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Mexican Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

If you’re looking for a flavorful and versatile way to prepare chicken, then this Mexican Instant…
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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

  • Pour 2 teaspoons vegetable oil into the Instant Pot and tilt the pot so the oil coats the bottom.
  • Place 3 large chicken breasts (about 2 lb) in the pot in a single layer if possible.
  • Sprinkle 4 tablespoons fajita seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  • Pour 1½ cups salsa over the chicken so it is covered. If you are using chunky salsa or a newer Instant Pot model, also add ½ cup water.
  • Gently stir once or twice to distribute the seasoning and salsa without removing the chicken from the bottom of the pot.
  • 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 the cook time begins.)
  • When the cooking program ends, allow the steam to release naturally for 5 minutes, then carefully move the vent to VENTING to quick-release any remaining steam. Open the lid away from your face once the pressure is fully released.
  • Remove the chicken to a cutting board or plate and shred using two forks, a stand mixer, or your hands if the chicken is cool enough to handle.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the Instant Pot and stir to coat so it soaks up the flavors.
  • Serve immediately.

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.