Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish that’s perfect for those who love a combination of convenience and taste. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s a recipe that appeals to both beginners and experienced cooks.
Starting with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, this dish gets its vibrant flavor from a generous amount of salsa, which you can choose according to your taste preferences, be it mild, medium, or hot. The addition of spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder adds depth and warmth to the dish. These ingredients are layered in the Instant Pot, ensuring that the chicken absorbs the rich flavors during the cooking process.
The beauty of using an Instant Pot for this recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. Once all the ingredients are in the pot, it’s a matter of setting the right cooking time and letting the pressure cooker do its job. The chicken cooks quickly and evenly, becoming tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the robust salsa.
After cooking, the chicken is usually shredded effortlessly with a fork, absorbing even more of the delicious salsa. This versatile dish can be served in various ways: on its own, over rice, wrapped in tortillas for tacos or burritos, or even as a topping for salads. Its adaptability makes it a favorite for meal prepping or for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Details Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipes
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Additional Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Servings: 2
Ingredients For Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipes
1 pound frozen skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
½ cup salsa
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions: Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipes
Step 1: Place chicken breasts in a multi-functional cooker (such as Instant Pot). Sprinkle all sides with taco seasoning. Pour salsa and chicken broth on top.
Step 2: Close and lock the lid. Select Poultry setting; set the timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Step 3: Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 20 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid.
I don't have a poultry button on my IP so I cooked on high pressure for the 15 minutes...came out great. I did put the chicken on a rack and after shredding poured about 3/4 of the sauce from the pot on to the shredding plate and mixed it into the chicken. I did add a can of diced green chilies to the pot along with the other ingredients...loved it!
I have made this several times. Once as written, next time with thighs and added 2 oz. cream cheese at the end, next time added sliced onions and peppers for 2 minutes while I was shredding the cooked chicken. Delicious every time! Thanks for a great recipe!! I think the next incarnation will be over rice cooked with Rotel. :-)
My Entire family loved it. There are seven of us and I usually have to make different things because 1/2 like certain foods and the others don't. I just heated up corn Tortillas and flour Tortillas and everyone dressed it how they liked. It's a keeper!
This turned out really well, not dry at all. I put the chicken stock in first then the frozen chicken breasts, then salsa, then the taco seasoning. I also added 3 extra minutes to the defaulted poultry setting so that it would be shreddable. Quick, simple and tasty!
Quick, easy snd delicious. Perfect for weekday taco nights
This has become a consistent weekly meal prep for me. I changed the recipe a bit by using chicken tenderloins, I also choppedn and added a green bell pepper, red bell pepper, yellow onion, and jalapeno. I also skipped the chicken broth and just use a whole tub of salsa.
I added closer to 3/4 cup of chicken broth and low sodium taco seasoning. Hubby loves this for soft tacos, and I use leftovers for salad the next day. So easy!
Easy to make; delicious to eat.
Super delicious! I mix corn starch and cold water, then add to the remaining sauce to thicken it up. Then add the shredded chicken back in and stir so the thickened sauce attaches to the chicken
The whole family loves it. I have used breast and thighs.
Made exactly as directed and it’s delicious! No problems with burning or sticking. Maybe some people aren’t using the Poultry button? Next time I’ll do the same amount of salsa and water and 2lbs of chicken.
Just made it for first time. Used a medium salsa. Turned out fantastic! Family loved it. Quick and easy!
The only change, to my chagrin, I had no chicken broth, so I used the same amount of seasoned water. Add some black beans, diced onion and tomato and your favorite hot sauce, wrap it an a tortilla and this is the most delicious chicken burrito I've ever had. The wife couldn't stop eating.....
My fist male in my new Zavor 8qt multi cooker. I found it so weird that chicken can cook in 10 mins:))Very moist and flavorful. I used it to put in flour tortillas with Mexican mix cheese under the broiler for a few mins until tortillas are a slight toasty. My husband loved these.
I had to improvise and throw in some tomatoes I had froze since I didn't have salsa. Everything else I had and I added some extra spices since I didn't have salsa and it still turned out great. I used them as sliders also.
Made it just as written. Did not use trivet and had plenty of juice. We thought it was delicious. Will definitely make again.
This is my sister's recipe! So easy to make and my kids devour it. It's a must have, go to, when you're in a time crunch and wanting a mexican night without spending money at your local restaurant.
I didn’t have any problems with this recipe. Iit turns out great even if you improvise with some of the ingredients a tad. I texted this recipe to my husband when I was working late and it made such a great quick meal that I’m making it again again five days later!
I made this recipe tonight and it was absolutely delicious!! I used a basket and put the ingredients in there to keep them out of the broth. I used 2 cups of broth, 1 can of Rotel, 1 white onion, 1 yellow bell pepper and 1 orange bell pepper. Will definitely add this to my list of recipes to make on a regular basis - and its SO easy!!!
Super easy to make and very delicious. My husband and kids raved about the taste. It was juicy and shredded so easily. I used about 3/4 of a cup of low sodium chicken broth, fajita seasoning on each of the chicken breast, and about 3/4 of a cup of salsa. Definitely will be doing this recipe again.
Super yummy! I did add extra broth and some other seasonings, but It made delicious taco meat and it will definitely be a try again!! Thanks for the recipe)
My family and I loved it! We placed the chicken on the rack in our instant pot and it turned out perfect. My husband is a picky eater and he absolutely loved it. Thank you for the great recipe.
next time I'll reduce the liquid by 1/4 cup
It was great! Chicken seemed a bit chewy, but I imagine that has to do with the quality of chicken. It was completely frozen and cooked in the time stated! I didn't make any adjustments.
I made this per the recipe using McCormick Taco Seasoning and fresh salsa. Both my wife and I thought this was delicious. We’ll be making this again. Thank you.
I didn't have salsa, so I had to skip on this. But otherwise it's good!
This is a great basic recipe. I prefer a little more seasoning, so I know to use more next time.
When I took out the chicken to shred it, I added black beans, corn and onions and sauteed it for about 5 minutes (and added the shredded chicken). Served it with rice, cheese, lettuce and sour cream. DELISH!
I keep almost everything the same, except I double the amount of salsa. Make sure you are pouring your sauce back into the chicken after you shred it because the chicken itself doesn’t take in much flavor.
Easy, quick, tasty recipe. I used thawed chicken, with salsa, and Tom Brady's spice melange.
Super easy, and very tasty!
It was so easy and very tasty.
So easy and convenient! I ended up with way too much liquid though so I will only add a couple tablespoons next time just to prevent burning or sticking. After shredding(which was quick and simple because the chicken is so moist), I put the chicken back in the pot, added frozen corn and black beans then simmered until heated through. Used for chicken taco salads. Yummy!
I doubled the recipe and used beef stock I already had open and it worked great. Used the chicken for quesadillas, will definitely be using this again!
Excellent base recipe with endless tweaks.
Pretty tasty.
All Nutrifacts of Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Recipes
✅What are the key ingredients for an Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe?
The key ingredients for Instant Pot Salsa Chicken include boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, your choice of salsa (homemade or store-bought), spices like cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder, and optional additions like black beans or corn. These ingredients combine to create a flavorful, hearty dish that is both simple to prepare and versatile in its use.
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How long does it take to cook Salsa Chicken in an Instant Pot?
Cooking Salsa Chicken in an Instant Pot typically takes about 25 minutes, including the time needed for the pot to come to pressure. This quick cooking time makes it an excellent choice for a speedy, nutritious weeknight dinner. Always ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for optimal safety and tenderness.
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Can Instant Pot Salsa Chicken be made with frozen chicken?
Yes, Instant Pot Salsa Chicken can be prepared with frozen chicken, making it a convenient option for those busy days when you haven't had time to thaw meat. The cooking time should be increased by about 50%, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked through. This adaptability makes the recipe a go-to for last-minute meal planning.
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What are some healthy variations of Instant Pot Salsa Chicken?
For a healthier twist, use low-sodium salsa, add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, and opt for skinless chicken breasts. Incorporating beans and corn can also add fiber and nutrients. These modifications make Instant Pot Salsa Chicken a balanced and nutritious meal that fits various dietary needs.
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How can Instant Pot Salsa Chicken be served?
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways: over rice, as a filling for tacos or burritos, atop a salad, or even as a hearty sandwich. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or a dollop of sour cream to add an extra layer of flavor. These serving suggestions make it an adaptable dish suitable for any occasion.