How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: A Quick & Delicious Recipe

Part 1: Introduction to Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights, then Instant Pot chicken tacos should be at the top of your list. The Instant Pot has become a game-changer in kitchens worldwide, allowing you to create flavorful dishes in no time. And when it comes to tacos, there’s nothing more satisfying than tender, perfectly seasoned chicken served in soft tortillas, ready to be piled high with your favorite toppings.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to make the best Instant Pot chicken tacos. We’ll explain why the Instant Pot is perfect for this dish and provide step-by-step instructions, ingredient ideas, and creative variations. Whether you’re a taco fan or seeking an easy dinner, you’ll find tips to make this your go-to weeknight meal.

What Are Instant Pot Chicken Tacos?

So, what exactly are Instant Pot chicken tacos? Simply put, this is a taco recipe where chicken is cooked in an Instant Pot—a pressure cooker that speeds up the cooking process while maintaining flavor and moisture. The result? Juicy, shredded chicken that’s full of bold flavor, making it the perfect filling for tacos.

When you cook chicken in the Instant Pot, the pressure helps lock in the moisture, infusing the chicken with all the seasonings. Plus, it shreds so easily, which makes for a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy chicken tacos without spending hours in the kitchen.

These tacos are incredibly versatile. You can load them up with all the toppings you love, whether it’s creamy guacamole, crunchy lettuce, or spicy salsa. It’s the ideal meal for taco night, and the Instant Pot makes it fast and foolproof.

Benefits of Using the Instant Pot for Chicken Tacos

Why should you choose the Instant Pot to make your chicken tacos? There are several reasons this kitchen gadget is a game-changer when it comes to preparing this dish.

Time-saving: The Instant Pot dramatically reduces cooking time, meaning you can have your chicken tacos on the table in under 30 minutes. No more waiting hours for chicken to cook to perfection.
Flavored chicken: Because the Instant Pot uses pressure cooking, the chicken absorbs all the flavors of the seasonings, making every bite juicy and bursting with taste.
Simple and easy: This recipe requires minimal effort. Just toss in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot do all the hard work. It’s an excellent option for busy nights when you want to serve something flavorful without much fuss.
Healthier options: Chicken is a lean protein, and when prepared in the Instant Pot, it stays moist without needing added fats or oils. You can also load your tacos with healthy toppings like veggies, avocado, and salsa for a well-rounded meal.

Not only do you save time, but you also get to enjoy a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a weeknight dinner for yourself, Instant Pot chicken tacos are a guaranteed hit.

Part 2: Ingredients and Tools for Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Now that you know why the Instant Pot chicken tacos are such a fantastic choice, let’s dive into the ingredients and tools you’ll need to make this delicious dish. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With a few pantry staples and a trusty Instant Pot, you’ll be ready to whip up a meal that’s sure to please.

Key Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

When it comes to the ingredients for Instant Pot chicken tacos, less is more. You don’t need to hunt for hard-to-find spices or ingredients. Here are the basics you’ll need to get started:

Chicken: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe, depending on your preference. While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs offer more flavor and moisture. You can even use frozen chicken, which is a huge bonus for last-minute meal prepping.
Taco Seasoning: This is where the flavor magic happens. You can either buy a pre-made taco seasoning mix or make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Customizing the seasoning to suit your tastes is a fun way to experiment!
Garlic and Onion: These two aromatics are a must for building a savory base. You can either chop them fresh or use pre-minced garlic to save time. The flavor they bring to the chicken is unbeatable.
Chicken Broth or Water: The Instant Pot requires some form of liquid to create steam. While you can use water, chicken broth adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. You could also try vegetable broth for a lighter option.
Toppings: The best part about Instant Pot chicken tacos is the endless variety of toppings you can add. Consider options like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños. It’s your taco night—get creative!

With these few ingredients, you’re well on your way to a delicious taco feast. You can even prep the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for a super quick dinner later.

Essential Tools for Making Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

The Instant Pot is the star of this recipe, but a few other tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Instant Pot (Pressure Cooker): Obviously, the Instant Pot is essential. It’s the magic tool that cooks the chicken quickly and locks in the flavors. Most Instant Pots come with a variety of settings, but for this recipe, you’ll primarily use the Pressure Cook or Manual setting.
Tongs: A good pair of tongs will help you safely handle the chicken once it’s cooked, especially when you’re ready to shred it. They also help stir the chicken while it’s cooking in the pot.
Shredding Tools: While forks work perfectly fine to shred the chicken, you can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. This method makes shredding effortless, especially when you’re cooking in larger batches.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and any other veggies you plan to add to your tacos, a sturdy cutting board and sharp knife are important. They’ll help you prep quickly and safely.
Measuring Spoons: If you’re making your own taco seasoning or adding specific amounts of broth, measuring spoons will come in handy.

Having these tools on hand will ensure that you’re ready to make the most of your Instant Pot and make chicken tacos that are as easy as they are delicious. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, you’re one step closer to taco perfection!

Part 3: Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to dive into the fun part—cooking! In this section, we’ll walk you through the steps to create the perfect Instant Pot chicken tacos from start to finish. It’s easier than you might think, and with a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that’s bursting with flavor.

Preparing the Chicken and Ingredients

The first step in making Instant Pot chicken tacos is prepping your chicken and other ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:

Chicken: Start by deciding whether you want to use chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re using breasts, you can leave them whole or cut them into smaller chunks for faster cooking. Thighs can also be used whole, though they may need a slightly longer cook time depending on their size. If you’re using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw it—just toss it straight into the Instant Pot!
Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together your taco seasoning. If you’re using a store-bought mix, you can skip this step. However, making your own taco seasoning is easy! Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat if you prefer.
Veggies: If you’re adding onion and garlic to enhance the flavor, chop them finely. You can also add any other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini at this stage if you prefer extra veggies in your tacos.

Once you have everything prepped, you’re ready to move on to the next step!

Cooking Chicken Tacos in the Instant Pot

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these simple steps to cook your chicken tacos in the Instant Pot:

Add Liquid to the Pot: Pour in the chicken broth or water into the Instant Pot. You need enough liquid to generate steam, which helps cook the chicken evenly.
Season the Chicken: Coat your chicken with the taco seasoning mixture. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed for full flavor.
Set the Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken into the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s spread evenly at the bottom. Secure the lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Choose the Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 12 minutes for fresh chicken or 15 minutes for frozen chicken.
Cook and Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to quick-release the remaining pressure.

At this point, your chicken should be fully cooked, tender, and infused with all the seasonings. The pressure cooker does its job in keeping the chicken juicy, making it perfect for shredding.

Shredding the Chicken and Assembling the Tacos

Now comes the fun part—shredding the chicken and assembling your Instant Pot chicken tacos!

Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot using tongs. You can either shred it with two forks, pulling the chicken apart into strips, or use a stand mixer to shred it in seconds. If you prefer chunkier pieces, simply shred a little less. Once shredded, return the chicken to the Instant Pot and stir it in the remaining juices to keep it moist.
Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is soaking up the flavor, take your tortillas and warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. Alternatively, you can wrap them in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Assemble the Tacos: Now that everything’s ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Place a generous scoop of the shredded chicken onto each tortilla, then top with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

The best part about these Instant Pot chicken tacos is that they’re customizable! Each person can load up their tacos with their favorite toppings, making it a fun, personalized meal for everyone.

FAQs:

Why is my Instant Pot shredded chicken rubbery?

If your Instant Pot shredded chicken turns out rubbery, it’s usually due to overcooking or using the wrong cut of meat. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough, leading to a rubbery texture. To avoid this, be sure to follow the recommended cooking times for fresh or frozen chicken. Additionally, using chicken thighs, which are naturally more tender, can help achieve a more juicy and flavorful result. If you prefer chicken breasts, make sure not to overcook them, as they can easily become dry and rubbery.

Is chicken taco seasoning the same as taco seasoning?

While chicken taco seasoning and taco seasoning both share similar ingredients like chili powder, cumin, and garlic, chicken taco seasoning might contain extra ingredients tailored to complement the flavor of chicken. Some chicken taco seasoning blends might have added herbs like oregano or a bit of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the poultry. However, for most recipes, you can use regular taco seasoning as a substitute for chicken taco seasoning and still get great results.

Does chicken get tough in Instant Pot?

Chicken can sometimes become tough in the Instant Pot if it is cooked for too long. Overcooking chicken—especially lean cuts like breasts—can cause it to become dry and tough. To avoid this, always use the recommended cooking times for the cut of chicken you’re using. The Instant Pot’s pressure-cooking feature locks in moisture, so you don’t need to cook chicken for an extended period. For tender chicken tacos, follow the guidelines for cooking time and ensure your chicken is fully submerged in liquid for the best texture.

Should you brown chicken before putting in Instant Pot?

Browning the chicken before cooking in the Instant Pot is a personal preference. While it can add depth of flavor and a slightly crispy texture, it is not necessary for making Instant Pot chicken tacos. The Instant Pot will cook the chicken perfectly without browning, and skipping the browning step saves you time. However, if you prefer a richer, more caramelized flavor, you can use the sauté function to brown the chicken on both sides before pressure cooking. This adds an extra layer of flavor but does not change the overall outcome significantly.

Conclusion

Incorporating the Instant Pot into your taco night is a game-changer. With its ability to cook chicken quickly and lock in flavor, making Instant Pot chicken tacos is both simple and delicious. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try out one of the variations, this meal is a perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prepping. The versatility of the recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors, toppings, and even cooking techniques, ensuring your tacos are always fresh, exciting, and packed with flavor.

So, next time you’re craving tacos but don’t have a lot of time, fire up your Instant Pot and enjoy the juicy, tender chicken that makes Instant Pot chicken tacos the ultimate comfort food. With the tips, tricks, and variations provided, you’re well-equipped to make taco night a memorable occasion for everyone!