Tacos are usually a popular food, but what if you could prepare them even more quickly and simply? Here’s the Instant Pot recipe for meatless chicken tacos! Taco meat that is tasty and tender can be made in a fraction of the time with the Instant Pot. When you want to make something tasty without having to stand over a burner, this recipe is ideal for hectic weeknights.
Whether you’re making tacos for the family or hosting a party, this recipe will become your go-to for juicy chicken tacos meat. Let’s dive into how you can make this quick and easy dish using an Instant Pot.
Why Use the Instant Pot for Chicken Tacos?
Once you use an Instant Pot, taco meat will never taste the same. This explains why:
- Fast cooking – It drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods.
- Tender meat – The pressure cooking ensures the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
- Hands-off cooking – Set it and forget it! The Instant Pot does all the work for you.
- One-pot meal – Fewer dishes to clean up afterward.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe:
Here’s a list of everything you need to make the best chicken taco meat in your Instant Pot.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs provide more flavor, but breasts work well too)
- Taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Chicken broth (for added moisture and flavor)
- Diced onions and garlic (for extra flavor)
- Lime juice (for a zesty finish)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Here’s a list of ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Tacos:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (use thighs for more flavor)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2-3 tablespoons of homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium or regular)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional but recommended)
- Taco shells (soft or hard)
- Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Cilantro
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Taco Meat in the Instant Pot
Prep the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onions and garlic, and gather your taco seasoning, chicken broth, and lime juice.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Make note of the Instant Pot’s Sauté setting. To the warmed tablespoon of olive oil, add the minced garlic and onions.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and soft.
Add the Chicken and Seasoning
- The Instant Pot should be filled with chicken thighs or breasts.
- Sprinkle your taco seasoning over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Pour in the chicken broth, which will help keep the meat juicy.
Pressure Cook the Chicken
- Secure the lid of the Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook mode for 10 minutes.
- After the allotted time has elapsed, wait five minutes for the pressure to naturally relax before performing a rapid release.
Shred the Chicken
- Once cooked, take the chicken out of the Instant Pot and set it aside on a chopping board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return it to the pot, mixing it with the juices and seasoning.
Add Lime Juice for Extra Zest
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the shredded chicken to brighten up the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities with Instant Pot chicken taco meat are endless! Here’s how you can serve it:
- Tacos – Depending on your tastes, you can put shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, or chicken on top of soft or firm taco shells
- Burritos – Wrap the chicken in a large flour tortilla with rice, beans, and guacamole.
- Salads – Add the chicken to a bed of lettuce with some pico de gallo and avocado for a lighter option.
- Quesadillas – Stuff the chicken into a tortilla with melted cheese for a crispy, cheesy delight.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Taco Meat
Use Fresh Ingredients
- Using fresh lime, garlic, and onions adds depth of flavor to the dish. Avoid canned or powdered substitutes when possible.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer spicier tacos, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Keep the Chicken Moist
The meat needs the chicken broth to stay moist. You may replace it with vegetable broth or low-sodium chicken stock if you’d like to add even more flavor.
FAQs
Can I use the Instant Pot with frozen chicken?
Yes, indeed! For this dish, you may use frozen chicken. Just extend the pressure cooking duration to 15 minutes.
How long is the meat from chicken tacos refrigerated?
If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to three or four day,
Can I freeze the leftover chicken taco meat?
Of course! After allowing the chicken to cool fullyn the pressure cooking duration to seven minutes.
Do I need to use taco seasoning?
While taco seasoning is convenient, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
What toppings go best with chicken tacos?
Classic toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
Is it possible to cook the chicken without an Instant Pot on the stovetop?
Yes, you may cook the chicken over medium heat in a pan. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink after sautéing the onions and garlic.
Does this recipe include gluten?
As long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Is it possible to replace the breasts with chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option as they’re more flavorful and tender.
What kind of tortillas should I use for tacos?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, stick with corn tortillas.
