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–+ servings
A close up of Salsa Chicken in an Instant Pot.
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5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Make this Instant Pot Salsa Chicken for juicy, flavorful shredded chicken in minutes, perfect for tacos, burritos, rice bowls, and easy dinners.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Release Time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: main dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, Instant Pot recipes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 202kcal
Author: Jess Jankowski
Cost: $10.67

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • cutting board

Ingredients

  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 2 pounds about 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 16 oz jar chunky salsa
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning

FOR SERVING: (all optional)

  • Taco shells
  • Rice
  • All your favorite toppings
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

PUT INGREDIENTS IN POT:

  • Pour chicken stock into an Instant Pot.
  • Pour about ½ cup of salsa into the pot.
  • Add chicken and taco seasoning.
  • Pour the remaining salsa over the chicken, making sure the chicken is coated.

PRESSURE COOK:

  • Lock the lid in place and make sure the steam release knob is turned to sealing.
  • Set Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
  • When the cooking time is done, let the pressure naturally release.
  • Quick release any remaining pressure.

TO FINISH:

  • Remove the lid carefully and move the chicken to a cutting board.
  • Use 2 forks to shred the chicken for tacos or bowls.

Notes

Recipe Tips:

  • Use natural release. Letting the pressure release naturally keeps the chicken extra juicy and tender. 
  • Shred the chicken while warm. The chicken shreds much more easily when it’s still hot. 
  • Make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” This is one of the most common mistakes when cooking with an Instant Pot. 

Storage Tips:

  • Freezing: Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thawing: Thaw Instant Pot salsa chicken in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chicken on the stovetop or in the microwave. 
1. To reheat the chicken on the stovetop, cook it in a skillet over medium heat until heated. 
2. To reheat it in the microwave, place the chicken in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 0.33pound | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 713mg | Potassium: 775mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 424IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg