Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Try this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos recipe, or contribute your own.
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
- salsa verde
- corn tortillas
- 1 tsp. cumin
- juice of 2 limes
- 1 tbsp. canola vegetable or avocado oil
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken cubed and lightly seasoned* (i used a combo of breasts and thighs)
- 1/2 yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. coriander
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. kosher sea salt
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- juice of 2 oranges
- 1/2 jalapeã±o, minced (or a whole pepper if you prefer
- 1/2 c. fresh cilantro
- diced red onion
- cotija or queso fresco cheese
- Carbohydrate 84.5594833333333 g
- Cholesterol 317.514659 mg
- Fat 18.339444996 g
- Fiber 10.9260002693534 g
- Protein 106.856957943 g
- Saturated Fat 4.271319723 g
- Serving Size 1 1 lbs shredded chicken (806g)
- Sodium 434.302791566667 mg
- Sugar 73.6334830639799 g
- Trans Fat 3.495486168 g
- Calories 931 calories
Step-by-step
- Turn the Instant Pot on the SAUTE setting.
- Add oil and sear the chicken until golden brown. You will need to do this in two batches.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the onions and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken back into the pot.
- Season with chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and oregano.
- Add the orange juice, lime juice, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot and pressure cook on the POULTRY setting for 12 minutes.
- After the chicken has fully cooked, carefully turn the steam release vent and let the pressure come down.
- Once the valve pops, remove the lid and turn the Instant Pot on SAUTE.
- Cook the chicken until almost all of the remaining liquid is gone, or for crispy chicken, cook until the liquid is gone, then stir every 2-3 minutes for 6 minutes, taking care to not let the chicken burn.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken and toss with extra lime juice, if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious – a trifecta that can be surprisingly hard to achieve. That's why I've become obsessed with my Instant Pot. It's a lifesaver, transforming weeknight dinners from a stressful chore into a quick and enjoyable experience. This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos recipe is a perfect example. It's ready in under 30 minutes, and the flavors are absolutely incredible. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe lets you savor the moment with your family instead.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting – the tender, juicy shredded chicken is practically effortless. I love using a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for the perfect balance of moisture and flavor. The vibrant spices – chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika – create a rich and savory profile that's both satisfying and exciting. The addition of orange and lime juice brightens everything up, adding a refreshing citrusy twist that cuts through the richness. And the best part? The cleanup is a breeze! One pot, minimal dishes – music to a busy mom's ears.
This recipe is incredibly versatile too. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I often change things up depending on what's in my fridge. Sometimes, I add a can of diced tomatoes or some black beans for extra heartiness. Other times, I'll experiment with different types of cheese or salsa. The possibilities are endless! You can even prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a super-speedy weeknight meal. Just reheat and assemble your tacos whenever you're ready.
Beyond Tacos: The possibilities with this incredible shredded chicken don't stop at tacos. Use it as a filling for burritos, quesadillas, or even salads. The tender, flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with almost anything. It’s a recipe that constantly finds its way into my meal rotation for its versatility, speed, and amazing flavor profile. I highly encourage you to give it a try; you won't be disappointed!
Tips and Variations:
- For spicier tacos, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you don't have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with dried cilantro or parsley.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Experiment with different spice blends to create your own unique flavor combination.
- For a healthier option, use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- Add your favorite taco toppings! Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and guacamole are all great additions.
This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken recipe is more than just a meal; it's a testament to the power of efficient cooking and flavorful simplicity. It's a recipe born from the demands of a busy life, a recipe that delivers big on taste and convenience without sacrificing quality. So, go ahead, try this recipe and free up some precious time in your week. Your family (and your sanity) will thank you for it.
