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    You are here: Home » Instant Pot Recipes » Best Damn Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

    Best Damn Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

    Last Modified: May 20, 2025

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

    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!

    Instant Pot chicken tacos on a white plate loaded with toppings.

    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 for Instant Pot chicken tacos on a rustic wooden surface.

    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.
    A serving of Instant Pot chicken tacos on a white plate with toppings.

    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
    Two Instant Pot chicken tacos on a white plate loaded with toppings.

    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.

    Chicken thighs in a tomato sauce in the instant pot.

    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.

    A bowl of pulled chicken coated in delicious sauce.

    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!

    Adding pulled chicken to a tortilla with lettuce.
    Close-up of an Instant Pot chicken taco on white plate with toppings.

    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!

    Loaded Instant Pot chicken tacos on a serving plate over a wooden surface.

    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.

    Print

    Recipe

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    Instant Pot chicken tacos on a white plate loaded with toppings.

    Best Damn Instant Pot Chicken Tacos


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    • Author: Jason N.
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Yield: 3-4 servings
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    Description

    These flavorful Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are quick and easy, featuring tender shredded chicken with zesty seasonings, ready in about 30 minutes!


    Ingredients

    • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • Optional: 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
    • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
    • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • Juice of 1 lime

    For serving:

    • Corn or flour tortillas
    • Shredded lettuce
    • Optional toppings: diced avocado, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, crumbled cotija cheese, sour cream, cilantro, jalapeno slices

    Instructions

    1. Turn on the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add olive oil and sauté the onion for 3-5 minutes, until soft.
    2. 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.
    3. Cancel Sauté mode. 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.
    4. Open the lid and transfer 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 the juices.
    5. Warm your tortillas, fill with lettuce and shredded chicken, and top with your favorite toppings.
    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Instant Pot

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    1. Elaine Wolfson says

      August 06, 2018 at 11:34 am

      I have 1.5 lbs. of chicken breasts. Keeping all other quantities of ingredients the same, how much would I adjust the cooking time? Thank you.

      Reply
    Jason of Recipeteacher.com

    Hi, I’m Jason and i’m here to help you make easy, delicious homemade recipes. My approach is to provide the easy-to-understand instructions, use simple ingredients, and have you make the best meals possible.

    More about me →

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