Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Two ingredients is all you need to make this easy and delicious Instant Pot Salsa Chicken. So grab your Instant Pot (or pressure cooker) and have a simple shredded chicken recipe on your table in just 20 minutes!

The Best Salsa Chicken

I’ve been making salsa chicken for years but my love for this recipe has really been taken to a whole new level when I discovered I could make it in the Instant Pot. I’m almost embarrassed to share this recipe because it really is so simple. You add your chicken breast to your Instant Pot, pour in a jar of salsa and then cook.

So many other Instant Pot Salsa Chicken recipe use taco seasoning or a blend of spices and chicken broth which ultimately falls short in flavor. Not this recipe! A jar of salsa provides the necessary cooking liquid but also the depth of flavor this recipe requires.

If you follow my Instant Pot instructions you can truly have a delicious chicken recipe that’s perfect for any of your Mexican dishes. From tacos, to taquitos, to burritos and bowls, this salsa chicken recipe is so versatile you can use it in several dishes throughout the week. Perfect for Sunday meal prep!

Ingredients in Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs but you’ll want to increase the cook time by 2 minutes. Just be sure your chicken is boneless and skinless
• Salsa – you can use either store-bought or homemade salsa

You’ll also need a pressure cooker for this recipe. I’ve tested it using an 8-quart Instant Pot.

How to Make Salsa Chicken in the Instant Pot

STEP 1: COMBINE INGREDIENTS

Add steamer basket to your Instant Pot and place chicken on top. Pour salsa over chicken. Be sure that chicken is well coated with salsa.

STEP 2: COOK + SHRED CHICKEN

Close lid and valve to the sealing position. Set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once finished, allow to natural release pressure for 5 minutes and then manual release any remaining pressure. Using tongs, remove cooked chicken breasts and place on a cutting board. Once cooled to be safely handled, use two forks to shred chicken.

STEP 3: MIX TOGETHER

Use tongs to add chicken back into Instant Pot and stir in with remaining sauce.

Perfect Pairings for Salsa Chicken

• Instant Pot Chicken Taquitos
• Quinoa Taco Salad
• Chicken Quesadillas
• Authentic Puerto Rican Rice + Beans
• Stuffed Peppers with Cheese
• Chicken Pozole

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken FAQs

Can you use a different pressure cooker? Most likely, yes. However I have only tested this salsa chicken in the Instant Pot.

Can you use frozen chicken breast? Yes. Just add an extra 2 minutes to your cooking time.

Can you make salsa verde chicken? Yes! You can change the flavor of your salsa chicken by using salsa verde in place of traditional red salsa. Here’s a homemade version.

Can you use homemade salsa? Absolutely! I love the salsa verde I mentioned above but this corn salsa is also delicious as is this restaurant-style salsa.

Can you use a different protein? You certainly could but the time for cooking your protein will vary. I haven’t tested this myself.

How to Store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also store your leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator and heat on stove top or in microwave.

More Mexican Favorites

• Authentic guacamole
• The Best Pico de Gallo
• Chipotle Burrito Bowls
• Black Beans Enchiladas
• Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
• How to Make Tortilla Chips
• Instant Pot White Chicken Chili

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