Introduction
This delicious chicken dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Made with flavorful ingredients in your Instant Pot, it combines the bold tastes of taco seasoning, tomatoes, and green chiles, resulting in tender, shredded chicken that can be served in various ways. Whether you serve it on tortillas, over rice, or with a side of veggies, you’re in for a treat!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (4-ounce) can green chiles
1 packet taco seasoning
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes (including pressure release)
Yield: 6 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Press the Sauté button on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the diced medium onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to remove any stuck bits. Add 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, 1 (4-ounce) can of green chiles, and 1 packet of taco seasoning; stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Place 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
Step 4: Set Cooking Instructions
Close the lid, set the valve to “Sealing,” and select Pressure Cook for 12 minutes.
Step 5: Release Pressure
After cooking, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then carefully turn the valve to “Venting” to release any remaining pressure.
Step 6: Shred Chicken
Open the lid and transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks.
Step 7: Combine with Sauce
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir it into the sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with rice, tortillas, or a fresh salad.
Flavor Variations
You can modify the spice level by using mild or hot taco seasoning and adjusting the amount of green chiles used.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves quickly cooking food in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. In this recipe, the diced onions are sautéed in olive oil until softened, enhancing their flavor and aroma.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a pan to loosen and dissolve food particles stuck at the bottom. This adds depth of flavor to the dish. When adding chicken broth, it’s important to scrape the bottom of the pot to ensure all the flavors are incorporated.
Pressure Cooking
Pressure cooking uses trapped steam to cook food faster than traditional methods. In this recipe, the chicken is cooked under pressure for 12 minutes, resulting in tender and juicy meat.
Natural Pressure Release
Natural pressure release is a method of letting the pressure in an Instant Pot decrease on its own after cooking. This technique helps the food finish cooking and prevents the meat from becoming tough. In this recipe, a 10-minute natural release is followed by a quick release of any remaining pressure.
Shredding
Shredding is a technique used to break down cooked meat into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken into shreds, allowing it to easily mix with the sauce for better flavor integration.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the art of decorating a dish to enhance its appearance. In this recipe, fresh cilantro is used as a garnish, adding color and a burst of freshness that complements the flavors of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes and ensure they are fully submerged in the liquid.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water. However, chicken broth adds more flavor to the dish.
Can I adjust the spice level of the dish?
Yes, you can adjust the spice level by using a mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adding more or fewer green chiles according to your preference.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
What can I serve with this dish?
This shredded chicken can be served in tacos, over rice, on a salad, or in burritos. Lime wedges will also enhance the flavor when served.
Conclusion
This flavorful chicken dish infused with taco seasoning, tomatoes, and green chiles is both simple to make and satisfying. The Instant Pot allows for tender, shredded chicken that can be easily integrated into a variety of meals. Garnishing with cilantro and serving with lime adds a refreshing touch that elevates the overall dish.
Chicken Tacos
Shred the chicken and serve it in warm tortillas topped with avocado, cheese, and salsa for delicious chicken tacos.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll the shredded chicken in tortillas, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, then bake until bubbly for a comforting meal.
Chicken Nachos
Layer the shredded chicken over tortilla chips, add cheese, jalapeños, and bake. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.
Chicken Quesadillas
Mix the shredded chicken with cheese and your favorite vegetables, grill in a tortilla, and serve with salsa on the side.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Create a burrito bowl using rice, black beans, corn, and top with the shredded chicken, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
Mexican Chicken Soup
Add the shredded chicken to a pot with additional broth, corn, and avocado for a hearty soup.
Stuffed Peppers
Mix shredded chicken with rice and cheese, stuff into bell peppers, and bake until tender for a nutritious meal.
