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Easy Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos photo

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos

Tender shredded chicken cooked in salsa makes quick, flavorful tacos for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 5 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper start with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper, add more to taste
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 cup fire-roasted jarred salsa
  • 2 Tbsp cilantro chopped
  • 10 corn or flour tortilla shells warmed
  • shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • shredded romaine lettuce
  • diced Roma tomatoes
  • guacamole or diced avocados
  • sour cream and hot sauce optional

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
  • Slow cooker (optional)
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board and fork or meat claws for shredding

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot inner pot in a single layer.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the ancho chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, then scatter the minced garlic over the top.
  4. Pour the fire-roasted salsa over the chicken to mostly cover it.
  5. For Instant Pot: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Poultry or Manual high pressure for 13 minutes, then use quick release according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  6. For slow cooker: Cook on low for 5–6 hours until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
  7. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest a few minutes, then shred with forks or shredding claws.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the cooking juices, add the chopped cilantro, and toss to coat; taste and add more salt if needed.
  9. Use tongs to transfer drained chicken to warmed tortillas and top with cheese, romaine, diced tomatoes, guacamole or avocado, and sour cream and hot sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Thaw chicken before cooking for best results.
  • Start with 1/4 tsp salt because some salsas are salty.
  • Use either corn or flour tortillas per preference.
  • Leftover chicken stores well in the refrigerator for a few days.
  • Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy.