Instant Pot Chicken Tacos: A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding time to cook a delicious, home-cooked meal can be challenging. Enter the Instant Pot—a modern kitchen marvel that has revolutionized home cooking. One of the most popular dishes to make in an Instant Pot is Chicken Tacos. This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe and provide tips to make your tacos truly irresistible.

Why Instant Pot Chicken Tacos?

The Instant Pot allows you to cook chicken quickly while locking in moisture and flavor. The result is tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for shredding and serving in soft tortillas. Plus, with the ability to sauté and pressure cook all in one pot, you can build layers of flavor without dirtying multiple dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
• Juice of 1 lime
• Soft tortillas, for serving
• Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Set your Instant Pot to the sauté mode. Add the olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the diced onion. Cook until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • While the onions and garlic are cooking, season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the Instant Pot, directly on top of the sautéed onions and garlic. Pour the chicken broth and tomato sauce (or salsa) over the chicken.
4. Pressure Cook:
   • Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release.
5. Shred the Chicken:
   • Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the sauce. Add the juice of one lime and mix well.
6. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Warm the tortillas, then fill each one with a generous portion of the shredded chicken. Top with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Serve the tacos immediately, allowing everyone to customize their own with the toppings they love.

Tips for the Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Tacos:

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are slightly fattier and will result in even juicier tacos.
• Add Some Heat: If you like your tacos spicy, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
• Make It a Meal: Serve your chicken tacos with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and customizable to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner that’s ready in no time.