0 from 27 votes
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (with Fresh or Frozen Chicken)
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the one (Instant) Pot recipe you want in your back pocket on busy days. Requiring only 4 ingredients, prep literally takes 2 minutes! Then the Instant Pot takes care of the rest.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
2 mins
Instant Pot Natural Release Time
20 mins
Total Time
37 mins
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 293 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs or breasts, fresh or frozen (I used boneless chicken thighs)
- 1 cup salsa (I used Pace)
- 1 cup Cooking liquid (broth, stock, or water)
- 2 packets taco seasoning
Instructions
- Place chicken (fresh or frozen!) in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle chicken with taco seasoning (obviously this works for thawed chicken, not so much for frozen.
- Pour salsa and cooking liquid on top of the chicken. I like to give everything a quick stir to make sure the taco seasoning isn’t sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Close and lock the lid. Select either the Poultry or Pressure Cook setting; set the timer for 15 minutes on Normal for thawed chicken, 20 minutes for frozen. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
- After the cook time is up, let natural release for 15-20 minutes (if possible). The longer you let it natural release the better when dealing with meat - I find waiting for a natural release keeps the meat moister.
- Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and transfer the chicken to a bowl with a pair of tongs. Shred chicken with two forks. You can either set aside the chicken or add it back into the Instant Pot after the next step.
- While you're shredding the chicken, press the Sauté button (on Normal) to reduce the leftover liquid. Set to Saute for 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally once the liquid starts to simmer.
- I like to spoon some of the reduced leftover liquid over the shredded chicken before serving. Or you can save it and use it as a base for enchilada sauce or taco soup. Use Instant Pot Salsa Chicken to make tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and more. Enjoy!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. But you should definitely opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin beforehand. Keep in mind that when using frozen chicken the Instant Pot will take slightly longer to come to pressure, and it will require 20 minutes total cook time.
- You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs in this recipe. But you should definitely opt for skinless chicken or remove the skin beforehand. Keep in mind that when using frozen chicken the Instant Pot will take slightly longer to come to pressure, and it will require 20 minutes total cook time.
Nutrition Information
Calories
293kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
5g
(2%)
Protein
45g
(90%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.04g
Cholesterol
215mg
(72%)
Sodium
904mg
(38%)
Potassium
723mg
(21%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
538IU
(11%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
39mg
(4%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 293
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 293kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 45g | 90% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.04g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 215mg | 72% |
| Sodium | 904mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 723mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 538IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 39mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.