Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy to make? Look no further than this Instant Pot Creamy Salsa Chicken - the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that will transform your kitchen into a Mexican-inspired culinary paradise! With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you'll create a creamy, zesty dish that'll have your family begging for seconds. Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so incredibly complex and satisfying!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 package cream cheese (8 oz)
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the Instant Pot in a single layer. Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes and distribute them around and on top of the chicken breasts. This will help the cream cheese melt more evenly during cooking.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position. Select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting and set the timer for 10-12 minutes on high pressure, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it with the creamy salsa sauce until well combined.
- Serve hot over rice, in tortillas, or with your preferred side dishes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Salsa: Use a medium or hot salsa for extra flavor, but adjust to your spice preference. Fresh or jarred both work great!
- Chicken Thickness Matters: For thicker chicken breasts, add 1-2 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure they're fully cooked.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier melting and smoother sauce.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) - this prevents dry meat.
- Shredding Hack: For perfectly shredded chicken, use two forks and pull in opposite directions while the chicken is still hot.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully.
- Serving Suggestions: Try serving over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or stuff into bell peppers for a fun twist!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 389kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 150mg
