Instant pot shredded chicken tacos made with just 4 ingredients. These chicken tacos are a delicious kid-friendly dinner idea any day of the week. Gluten-Free.
You’ll start by combining chicken breasts, chicken broth, diced tomatoes and taco seasoning in the Instant Pot. As it cooks, you can create the ultimate taco toppings bar to add even more excitement to dinner!
For more shredded chicken recipes, check out our Cast Iron Shredded Chicken Nachos, Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, and Chicken A La King (Instant Pot + Stovetop).
Chicken Taco Recipe
The fact that we can make this recipe from start to finish in less than 20 minutes is the #1 reason that this taco dinner is a top pick for our family.
Recipes with shredded chicken always go over well with kids and this recipe is no exception. Especially when it is made with our homemade chicken taco seasoning.
This recipe can also be cooked in a crockpot or on the stovetop (instructions shared below!).
We highly recommend featuring this recipe at your next Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo celebration. Serve this Mexican shredded chicken alongside Gluten Free Spanish Rice and Canned Corn Salad.
To get started, gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card. Enjoy!
Equipment
- instant pot
- measuring cups
- 2 forks
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts ✅
- 14.4 ounce can green chilies and lime diced tomatoes ✅
- 1.25 ounces gluten-free taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ✅
- gluten-free flour or corn tortillas for serving
Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.
How To Make
Add all ingredients into the bottom of the instant pot. Cover and make sure it’s set to sealing.
Cook
Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Do a natural release for 5 minutes then release the rest of the pressure.
Shred the chicken using two forks.
Serve
Serve with gluten-free flour or corn tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.
Taco Toppings
You can almost always find lettuce, Cotija cheese & tomatoes in the fridge because we like to keep these ingredients handy. For a larger variety, add any of these chicken taco toppings to the dinner table:
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Queso
- Finely chopped jalapeños
- Pico de Gallo
- Pickled red onions
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Cilantro
- Shredded cabbage
One of our new favorite toppings is Pineapple Guacamole. The sweet pineapple combined with the creamy avocado makes a tasty taco topping.
When it comes to toppings, get adventurous and try something different on each taco!
Tips
- Keep a few cans of seasoned diced tomatoes in the pantry because it is a great way to add extra flavor to recipes.
- If you don’t have a can at home and are dying to get started with this recipe, simply swap the diced tomatoes with a jar of your favorite salsa.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilis if you can’t find the can of green chilies and lime diced tomatoes
- Make a large batch of taco seasoning to keep in the pantry to use with a variety of recipes. Our Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe combines a variety of spices to create a flavorful seasoning great for this recipe or any other taco dish.
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth if needed.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs
You can absolutely replace the chicken breasts with chicken thighs in this recipe. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts because of the higher fat content. Also, chicken thighs are typically a cheaper cut of meat than chicken breasts.
If you are going to buy chicken thighs, we recommend buying boneless skinless chicken thighs because with both the skin and bone removed shredding the chicken will be much easier.
Storage Instructions
In the fridge: Let the chicken cool completely then store in a covered container for up to 3 days.
In the freezer: After the chicken is cooked, add to a freezer bag and lay flat in your freezer. This is a great recipe to use to meal prep for future nights when you come home and need a quick meal.
More Ways To Use Shredded Chicken
We use the leftovers for chicken tacos the next day or to serve in Homemade Taco Shell Bowls. The leftover shredded chicken is also great for making burritos, nachos, Crunch Wrap Supremes, Taco Quesadillas, Southwest Chicken Chili or Creamy Chicken Enchiladas.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave: Add refrigerated chicken to a microwave safe bowl to heat in 20-30 second increments until hot. Cover with a damp paper towel and/or add chicken broth to the bowl to keep the chicken moist.
Place frozen chicken in a microwave safe bowl then use the defrost function on the microwave to thaw and heat. You can also thaw the meat overnight in the fridge then reheat.
Stovetop: Our preference is to reheat frozen chicken on the stovetop as it keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Place leftovers in a pot over low to medium heat. Cover with a lid and heat until hot or the chicken has reached 165° Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken (breasts, tenders or thighs) will be rubbery if they have not been cooked long enough. After the pressure release, use a meat thermometer to test the internal temp (should be 165° Fahrenheit). If good to go, you can proceed with shredding. If not, continue to cook until that temperature is reached so that they meat is no longer rubbery and safe to eat.
We find the biggest challenge with Instant pot cooking is not knowing the difference between natural and quick release. Each recipe should state how to release the pressure from the Instant Pot.
Natural release is letting the pressure release on its own instead of manually releasing the pressure. For this specific recipe, you will want to do a natural release for 5 minutes then manually release the rest of the pressure. The end result being perfectly cooked chicken.
Place tortillas between two damp paper towels then microwave for 10-20 seconds or until warm.
Use tongs to remove the chicken to allow the excess juices to drip back into the Instant Pot.
Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
You can easily make this recipe in your slow cooker if you’d like it to cook all day and be ready when you get home. Simply place all the ingredients into your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours. So good!
Stovetop Shredded Chicken Tacos
Wondering how to boil chicken to shred? Simply place all ingredients into a skillet (make sure the chicken broth completely covers the chicken). Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook for about 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Shredding Chicken in a Mixer
To quickly shred chicken place it into your mixer with the paddle attachment and turn on low. Mix until the chicken is shredded! It works great especially when the chicken is to hot to handle but also is a quick way to shred cold chicken too.
Kids In The Kitchen
Cooking tips and suggestions for kids making this recipe.
- Use a food scale or read the outside of the chicken package to make sure you are adding 2 pounds of chicken into the pot.
- Homemade gluten-free taco seasoning can be kept at room temperature in a covered container for up to 6 months.
- Be cautious when manually releasing the pressure as steam will shoot out the top of the Instant Pot.
- Shred the chicken with two forks or by tossing into the Kitchenaid Mixer.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Stew
- Instant Pot Colcannon
- Pulled Pork Roast Instant Pot Recipe
- Instant Pot Frozen Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Sushi Rice
- Instant Pot Loaded Potato Soup
CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.
The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.
Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos
Equipment
- 2 forks
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breasts ✅
- 14.4 ounce can green chilies and lime diced tomatoes ✅
- 1.25 ounces gluten-free taco seasoning
- 3/4 cup chicken broth ✅
- gluten-free flour or corn tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Add ingredients to the instant pot. Add all ingredients into the bottom of the instant pot. Cover and make sure it's set to sealing.2 pounds chicken breasts, 14.4 ounce can green chilies and lime diced tomatoes, 1.25 ounces gluten-free taco seasoning, 3/4 cup chicken broth
- ⭐️Cook. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Do a natural release for 5 minutes then release the rest of the pressure. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Serve. Serve with gluten-free flour or corn tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.gluten-free flour or corn tortillas for serving
Notes
Tips
- Keep a few cans of seasoned diced tomatoes in the pantry because it is a great way to add extra flavor to recipes.
- If you don’t have a can at home and are dying to get started with this recipe, simply swap the diced tomatoes with a jar of your favorite salsa.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes and a can of green chilis if you can’t find the can of green chilies and lime diced tomatoes
- Make a large batch of taco seasoning to keep in the pantry to use with a variety of recipes. Our Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe combines a variety of spices to create a flavorful seasoning great for this recipe or any other taco dish.
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth if needed.
Crockpot Instructions
Place all the ingredients into your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours.Stovetop Shredded Chicken Tacos
Place all ingredients into a skillet (make sure the chicken broth completely covers the chicken). Bring to a boil, then turn down to a simmer. Cook for about 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. CCK Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination. The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.Nutrition
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Holly says
This will be the second recipe I make in my instant pot- perfect!
Create Kids Club says
I hope you find it as easy and tasty as I do, Holly!
Create Kids Club says
This one is a keeper, Geri!
Bethany says
Can I use frozen chicken?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Bethany! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Simply add 4 minutes to the cooking time. I’d love to hear how you like it!
Patty says
I cooked 2.10 lbs of boneless chicken breasts with all other ingredients listed, for 8 minutes. My chicken wasn’t cooked all the way through.
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Patty, I’m sorry to hear this! Did you cook at high pressure? Was the chicken thawed before cooking? Lastly, what instant pot do you have? I will update the post to reflect this – thank you for sharing!
Kimberly says
Hi Jodi, If I’m using your chicken taco seasoning, how much do I add? Thank you!
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Hi Kimberly – I recommend using 3-4 tablespoons. You can adjust to your preferred taste by adding more if needed as well. Enjoy!
Patti says
The recipe says 1 o oz. can of Rotel. What is the correct size? Is it ONE 10oz can?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
Thanks for pointing this out, Patti! I’ve updated the recipe to reflect the 10-ounce can that should be used. Thanks so much and I hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂
Nisha says
Can I use regular plum tomatoes diced up instead of the canned tomatoes? If so how many would you recommend using?
Jodi Danen, RDN says
I think you could. I’d use maybe 4-5 plum tomatoes. You might need to add a little broth if it’s a bit dry as the canned tomatoes would have some liquid with them. Let me know how it turns out if you do give it a try!