Imagine a chicken dish so tender, so flavorful, and so ridiculously simple that it'll make your weeknight dinner routine feel like a gourmet experience. This Instant Pot Unbelievable Chicken is not just another recipe - it's a game-changer that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, you'll be amazed at how something so quick can taste so incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Place the trivet inside your Instant Pot and pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the pot to create steam.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts on the trivet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the salsa evenly over the chicken breasts, covering them completely with the sauce.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" setting.
- Set the cooking time to 10 minutes on high pressure for fresh chicken breasts, or 12 minutes if the chicken is slightly frozen.
- Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release of remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and check the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot chicken and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions, and pair with rice or salad.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better spice adherence and more even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra flavor, try using different types of salsa - from mild to spicy - to customize the dish to your taste.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release, as it helps keep the chicken juicy and prevents it from becoming tough.
- If your chicken breasts are different sizes, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, Mexican blend, or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
- For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad instead of traditional rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 290kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
