3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Tacos

A plate of shredded salsa chicken tacos garnished with onion and cilantro

5 from 5 votes

3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken Tacos

If there was ever a contest for the "Easiest Chicken Taco Recipe Ever", this recipe for 3-Ingredient Instant Pot Salsa Chicken would win hands down! The only prep I do is open a packet of chicken, taco seasoning and a jar of salsa. I pressure cook the chicken, shred it and load it on to soft warm corn tortillas! YUM!

Prep Time2 mins

Cook Time8 mins

Resting time10 mins

Total Time30 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: instant pot salsa chicken, mexican chicken recipe, salsa chicken recipe

Servings: people

Calories: 196kcal

Author: Aneesha Gupta

Ingredients

2 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast or boneless skinless thighs
1.3 oz Taco seasoning : I use Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning Mix (see notes for substitute)
1 cup Salsa Autentica : I use Trader Joe's Salsa Autentica
¼ cup water : adjust based on how thick your salsa is

Instructions

Turn on Instant Pot. Add ¼ cup water. Season one side of the chicken breasts with about 2-3 teaspoons of Taco seasoning and add them into the instant pot, seasoned side down. Season on the other side with 2-3 teaspoons of Taco seasoning.
In a bowl, mix salsa with the remaining taco seasoning. Pour over the chicken, coating the chicken with the salsa mix. Close the lid. Vent set to Sealing. Cook for 8 minutes on Manual or Pressure Cook.
Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes (NPR 10). Open lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken in the pot . Mix well. This shredded chicken can be used for Tacos, Enchiladas, Quesadillas, Tortilla Soup, Pizzas or even for Taco Salad.

Taco Seasoning Recipe

I use Trader Joe's Taco Seasoning mix. It is a bit on the spicier side. If you want to make it mild, you can substitute with: 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander powder, 1.5 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp brown sugar.

Stovetop recipe

Heat a heavy bottom sauce pan on medium high heat. Add water, layer chicken, season it, and top it with salsa.
When the sauce starts bubbling, I reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 15 minutes, or till chicken is fully cooked. Keep stirring every few minutes to prevent the salsa from scorching the pan.

Video

Notes

Note: The nutrition facts below are my estimates. If you are following any diet plan, I recommend cross-checking with your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition