Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

Tender shredded chicken, smothered in the most mouthwatering Mexican sauce made from salsa, green chiles, tomatoes and plenty of bold spices!

Ingredients

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts
    5
  • yellow onion

    sliced

    1 medium
  • minced fresh garlic
    2 tbsp
  • ground cumin
    1 ½ tsp
  • chili powder
    1 ½ tsp
  • ancho chile pepper powder
    ¾ tsp
  • mexican oregano)

    (regular oregano will work if you can't find the mexican variety

    ½ tsp
  • can fire-roasted diced tomatoes

    drained

    15 oz
  • can diced green chiles

    mild

    4 oz
  • salsa verde
    1 c
  • chicken broth

    reduced sodium

    1 c
  • liquid smoke)

    (optional

    1 tsp
  • sliced jalapenos
  • minced fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. 1

    Add all ingredients to the liner of an Instant Pot.  No need to stir.

  2. 2

    Secure Instant Pot lid, making sure the valve is set to "sealing". Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and use the +/- buttons to set the timer for 16 minutes.

  3. 3

    Once the timer beeps, let the pot depressurize on it's own for 5-10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. When the pin drops, remove lid and set aside.

  4. 4

    Remove chicken breasts to a large bowl and shred.

To thicken the sauce

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, stir together 2 Tbsp cornstarch with 3 Tbsp water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the sauce and select "saute". Cook for several minutes, stirring often, until thickened to your tastes.

  2. 2

    Toss shredded chicken with as much of the cooking liquid as you'd like.

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken

204 cal

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About this Recipe

Looking for an effortless way to create incredibly flavorful Mexican shredded chicken right in your Instant Pot? This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and ready for all your favorite meals, without the fuss.

The magic of this Instant Pot Mexican shredded chicken lies in its vibrant, rich sauce. By combining fire-roasted tomatoes, mild green chiles, and a punchy salsa verde with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, chili powder, and ancho chile, you're building layers of authentic flavor directly in the pot. The Instant Pot ensures consistent, moist results every time.

What you'll experience is incredibly tender shredded chicken that practically melts in your mouth, enveloped in a savory, slightly smoky, and wonderfully aromatic Mexican sauce. The fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle depth, while the green chiles and salsa verde provide a balanced tang and mild warmth. It's a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, adaptable to various preparations, and surprisingly quick to prepare, leaving you with delicious results.

Customization & Serving Suggestions

This versatile Mexican chicken recipe is easy to adapt to your pantry and preferences. Don't have Mexican oregano on hand? Regular oregano will work perfectly well as a substitute, maintaining the herbaceous notes. For those who enjoy an extra layer of complexity, the optional liquid smoke adds a delightful depth to the sauce. You can also adjust the final presentation with a scattering of sliced jalapenos for a touch of heat or fresh cilantro for brightness.

This flavorful shredded chicken is perfect for filling tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, or as a hearty topping for nachos, salads, or rice bowls. It's an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a taste of Mexico in every bite.

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