There is really nothing better than shredded chicken. You can use it in tacos, burritos, or anything else you can think of. This Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken recipe makes it a quick & easy way to make chicken for your tacos or burritos.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s effortless to make – as long as you have an instant pot or any other type of pressure cooker.
Oh and the chicken tastes delicious. Most of the ingredients needed for this recipe are probably already in your pantry.
Can I use Frozen Chicken
Yes! This is probably one of the most asked questions on Social Media when making Chicken in the Instant Pot. The Instant Pot is “smart” enough to adjust depending on if you are using raw or frozen chicken.
You are probably asking yourself how does my IP know if my chicken breasts are frozen? Technically it doesn’t.
But because the Instant Pot is a pressure cooker, and pressurizes based on its contents, it will adjust accordingly if you are using frozen breasts.
Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. The Instant Pot is an amazing device that makes most recipes foolproof.
How to Handle Raw Chicken
- Leave the chicken in the fridge until ready to use.
- Be careful of dripping juices. Clean up immediately.
- Do not wash raw chicken (prevents cross-contamination).
- Wash all utensils and cutting boards.
- I highly recommend wearing Disposable Food Safe Gloves when handling raw chicken
- If not wearing gloves, wash your hands after handling raw chicken.
Tips
- Use electric hand mixers to make an easy job of shredding the chicken breasts.
Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
If you have any questions about your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, I suggest you visit Instant Pot’s Official Customer Care Center.
For more great recipes you can make in your Instant Pot, check out my awesome collection of Instant Pot Recipes.
Kitchen Gadgets
Using the Right Equipment can make a BIG Difference. Check out our Favs!
Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Shredded Chicken recipe in your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. For ingredient amounts please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken – roughly 3 or 4 breasts depending on their size
- Olive Oil – Try to use the best quality olive oil you can
- Salsa – you pick the heat level
- Green Chilies – mild or hot
- Light Brown Sugar – you can also use dark brown sugar
- Diced Tomatoes
- Chili Powder – adds a warm, smoky, and mildly spicy flavor
- Ground Cumin – Brings a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor to this recipe
- Minced Garlic
- Smoked Paprika – regular paprika will also as well
- Dried Oregano – brings a bold, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor
- Salt – a must for most recipes
- Ground Black Pepper – Freshly Ground as much as possible
- Liquid Smoke – optional if you don’t care for the flavor
How to Make Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Instant Pot and brush with the olive oil.
- Add all the other ingredients on top of the chicken. Put the lid on the instant pot, and close the valve.
- Set the timer on manual high for 27 minutes. When done, do a quick pressure release and remove the chicken to shred.
- Put the shredded chicken back in the instant pot and cook on low with the lid on for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
Printable Recipe Card
Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Chicken
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Salsa
- 8 oz Green Chilies, diced
- 4 Tbsp Light Brown Sugar
- 15 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 Tsp Ground Cumin
- 1 Tsp Garlic Cloves, minced
- ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
- ½ Tsp Dried Oregano
- 1 ½ Tsp Salt
- ½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Tsp Liquid Smoke
For Serving (optional)
- Flour Tortillas
- Corn Tortillas
- Fresh Cilantro
- Salsa
- Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your Instant Pot and brush with the olive oil.
- Add all the other ingredients on top of the chicken. Put the lid on the instant pot, and close the valve.
- Set the timer on manual high for 27 minutes. When done, do a quick pressure release and remove the chicken to shred.
- Put the shredded chicken back in the instant pot and cook on low with the lid on for 10 to 15 minutes to absorb all the liquid.
Notes
Equipment Needed
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My family and I loved this shredded chicken recipe.