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Zesty Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Delicious and flavorful tacos made with tender chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings, prepared effortlessly in an Instant Pot.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts) Feel free to use thighs or breasts based on preference.
  • 1 cup chicken broth This will help keep the chicken moist.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing the chicken.
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning Make sure it’s halal.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
For Assembling Tacos
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas Choose based on preference.
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes Fresh or canned.
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced Adds creaminess.
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish Optional.
  • Lime wedges for serving For added zest.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning; set aside.
Cooking
  1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Add the olive oil, allowing it to heat up for about a minute.
  2. Place the seasoned chicken in the pot, searing it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
  3. Pour the chicken broth into the Instant Pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze any brown bits.
  4. Close the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing.’ Select the manual pressure cook setting for 10 minutes.
  5. Once cooking is complete, allow for natural release for 5 minutes, then switch to quick release to release any remaining pressure.
  6. Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken in the pot, mixing it well with the broth and spices.
Assembly
  1. Warm the tortillas briefly in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and top with diced tomatoes, lettuce, avocado, and cilantro. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side.

Notes

For different protein options, you can use halal-friendly ground turkey or shredded beef. Make sure to allow chicken to naturally release pressure for optimal tenderness. Always taste the chicken after cooking to adjust seasoning.