Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Recipe Introduction: Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Quick Hook
Fancy some Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos ? Honestly, who doesn't? These tacos are bursting with flavour and require minimal effort, making them a surefire hit for Taco Tuesday Recipes .
Plus, they're way better than takeout.
Brief Overview
These Shredded Chicken Tacos are inspired by classic Mexican cuisine. They offer a super simple cooking method. The best part? They're ready in about 35 minutes.
This recipe makes enough filling for 6-8 tacos. Perfect for a family feast!
Main Benefits
This recipe delivers a quick, healthy and delicious meal. Chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein. These Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
What makes them special? The amazing flavour from the Instant Pot and the minimal cleanup. It's an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tacos dream!
Ready for the goods? Let's talk ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos . It's a simple list, honestly.
Don't get intimidated, alright? These are Taco Tuesday Recipes made EASY.
Main Ingredients
Okay, for the Instant Pot Shredded Chicken itself, you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for plump ones, you know, that feel firm to the touch. Avoid the ones that look pale and sad.
- 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth. Nobody wants overly salty tacos, right?
- 1 cup (240ml) of your favourite salsa. Seriously, go wild here! Mild, medium, hot, it's all good! I personally love using a chunky one for extra texture.
- 1 packet (1 oz/28g) taco seasoning. Pre-made is fine for this Quick Chicken Taco Recipe , but if you're feeling fancy, you can totally make your own.
- Juice of 1 lime . Fresh is best, trust me.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil.
- 1/2 teaspoon (3g) salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper.
For serving up your Shredded Chicken Tacos , grab:
- 12-16 corn or flour tortillas. Your call, mate!
- All your favourite taco toppings! Shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guac, cilantro, onions, hot sauce... the works! Make sure they are fresh!
Seasoning Notes
The taco seasoning does a lot of the heavy lifting, flavour wise. But the lime juice? That brightens everything up. Honestly, don't skip it! If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you do not have taco seasoning mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt
Equipment Needed
You really don't need much for these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos .
- A 6-quart (or larger) Instant Pot. This is key!
- A fork. Or two. For shredding the chicken. Honestly, sometimes I just use my hands (once it's cooled down a bit, of course!). Just make sure they're clean!
That's it! Simple, right? This Easy Weeknight Dinner Tacos will be your new favorite. Honestly, you'll be amazed how quickly these come together. It is the Best Instant Pot Taco Filling !
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos: Taco Tuesday Just Got Easier!
Fancy some Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos ? This recipe will become your new best friend. Honestly, it's the ultimate Quick Chicken Taco Recipe for a busy weeknight.
We're talking flavour packed, tender chicken in warm tortillas, ready in under an hour! No more greasy takeaways. This is WAY better, trust me.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place : First things first, gather all your bits. Chop any toppings you fancy, like tomatoes and onions.
Juice that lime too! Time saving organization tips : Get the taco seasoning ready and the salsa open. Lay out your tortillas ready for action.
A tidy kitchen is a happy kitchen! Safety reminders : Remember, the Instant Pot gets HOT! Be careful when releasing the pressure.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. We don't want any kitchen mishaps.
step-by-step Process: Tacos in a Flash!
- Optional but tasty: Turn the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté diced onions and garlic 'til soft, about 3 minutes.
- Place 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 cup of salsa, 1 packet taco seasoning, the juice of 1 lime , 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Lock the lid! Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes .
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes , then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. It should fall apart easily.
- Toss the Shredded Chicken back into the Instant Pot with the sauce.
- Warm your tortillas. Microwave, skillet, oven your call!
- Pile that Best Instant Pot Taco Filling onto the warm tortillas with all your favourite toppings.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Taco Game
Expert techniques : For extra flavour, try searing the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot before adding the other ingredients.
Adds a nice colour! Common mistakes : Overcooking the chicken is a cardinal sin! 8 minutes is generally perfect.
make-ahead options : You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Just warm it up before serving.
So there you have it. Easy Weeknight Dinner Tacos are in your future! These Pressure Cooker Chicken Tacos are so simple even I can make them.
Enjoy the fruits of your labour! This Chicken Tacos Easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Seriously, give these Instant Pot Chicken Dinner Ideas a try.
Recipe Notes for the Best Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos Ever!
Right, so you're about to dive into making these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos . You've got this! Here are a few extra bits 'n bobs to make sure it all goes swimmingly.
Honestly, this recipe is so simple, it's practically foolproof, but a little extra knowledge never hurts, does it?
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Taco Tuesday Recipes
First things first, presentation is key! Don't just chuck the Shredded Chicken Tacos onto a plate. Think about colour and texture.
I reckon a sprinkle of finely chopped coriander and a few slices of lime really makes them pop. Why not get the family involved and let everyone build their own?
For sides, you can't go wrong with some classic Mexican rice or maybe a quick black bean salad. And to wash it all down? A cold beer or a cheeky margarita treat yourself! Easy Weeknight Dinner Tacos don't have to be boring!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
If you end up with leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), the Instant Pot Shredded Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
To freeze, let it cool completely, then pop it into a freezer bag. It'll be good for up to 2 months.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can microwave it, warm it in a pan, or even chuck it back in the Instant Pot Chicken Dinner Ideas for a few minutes.
Sorted!
Variations: Spice it Up, Keep it Clean
Fancy a bit of a change? For a Quick Chicken Taco Recipe , try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Best Instant Pot Taco Filling .
Or, if you’re watching your carbs, ditch the tortillas and serve the Shredded Chicken Tacos in lettuce wraps. Boom! Healthy and delicious.
Seasonally, you could swap out the standard salsa for a fresh mango salsa in the summer. It's a real game changer.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so let’s keep this simple. Each taco (without all the crazy toppings) clocks in at around 250 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein (about 25g) to keep you feeling full.
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the spices add loads of flavour without piling on the calories.
Remember, this is just a rough guide. Load 'em up with cheese and sour cream and...well, you know!
So there you have it! A few extra tips to make your Pressure Cooker Chicken Tacos absolutely banging. Go on, give it a whirl.
You'll be amazed at how easy and tasty these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos are. Honestly, it's a recipe that's guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos from being dry?
Nobody wants dry chicken! The key is not to overcook it. Eight minutes on high pressure is generally perfect for about 1.5 lbs of chicken breast. Also, be sure to let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes before doing a quick release; this helps the chicken retain moisture.
If it's still a bit dry, toss it with a little extra chicken broth after shredding problem solved!
Can I make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos with frozen chicken?
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it if you can help it! Fresh chicken will produce the best flavour and texture. If you must use frozen, add about 5-8 minutes to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken is separated before cooking to promote even cooking.
It's always best to plan ahead and thaw the chicken properly for optimal results, though, like a Sunday roast planned during the week.
What if I don't have taco seasoning? Can I still make these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos?
Absolutely! Don't let that stop you from having a good taco night. You can easily make your own taco seasoning blend. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
Adjust the amounts to your liking generally equal parts of each works well, like a good old Mary Berry recipe.
How long can I store leftover Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Taco filling?
Leftovers can be a godsend, especially on a busy week. Store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth if it seems a bit dry.
You can also freeze it for longer storage (up to 2-3 months); just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
Can I add other veggies to my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos?
Definitely! This recipe is super adaptable. You could sauté some diced onions and bell peppers at the start using the Instant Pot's sauté function before adding the chicken and other ingredients. Or you could stir in a can of drained black beans or corn after the chicken is shredded.
Think of it like jazz, just add what you like! You could also consider fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, or pickled onions for added texture and flavour.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |