What To Know
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If the chicken is dry, add a tablespoon of water to the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of authentic Mexican tacos without the hassle? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the art of creating mouthwatering chicken tacos in the convenience of your Instant Pot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup water
- 12 corn tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (suggestions below)
Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Grated cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or as desired)
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Cilantro
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Mix well to coat.
3. Pressure Cook: Add the seasoned chicken to the Instant Pot insert. Pour in the water.
4. Set Pressure: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” mode on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure.
6. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred it using two forks.
7. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and your desired toppings.
Tips for Perfect Tacos
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your tacos.
- Season the Chicken Generously: Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning. The more flavorful the chicken, the better the tacos will be.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will become tough and dry. Stick to the recommended cooking time.
- Experiment with Toppings: The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility. Feel free to mix and match toppings to create your own unique combinations.
Variations
- Spicy Tacos: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Grilled Chicken Tacos: Grill the chicken breasts before shredding them for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Substitute the chicken with tofu or beans for a plant-based option.
How to Store and Reheat Tacos
- Store: Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tortillas separately.
- Reheat: To reheat the chicken, microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Troubleshooting
- Chicken is Dry: If the chicken is dry, add a tablespoon of water to the Instant Pot before pressure cooking.
- Tortillas are Too Hard: If the tortillas are too hard, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
- Tacos are Too Bland: If the tacos lack flavor, add more taco seasoning or salsa to taste.
Basics You Wanted To Know
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes.
- Can I use other types of meat? You can use ground beef, pork, or turkey instead of chicken.
- What are some other topping ideas? Try pickled onions, black beans, or shredded cabbage.
- Can I make these tacos ahead of time? Yes, you can cook the chicken and shred it up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the tacos just before serving.
- How do I make a vegetarian version of these tacos? Substitute the chicken with tofu or beans and use vegetable broth instead of water.
