This Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner solution that’s bursting with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and satisfying without a lot of effort. Plus, it’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from tacos to salads to wraps.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
- 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240ml) salsa (use your favorite variety)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth or water
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the chicken pieces with the spice mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Pressure Cook the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the Instant Pot.
- Pour the salsa, chicken broth or water, and lime juice over the chicken.
- Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual mode for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
- Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the Instant Pot.
- Stir the chicken to coat it in the salsa mixture.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the Instant Pot Salsa Chicken hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Enjoy it as is, or use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or salads.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken: Chicken breasts are lean and protein-rich, making them a healthy choice for this recipe. They also absorb the flavors of the salsa and spices well.
Salsa: Salsa adds a ton of flavor to this dish. Use your favorite variety, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot, to customize the level of heat to your preference.
Spices: The combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper adds a warm, savory flavor to the chicken.
Chicken Broth or Water: The liquid helps create steam in the Instant Pot, allowing the chicken to cook evenly and stay moist.
Lime Juice: Lime juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the dish and helps brighten up the other flavors.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. It’s optional but highly recommended for a burst of flavor.
