Chipotle Chicken (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, and Stovetop)
Mexican shredded chicken is so delicious, versatile, and easy. Here are three ways to make it: Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop.
Mexican shredded chicken is so delicious, versatile, and easy. Here are three ways to make it: Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop.
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 94.120416775 mg
- Fat 4.43386541675 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 22.28272517625 g
- Saturated Fat 1.133980925 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (189g)
- Sodium 97.52235955 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0.82780607525 g
- Calories 135 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray the instant pot with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Put chicken thighs in the instant pot, and salt and pepper liberally.
- Dump the entire 16-ounce jar of salsa on top.
- Place the lid on, and lock it into place.
- Use the manual setting, and set it to 13 minutes.
- Release pressure using the pressure release valve (quick release).
- Take off the lid, and allow to cool a couple minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot.
- Spray the slow cooker with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Put chicken thighs in the instant pot, and salt and pepper liberally.
- Dump the entire 16-ounce jar of salsa on top.
- Place the lid on, and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low all day.
- Shred in the pot with a fork.
- Add cooking spray or a little oil with a high smoke point to a Dutch oven.
- Preheat the Dutch oven on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Meanwhile, salt and pepper your chicken thighs on both sides.
- Carefully add your chicken to the pot.
- Sear on both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes each.
- After the second side is seared, dump a whole 16-ounce jar of salsa on top, reduce the heat to medium-low, place the lid on, and cook covered for about 15 minutes.
- Uncover, flip the chicken over, and cook another 10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Turn the heat off, and use two forks to shred the chicken.
My Go-To Chipotle Chicken: A Weeknight Recipe for Busy Moms
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and most importantly, delicious enough to satisfy my picky eaters. That's why my go-to recipe lately has been this incredible chipotle chicken. I've perfected three methods – Instant Pot, slow cooker, and stovetop – to ensure I can whip up this versatile dish no matter my schedule. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers maximum flavor. The smoky chipotle peppers in the salsa provide a depth of flavor that my family absolutely adores. And the best part? This chicken is incredibly versatile. It's fantastic in tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, or simply served over rice with a side of your favorite veggies.
Instant Pot Magic: On busy weeknights, my Instant Pot becomes my best friend. Throwing the chicken and salsa into the pot, setting the timer, and walking away is pure bliss. The Instant Pot locks in all the flavor and cooks the chicken perfectly tender in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. The quick-release pressure feature makes cleanup a breeze, leaving me with more time to focus on my family.
Slow Cooker Comfort: For those days when I'm even more strapped for time (or just prefer the set-it-and-forget-it approach), the slow cooker is my savior. I toss everything into the slow cooker before heading off to work, and come home to perfectly shredded, flavorful chicken. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious salsa flavors, resulting in a wonderfully tender and juicy final product. The long, slow cook also intensifies the chipotle flavor, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Stovetop Simplicity: Sometimes I crave that slightly seared flavor that only comes from stovetop cooking. This method is perfect for when I want a little more control over the cooking process, ensuring that the chicken gets nicely browned on both sides before being simmered in the salsa. It's a perfect balance between convenience and a more hands-on cooking experience. Regardless of which method you choose, the result is the same: succulent, flavorful chipotle chicken ready in minutes.
Beyond the Basics: This chipotle chicken is a blank canvas for creativity. Experiment with different types of salsa to suit your preferences. I've used everything from traditional chipotle salsa to milder salsa verde, and each one delivers a unique and delicious flavor profile. Add some extra spices for an extra kick or layer in other ingredients to customize it to your liking. Imagine adding black beans, corn, or even a squeeze of lime for extra zest. The possibilities are endless.
This recipe has become a staple in my weekly meal rotation, providing a quick, easy, and delicious dinner solution that my family never tires of. It’s the kind of dish that feels both special and effortless, a perfect blend of flavor and convenience. Whether I’m using the Instant Pot on a busy weeknight, the slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience, or the stovetop for a more involved (yet still relatively quick) cooking process, this chipotle chicken always delivers. So give it a try, and let me know what you think!
