Best Damn Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

These easy Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are perfect for taco night! Seasoned with homemade taco seasoning, the chicken is cooked in the Instant Pot until pull-apart tender, making it the perfect base for all your favorite taco toppings. It’s a delicious meal that practically cooks for itself!

Why I Love These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

I love a good, easy recipe that I can make last minute, and this Instant Pot chicken taco recipe is just that. It’s made with simple ingredients we pretty much always have at home, and the electric pressure cooker makes it effortless to cook. 

If you didn’t know already, the Instant Pot is one of my absolute favorite kitchen tools. It’s perfect for busy days when time is short or when you’re just not in the mood to cook something more complicated. With this chicken instant pot recipe, you can have an awesome dinner ready in about 30 minutes!

The chicken cooks in a rich, flavorful sauce, soaking up layers of flavor until nice and tender. It’s honestly one of my favorite ways to cook chicken. Maybe it’ll become your favorite, too! 

Love tacos? Try my Best Damn Pork Tacos or Mouthwatering Fish Tacos with Lime Crema for more delicious Mexican-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The darker meat of chicken thighs is perfect for pressure cooking as it stays moist and tender.
• Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Onion: The aromatic base of the dish.
• Jalapeno pepper (optional): Keep it out, or add it in depending on what spice level you’re comfortable with.
• Canned diced tomatoes: The sweet acidity of tomatoes is a perfect flavor pairing with chicken.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides the liquid necessary for pressure cooking and keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Seasoning blend: A mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt will give the chicken lots of good flavor.
• Lime juice: Chicken and lime are such a good flavor combo!
• Corn or flour tortillas: I love to use the smaller-sized corn tortillas, but use what you prefer.
• Shredded lettuce: Adds a nice freshness and crunch to the tacos.

Topping Ideas

What’s great about chicken is that its neutral flavor pairs well with all kinds of flavors. Here are some ideas to try:

• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa 
• Pico de gallo
• Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
• Sour cream
• Hot sauce
• Cilantro
• Jalapeno slices
• Red onions
• Geen chiles

Sauté

To start, turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes, until soft.

Next, place the chicken thighs in the pot. Add diced tomatoes, jalapeno (if using), chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt. Stir slightly to coat the chicken.

Pressure Cook

Cancel Sauté mode. Then seal the lid and set to pressure cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release the rest.

Open the lid and transfer the chicken to a plate. Shred with two forks, then return it to the pot. Stir in the lime juice and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb all the good juices.

Serve

That’s it! Now it’s time to serve. Warm your tortillas, fill with lettuce and shredded chicken, and top with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Great Sides for Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

You can go the simple route and pair your chicken tacos with white rice, Mexican rice, black beans, or even re-use your instant pot to make my Best Damn Instant Pot Refried Beans.

Or for something a little more festive, try my Cowboy Caviar, Cowboy Caviar Pasta Salad, or Sweet and Chunky Mango Salsa. They’re perfect for parties, gatherings, or just a fun snack at home!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover Instant Pot chicken tacos, store the meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat and warm it through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.

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