Looking for a juicy and tender shredded chicken recipe that can be prepped in minutes? Instant Pot salsa chicken couldn’t be easier and turns out perfectly every time!

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken in a white bowl, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, as seen from above

Electric pressure cookers are one of my favorite kitchen appliances. They’re my go-to when I want a no-hassle method for cooking meat that will still turn out juicy and tender every time.

This Instant Pot salsa chicken is a perfect example! Tender, shredded chicken only takes minutes to prep and is perfect for tacos, salads, bowls, and so much more. Best of all, this entire recipe can be ready in less than 45 minutes.

How to make Instant Pot salsa chicken

Making delicious and flavorful shredded chicken is as simple as adding seasoning, letting it cook in the Instant Pot, and shredding. Let’s see how it’s done!

Ingredients for recipe in separate bowls and measuring cups, as seen from above

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Chicken breasts in a white bowl, sprinkled with seasoning mixture

Step 2: Transfer the chicken to the instant pot. Add the chicken broth.

Seasoned chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with the chicken broth

Step 3: Pour salsa on top of the chicken breasts. Do not stir.

Salsa poured over the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot

Step 4: Close the lid, make sure the valve is set to “sealing”, then cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to “venting” to carefully release the remaining steam.

Step 6: With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken breasts to a medium bowl. Carefully shred the chicken.

Shredded chicken in a glass bowl with two forks, as seen from above

Step 7: Add between a ½ cup and 1 cup of the cooking liquid to the chicken, stirring, until your desired sauciness is achieved.

A forkful of chicken with several bowls of chicken over rice in the background

Thanks to the Instant Pot, shredding chicken has never been easier! The electric pressure cooker prevents the chicken breast from drying out while speeding up the cooking process, so you can have healthy, lean protein ready to enjoy in less than 45 minutes.

How to serve shredded chicken

There are so many delicious ways to enjoy this recipe. It’s so convenient for quick, flavorful lunches or dinners that are packed with protein!

One of my favorite ways to eat Instant Pot chicken is over burrito bowls. While the chicken is cooking, I whip up some brown rice, then add the chicken on top and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime. A little cheese and avocado would be great on there, too!

In the mood for tacos or burritos? Just add tortillas!

Shredded chicken is also a great way to add protein to salads. I like to play on the Southwestern flavors with a chipotle dressing, chopped avocado, and shredded Mexican cheese. You could even throw a few sliced jalapeños on there if you like heat!

From bowls to wraps to salads and beyond, you’ll never run out of ways to use a good shredded chicken recipe.

Two bowls of shredded chicken over white rice, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, as seen from above

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend eating the chicken within three days.

For longer storage, you can keep the chicken in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to three months.

To reheat, microwave the chicken until heated through. Then, enjoy your delicious leftovers for a quick and healthy meal!

Three bowls of shredded chicken over rice with lime wedges

Other healthy chicken recipes

Can you ever run out of tasty recipes for chicken breast? It’s so versatile and such a great source of lean protein! If you want to incorporate more chicken into your weekly menu, here are a few recipes I know you’ll love:

For even more delicious inspiration, check out my roundup of the best healthy diabetic chicken recipes!

When you’ve tried this dish, please don’t forget to let me know how you liked it and rate it in the comments below!

Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

4.67 from 6 votes
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Looking for a juicy and tender shredded chicken recipe that can be prepped in minutes? Instant Pot salsa chicken couldn’t be easier and turns out perfectly every time!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Instant Pot Pressure/Release:: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup salsa
  • lime, (optional — for garnish)
  • cilantro, (optional — for garnish)

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken breasts.
  • Transfer the chicken to the Instant Pot. Add the chicken broth.
  • Pour salsa on top of the chicken breasts. Do not stir.
  • Close the lid, make sure the valve is set to “sealing”, then cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes, then turn the valve to “venting” to carefully release the remaining steam.
  • With a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken breasts to a medium bowl. Carefully shred the chicken.
  • Add between a ½ cup and 1 cup of the cooking liquid to the chicken, stirring, until your desired sauciness is achieved.

Notes

This recipe is for 4 servings.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, cook in the microwave until warmed through.

Nutrition Info Per Serving

Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken
Amount per Serving
Calories
265
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
4.1
g
6
%
Saturated Fat
 
0
g
0
%
Trans Fat
 
0
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0
g
Cholesterol
 
62.8
mg
21
%
Sodium
 
429
mg
18
%
Potassium
 
318.4
mg
9
%
Carbohydrates
 
12.7
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.3
g
1
%
Sugar
 
10.1
g
11
%
Protein
 
38.4
g
77
%
Net carbs
 
12.4
g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.