Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast
- 1 c chicken broth
- 2 T orange juice
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ⅓ c cilantro
freshly chopped
- taco fixings: tortillas
cheese, lettuce, sour cream, etc.
Directions
- 1
Place the chicken breast in Instant Pot trying to overlap as little as possible. For fresh chicken, place on trivet and for frozen chicken, place directly into the pan. Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice over top.
- 2
Whisk together all of the spices, salt and pepper and generously cover all of the chicken. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and lock it. Set the vent to "Sealing."
- 3
Set the Instant Pot to "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" for: 8-10 minutes for fresh and 10-12 minutes for frozen. Aim for the higher amount of time for thicker chicken. It will take about 10 minutes for pressure to build up. If your chicken breasts are on the larger side (12-14 oz.) you can cook up to 15 minutes.
- 4
When the cycle is complete, do a quick release and check the temperature of the chicken. If it has not reached 165°F yet, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes. If it is very close, you can shut and allow it to rest until it reaches the temperature.
- 5
When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks. Place back in the instant pot with the juices and stir. Add the freshly chopped cilantro and stir in.
- 6
Keep the heat on warm until ready to serve and enjoy. Save leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days and in the freezer for 2 months.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving incredibly flavorful, juicy shredded chicken tacos that come together with minimal effort? This Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos recipe is your answer, bringing restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen without the takeout wait.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is a true weeknight hero, transforming chicken breast—whether fresh or frozen—into succulent shredded chicken with just 5 minutes of prep time. The magic of the Instant Pot ensures consistently tender results, while a vibrant blend of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and a zesty kick from orange and lime juices infuses every strand with irresistible flavor. It's a delicious meal that takes the stress out of dinner.
What to Expect
You can expect tender, moist shredded chicken bursting with a savory, slightly smoky, and bright flavor profile. The warming spices like chili powder, cumin, and oregano are beautifully balanced by the tang of orange and lime, with a hint of warmth from cayenne pepper. Freshly chopped cilantro adds a final flourish of herbaceous freshness. This versatile chicken is perfect for piling high into tortillas with your favorite fixings like cheese, crisp lettuce, and creamy sour cream, promising a satisfying and customizable taco experience every time.
Customization & Variations
This flavorful shredded chicken is incredibly versatile beyond just tacos. It's fantastic for enhancing your quesadillas, building a vibrant and filling taco salad, or even stuffing into fajitas. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking for more or less heat. Don't hesitate to experiment with different taco fixings to personalize your meal, from various salsas to pickled onions.
Serving & Context
This easy and delicious shredded chicken is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in about 30 minutes, or for casual gatherings where everyone can enjoy customizing their own tacos.