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Mexican Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Tender Mexican-style shredded chicken cooked in the Instant Pot with salsa and fajita seasoning.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • ?2 teaspoonsvegetable oil
  • ?3 largechicken breastsabout 2 lbs
  • ?4 tablespoonsfajita seasoning
  • ?1 1/2 cupssalsaenough to cover the chicken
  • ?1/2 cupwateronly if you're using chunky salsa or have a newer IP model

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil to the Instant Pot and tilt to coat the bottom evenly.
  • Place 3 large chicken breasts (about 2 lbs) in a single layer in the pot.
  • Sprinkle 4 tablespoons fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  • Pour 1½ cups salsa over the chicken (enough to cover the chicken). If you are using chunky salsa or have a newer Instant Pot model, also add ½ cup water; otherwise do not add water.
  • Gently mix or press the chicken so the seasoning and salsa coat the pieces, taking care not to displace them too much.
  • Secure the lid and set the vent to SEALING. Select PRESSURE COOK / MANUAL on High pressure and set the time for 10 minutes. (The Instant Pot will take about 10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.)
  • When the cooking program ends, allow the steam to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for the remaining pressure. Open the lid away from your face.
  • Remove the chicken to a cutting board or plate and shred with two forks, a stand mixer, or your hands if cool enough.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the Instant Pot and stir to combine so the chicken soaks up the sauce. Serve hot.

Notes

You should not get a BURN message, but this depends on the salsa that you use if it’s thick or not. You can always add¼–½cup of water if you’re worried that you might get a BURN message.
For frozen chicken, add 5 minutes to the cooking time.
You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer.