Description
A simple and flavorful 3-ingredient chicken taco recipe that can be made quickly in an Instant Pot or slowly in a slow cooker. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal, this dish yields tender, shredded chicken infused with taco seasoning and salsa, ready to be served in your favorite taco shells or wraps.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (fresh or frozen, about 3)
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
Sauce
- 1 cup salsa
Instructions
- Prepare Instant Pot: Place 1 cup of salsa in the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts on top of the salsa in a single layer.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts to ensure flavor infusion.
- Seal and Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and ensure the pressure valve is closed. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure.
- Set Cook Time: Cook for 12 minutes if using frozen chicken breasts or 8 minutes if using fresh chicken breasts. Note that pressure build time will add 10-15 minutes before the countdown.
- Pressure Release: After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure to open the pot safely.
- Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot, mixing it well with the salsa for moistness and flavor.
- Alternative Slow Cooker Method: Place salsa in the slow cooker crock and add chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle with taco seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred in Slow Cooker: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks inside the slow cooker and mix it thoroughly with the salsa before serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen chicken breasts; cooking times differ accordingly.
- The taco seasoning can be store-bought or homemade depending on your taste preferences.
- This shredded chicken works well in tacos, burritos, salads, or as a protein topping.
- For a lower sodium version, choose a low-sodium salsa and taco seasoning.
- Adjust the level of spice by choosing mild or hot salsa and taco seasoning.
Keywords: chicken tacos, shredded chicken, Instant Pot chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipe, taco recipe