Name: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ - 3 pounds chicken breasts; 1 cup salsa; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; ½ teaspoon black pepper

This super easyInstant Pot Chicken Tacosmeal is just right for busy families wanting both yummy and fast — delicious, tender shredded chicken in just 30 minutes! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner with homemade taco seasoning and your favorite toppings and may become a family favorite.

Two soft instant pot chicken tacos filled with shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, and a creamy white sauce are served on a white plate, with fresh cilantro leaves visible in the background.

⏰ Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, these chicken tacos are perfect when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Thepressure cooker does all the workwhile you prep your favorite taco toppings!

My 2 Best Tips For Making Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Natural Pressure Release:Allow at least 10 minutes of natural pressure release before manually releasing remaining pressure. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough and ensures maximum tenderness for your shredded chicken tacos.

Add a Splash of Lime Juice:Brighten the finished shredded chicken with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This adds a fresh finish and makes the chicken tacos taste like they came from a high-quality restaurant!

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The magic of pressure cooking transforms boneless skinless chicken breasts into perfectly tender, juicy shredded chicken. Even frozen chicken breasts work beautifully!

Simply add chicken, seasonings, and a bit of chicken broth to your pressure cooker, set the timer, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. No stirring, flipping, or constant monitoring required!

This shredded chicken taco filling works in soft tacos, hard shells, burrito bowls, quesadillas, and more. Load up with shredded cheddar cheese, salsa, and your favorite taco toppings for endless variety.

How To Make Chicken Tacos In A Pressure Cooker

Raw chicken breasts in a white bowl, topped with a reddish-brown spice mix and marinade—perfect for making flavorful Instant Pot chicken tacos—set on a white marble surface.

Step 1:Add all of the ingredients to your Instant Pot. Stir until the seasonings are dissolved.

Three cooked chicken breasts in a round white pot, covered in a reddish-brown sauce, are perfect for making instant pot chicken tacos and sit on a white marble surface.

Step 2:Pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes for a natural release, and then finish with a quick pressure release.

A white bowl filled with shredded, seasoned Instant Pot chicken tacos sits on a white marble surface.

Step 3:Shred the chicken with two large forks.

Three soft instant pot chicken tacos filled with shredded chicken, cheese, and fresh cilantro are arranged in a white taco holder on a marble surface. Nearby are a tortilla, salsa, Cholula hot sauce, a striped towel, and fresh cilantro.

Step 4:Serve your chicken on corn of flour tortillas piled high with your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Frozen chicken breasts work perfectly in this instant pot chicken tacos recipe. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cook time. The pressure cooker will safely cook frozen chicken to the perfect temperature while keeping it incredibly tender.

Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?

Yes! Skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and actually stay even more moist. Use the same cook time, though thighs are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

What’s the best liquid to use for pressure cooking?

Use 1 cup of chicken broth for the most flavor, though water works in a pinch. The liquid creates the steam needed for pressure cooking and adds extra taste to your chicken taco filling.