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Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos feature tender shredded chicken cooked with fire-roasted salsa and warm spices.
Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or meal prep.
Easy enough for busy weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Ingredients
  

Salsa Chicken

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 cup fire-roasted jarred salsa
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving

  • 10 warmed corn or flour tortillas
  • Shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • Shredded romaine lettuce
  • Diced Roma tomatoes
  • Guacamole or diced avocado
  • Sour cream optional
  • Hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken breasts into the Instant Pot or slow cooker.
  • In a small bowl, combine the ancho chili powder, cumin, coriander, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
  • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. Add the minced garlic, then pour the fire-roasted salsa over the chicken, making sure it is well coated.
  • Instant Pot Method
  • Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on the Poultry setting or Manual High Pressure for 13 minutes.
  • When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully perform a quick pressure release according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Slow Cooker Method
  • Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it cool for several minutes.
  • Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the cooking juices and stir in the chopped cilantro. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Using tongs, lift the chicken from the juices and fill each warmed tortilla.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, avocado or guacamole, sour cream, and your favorite hot sauce before serving.

Notes

This salsa chicken is incredibly versatile beyond tacos. Use it for burritos, quesadillas, taco salads, nachos, enchiladas, rice bowls, or stuffed baked potatoes.
Choose your favorite salsa to customize the flavor. Mild, medium, or spicy varieties all work well.
For an even fresher finish, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving.