Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Tender, shredded chicken is infused with a blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, making these tacos flavorful and quick to prepare. Served in warm tortillas and topped with your favorite garnishes, these tacos are a hit with everyone and can be customized to suit any taste.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will absolutely love this recipe because it combines bold flavors with incredible ease of preparation. The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to have tender, juicy chicken in a fraction of the time it would take to cook using traditional methods. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep option since it fits into various diets, being high in protein and low in carbs if you opt for corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.
Tips and Tricks
To elevate your Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, consider using fresh spices for a more vibrant flavor. Searing the chicken before pressure cooking can also add depth to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip the searing step, but it’s worth the extra few minutes if you can manage it. Additionally, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor and juiciness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can lead to dry, tough meat. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time of 10 minutes with a natural release for optimal tenderness. Another mistake is not seasoning the chicken enough; don’t skimp on spices! Lastly, ensure that you allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 10 minutes for the best texture.
Make Ahead Tips
For meal prep, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite taco seasoning the night before and store it in the refrigerator. You can also prep toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and sliced avocados in advance. The cooked chicken stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe by swapping out the chicken for beef, pork, or even a plant-based protein like jackfruit for a vegan option. You can also experiment with different seasonings, such as adding a chipotle sauce for a smoky flavor or using different salsas to change the profile of the dish. For a fun twist, try making tacos with lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, or serve the chicken over rice for a taco bowl.
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot Chicken Tacos with warm corn or flour tortillas and an array of toppings. Fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices, and crumbled queso fresco are all excellent choices. Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for brightness and a side of fresh salsa or guacamole. For presentation, stack the tacos on a colorful platter and garnish with lime wedges and additional cilantro.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these chicken tacos with a refreshing margarita or a light Mexican lager for the ultimate dining experience. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a zesty limeade or iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully. For sides, consider serving with Mexican street corn (elote) or a simple side salad with avocado and tomatoes.
How to Store
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and it will last for up to three months. When reheating, simply microwave the chicken until warmed through or reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth for added moisture.
Equipment Needed
You will need an Instant Pot for this recipe. If you don’t have one, a pressure cooker can also work. A good set of kitchen knives and a cutting board are essential for prepping your ingredients.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe vegan, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a dairy-free option, simply omit cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Be sure to check for gluten in your tortillas if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider using fresh, in-season tomatoes for a homemade salsa; in the fall, you could add roasted butternut squash to your tacos for a cozy twist. Always opt for fresh produce when available to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
Cost Breakdown
This recipe is budget-friendly, with the total cost estimated at around $2.50 per serving. Buying in bulk or using store brand ingredients can further reduce costs. For a cheaper option, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they are often less expensive.
Kitchen Hacks
To save time, use pre-chopped onions and garlic from the store. You can also shred your chicken faster using a hand mixer; simply place the cooked chicken in a bowl and run the mixer through it on low speed for perfectly shredded meat in seconds!
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just increase the cooking time to 15 minutes and ensure that you follow the natural release method.
- What can I substitute for taco seasoning? You can make your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.
- How can I make this spicier? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken before cooking.
How To Make instant pot chicken tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced onions, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges, salsa, cheese
Instructions
- Start by turning on the Instant Pot and selecting the sauté function. Add the olive oil and let it heat up.
- Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and close the lid of the Instant Pot. Ensure the vent is set to sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then turn the valve to quick release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks or a hand mixer.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the broth.
- Warm the tortillas in a pan or microwave. Serve the chicken in the tortillas and top with your favorite garnishes.
Nutrition Information
Yield
12Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 299Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 67mgSodium 388mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 5gSugar 6gProtein 29g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot Chicken Tacos is not just a quick dinner solution; it’s a chance to gather around the table with family and friends to enjoy a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to your preference, these tacos are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy every bite!