnish your tacos with cheese like queso fresco, cotija, Monterey Jack, or cheddar, salsa, fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, lettuce, beans, or hot sauce.

What to Serve with Chicken Tacos

Keep the Mexican theme and serve your tacos with a side of guacamole and tortilla chips, refried beans, cilantro-lime rice, Mexican coleslaw, black beans, or elotes (grilled Mexican street corn).

How to Store Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

For maximum freshness, store your taco filling in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid storing assembled tacos – the taco shells will get soggy.

Instructions

Put the chicken breast in the Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken broth, taco seasoning, and salsa.

Cook for 12 minutes on the poultry setting, followed by a quick release.

Take the chicken out and shred it using two forks.

Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it with the sauce. Serve on taco shells or tortillas and top with desired toppings.

Notes

If using frozen chicken, let it thaw before cooking in the Instant Pot to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.