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Instant Pot Salsa Chicken – Use the pressure cooker to make salsa chicken that is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Great for tacos, enchiladas, salads, quesadillas and more!
Chicken is probably the most used protein out there. It is cheap, easy to cook, and is used in pretty much every type of cuisine. But the thing about chicken is, it can get over cooked and dry out very quickly, especially if you are using chicken breasts. Which is why I really like using the Instant Pot to make shredded chicken, it keeps it tender and juicy every time! Plus you can just turn it on and let it go.
You all know that I love Mexican food, and this chicken is one of my favorite easy recipes to make during the week. I can make a big batch and use it in recipes and lunches for a couple of days. Plus it is ready so fast in the Instant Pot. I mean, you can easily do it in the crock pot or even the oven, but I think the pressure cooker just does a better job of keeping the chicken moist and tender.
This is one of the few times that I like to use jarred salsa and think it works the best. If I am dipping chips, I am all over this Chili’s Salsa recipe, but for this I think it is too thin and doesn’t coat the chicken nearly as well. So use whatever jarred salsa you like, and if you like things spicy feel free to use extra and hot variety or even add in a few jalapenos to the mix.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Easy – doesn’t get much easier than 3 ingredients!
- Fast – chicken cooks really fast in the Instant Pot, even with waiting for it to come up to pressure, it is less time than baking the chicken and significantly less than the crockpot.
- Make Big Batches – you can add more chicken and double this recipe with no added cooking time, so it is great for big get togethers or if you just want to do meal prep.
- Versatile – you can use this chicken in a million different ways, so it is great to have in the fridge for quick lunches or dinner on busy days.
What You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Chicken Breasts – I personally like chicken breasts for this, but boneless chicken thighs would work great as well, and the cooking time should remain the same.
- Taco Seasoning – my Homemade Taco Seasoning is a great option to control the sodium and make it your own.
- Salsa – I like to use store bought here because it is thicker and doesn’t leave the chicken watery. But if you want to use homemade, you are welcome to use your favorite.
- Water
How To Make Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- Start by adding the water to the bottom of the instant pot. You need this to make sure the chicken doesn’t burn to the bottom as it cooks.
- Season chicken with the taco seasoning.
- Pour over the salsa. Try to mix it around and make sure there is some under the chicken. This also helps so it doesn’t burn.
- Cover and let it cook for 12-17 minutes depending on the type of chicken you are using (fresh or frozen). See notes below for frozen chicken breasts.
- As soon as it is done cooking, quick release the pressure and then use 2 forks to shred the chicken.
Can I use Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen chicken in the Instant Pot. If you are starting with frozen chicken you will need to cook for 17 minutes. Fresh chicken cooks in about 12 minutes. If your frozen chicken is super thick for clumped together you will want to add 2 minutes to the cooking time. But standard frozen chicken breasts cook in 17 minutes.
How to Use Salsa Chicken
There are so many uses from it aside from just eating it on its own. Serve with Mexican Rice and you have a great dinner. But if you want to mix it up, here are great ways to use the leftovers as well.
- Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas
- Fajita Chicken Quesadillas
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Tostadas
- Crunchy Southwest Chicken Wrap
- Avocado Chicken Bites
- White Chicken Enchiladas
Can You Freeze Salsa Chicken
Yes, you definitely can. It is great to make extra of and have in the fridge or freezer. Store it in an air tight container in the freezer for 3-4 months and then take out to use in all sorts of different recipes.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Wings
- Instant Pot Jambalaya
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Instant Pot Pork Tenderloin
- Instant Pot Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Pork Tacos
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 – 2 pounds chicken breasts, approximately 3 chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cup salsa
Instructions
- Pour water into the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Add chicken and season with taco seasoning.
- Pour salsa over chicken and mix to make sure some of the salsa is under the chicken to prevent burning.
- Set Instant Pot to cook under high pressure for 12 minutes if using fresh or defrosted chicken and 17 minutes if using frozen chicken breasts.
- Quick release pressure and remove lid once it is unlocked. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Sounds delicious! Making ASAP
I am sure this will be our new favorite family recipe. Love it!
I am going to pull out my instant pot just for this chicken dinner! I love all the flavor that comes with this simple dish.
This is the best way to cook up chicken! So simple and easy!
This is so moist and flavorful! Perfect for tacos!