Instant Pot Chicken Tacos (shredded chicken tacos)

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos come together quickly and can be made from fresh or frozen chicken breasts or thighs (or both!)! Perfect for tacos, salads, or taco bowls.

instant pot chicken tacos on flour tortillas

January on The Recipe Rebel is all about easy, most healthy family dinners — some that double as Superbowl party recipes because, what can I say? ‘Tis the season!

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are one of those recipes.

I love making a bunch of tacos or taco meat (chicken and beef or even pork or seafood!) for a party because it’s easy for everyone to mix and match what they like.

They’re easy to make and easy to prep ahead, and if you set out a wide range of sides or toppings (lettuce for salads, cooked rice, different salsas and cheeses, chips and veggies, etc.), there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone.

On the other hand, shredded chicken tacos also make a super quick, simple and healthy weeknight meal.

And the leftovers? Just as easy to get rid of!

Make a salad, do up some nachos for lunch or date night, stir it into soup or a pasta dish. These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are so super versatile, they’re sure to be a crowd pleaser!

instant pot chicken tacos in pressure cooker

This is the best basic Instant Pot Shredded Chicken <– if you’re looking for juicy, delicious chicken with a great all-purpose seasoning blend that is awesome for your weekend meal prep!

Variations on these Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos:

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are naturally gluten and dairy free, just be sure to check your labels and pay attention to what you serve alongside.
I like a little sweetness for cooking my chicken, so I like to use pineapple or mango juice! You can easily swap this for chicken or vegetable broth, or even water, though broth or juice adds a ton of flavor that water just won’t.
I like to add my salsa as a topping on my tacos so that everyone can pick and choose with they like. If you prefer, you can stir the salsa right into the shredded chicken before serving.
You can make these as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the spices or topping with extra spicy toppings. If you know you like your tacos extra spicy, try adding an extra teaspoon of chili powder or shredding with some hot salsa thrown in the mix.

instant pot chicken tacos close up

How to make Instant Pot Chicken tacos from frozen chicken:

From frozen chicken breasts:

Cook on manual or pressure cook, high pressure, for 12 minutes.

From frozen chicken thighs (boneless, skinless):

Cook on manual or pressure cook, high pressure for 10-12 minutes.

How to make these Instant Pot Chicken Tacos ahead:

There are two ways to make these shredded chicken tacos in advance:

Prep everything in the inner pot of the Instant Pot, then cover and refrigerate up to 1 day before cooking and continuing with the recipe.
Prep and cook completely. Shred. Let cool slightly before covering and refrigerating. To reheat, simply use the microwave, stove top or Instant Pot on saute setting to warm through (or serve cold!).

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

These Instant Pot Chicken Tacos come together quickly and can be made from fresh or frozen chicken breasts or thighs (or both!)! Perfect for tacos, salads, or taco bowls.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Keyword pressure cooker chicken tacos

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 8 1/2 cup servings

Calories 84kcal

Author Ashley Fehr

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 cup pineapple juice
tortillas, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado and salsa as desired for serving

Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.
Combine chili powder, garlic, onion, salt and cumin and sprinkle over chicken. Pour pineapple juice into the Instant Pot.
Put the lid on, turn the valve to sealing and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 8-10 minutes, then open the valve and remove the lid.
Drain all but 1/4-1/2 cup of the juices. Shred the chicken in the juices and stir so the chicken soaks up the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired (adding a bit more spice if you like!). Serve.