Introduction
If you’re looking for a flavorful and easy meal that the whole family will love, this Instant Pot chicken dish is a perfect option. With succulent chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a zesty chipotle salsa and beer sauce, it’s a winning combination for taco night. Serve it with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings for a delicious dinner that comes together in no time.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup restaurant-style salsa
½ cup Mexican beer, such as Modelo (or chicken stock as a non-alcoholic substitute)
For serving:
Tortillas (flour or corn)
Pico de gallo
Sliced avocado
Sliced jalapeños
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
8-13 minutes, depending on the chicken cut
Total Time
Approximately 40 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
This recipe is not only quick and simple but also adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different spices or additional toppings to suit your taste. Enjoy your delicious chicken tacos tonight!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Prepare the Instant Pot
Set a 6-quart Instant Pot® to the high sauté setting.
2. Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with 1¼ teaspoons salt and ¾ teaspoon pepper.
3. Brown the Chicken
Heat canola oil in the Instant Pot®; working in batches, add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
4. Cook the Onion
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in the minced garlic, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano until fragrant, about 1 minute.
6. Incorporate Salsa and Beer
Pour in the salsa and beer (or chicken stock), scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
7. Combine Ingredients
Return the browned chicken to the pot and gently toss to combine.
8. Set the Cooking Menu
Select the manual setting; adjust the pressure to high, and set the time for 8 minutes for chicken thighs or 13 minutes for chicken breasts.
9. Release Pressure
When cooking is complete, perform a quick-release of the pressure according to the manufacturer’s directions.
10. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot® and shred using two forks. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
11. Serve
Serve immediately in tortillas with desired toppings.
Notes
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute chicken stock for beer if you prefer a non-alcoholic option.
Cooking Times
Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken you are using; thicker pieces may require additional time.
Storage
Leftover shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Topping Suggestions
For serving, consider adding diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or fresh cilantro to enhance flavors.
Cook techniques
Searing
Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust. This is done by cooking the chicken in hot oil until it is golden brown on both sides.
Sautéing
Sautéing is used for cooking the onion and garlic. This technique involves cooking them in a small amount of oil over medium heat, stirring frequently until they become soft and fragrant.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to the pot after sautéing to lift the browned bits stuck to the bottom. This enhances the flavor of your dish.
Pressure Cooking
Using the high-pressure setting of the Instant Pot cooks the chicken quickly while retaining moisture, making it tender and juicy.
Shredding
After cooking, shredding the chicken allows it to absorb the flavors of the surrounding sauce and makes it easier to serve in tortillas.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time.
What can I substitute for Mexican beer?
You can use chicken stock as a non-alcoholic substitute for Mexican beer.
Can I cook this dish without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can use a slow cooker or a stovetop method, but cooking times will vary.
What toppings can I use for serving?
You can serve with tortillas, pico de gallo, sliced avocado, and sliced jalapeños.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot chicken dish is a fantastic way to enjoy tender, flavorful chicken paired with a robust blend of spices and salsa. Perfect for tacos or served over rice, this recipe is versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. The addition of fresh toppings such as pico de gallo, avocado, and jalapeños enhances the meal, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or family dinners.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use the shredded chicken to fill flour tortillas with cheese and more salsa, then grill until crispy for delicious quesadillas.
Chicken Burrito Bowls
Layer the shredded chicken over rice or quinoa, and top with beans, corn, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a hearty burrito bowl.
Chicken Nachos
Top tortilla chips with the shredded chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and salsa, then bake until bubbly for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Chicken Fajitas
Sauté bell peppers and onions with the shredded chicken and serve in warm tortillas with guacamole for a tasty twist.
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Serve the shredded chicken in tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing flavor.
Chicken Enchiladas
Roll the chicken in tortillas, cover with enchilada sauce, and bake with cheese on top for a comforting meal option.
