Imagine a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes like it's been simmering all day. This Instant Pot Shredded Salsa Chicken is your secret weapon for creating restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort. In just 20 minutes, you'll have tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty salsa and aromatic spices that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the Instant Pot in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Sprinkle cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken breasts, coating them completely.
- Pour the salsa over the seasoned chicken, making sure the chicken is well-covered with the sauce.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing position.
- Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and set the timer for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release to remove any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the cooking liquid, mixing it with the salsa.
- Let the shredded chicken sit in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb more flavor.
- Transfer the shredded chicken to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice, in tacos, burritos, or as a protein for salads and bowls.
Tips
- Choose the Right Salsa: Use a medium or hot salsa for extra flavor, but avoid chunky varieties that might prevent even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure chicken breasts are in a single layer for consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Check Chicken Thickness: Adjust cooking time based on breast thickness - thicker cuts might need 15 minutes, while thinner ones could be done in
- Natural Release Matters: The 5-minute natural release helps the chicken remain incredibly tender and prevents dryness.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, making it perfect for batch cooking.
- Customize Your Protein: This method works great with chicken thighs or even pork for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 262kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 120mg
