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Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos

Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos

Delicious Easy Instant Pot Shredded Chicken for Tacos recipe with step-by-step instructions.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 7 servings
Calories 1350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the chicken

  • 1.5 lb chicken breast
  • 1.25 cup chicken broth (I use Swanson Less Sodium for better salt control)
  • 3 tbsp orange juice
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 2.5 tsp chili powder (I prefer McCormick for a consistent mild heat)
  • 0.75 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.75 tsp cumin
  • 0.5 tsp oregano
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.33 cup cilantro (finely chopped, about 1/4-inch pieces)

For the tacos

  • tortillas
  • cheese (I like Kerrygold Dubliner shredded for a sharp kick)
  • lettuce
  • sour cream

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout the dish rather than having them clump together. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them cook more evenly in the pressure cooker.
  • Pour the chicken broth, orange juice, and lime juice into the Instant Pot. Place the chicken breasts in the pot and sprinkle the spice blend from Step 1 evenly over top. Close and seal the lid, then pressure cook on high for 8-15 minutes depending on whether your chicken is fresh or frozen (use 8 minutes for fresh, 10-15 for frozen). I prefer starting at 8 minutes for fresh chicken since it cooks quickly and you can always add time if needed, but it's harder to salvage overcooked chicken.
  • Once the cooking cycle completes, open the vent to release pressure naturally or use quick release depending on your preference (natural release takes longer but keeps the meat more tender). Carefully open the lid and use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety. If it hasn't reached temperature, close the lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces—one fork to hold the meat steady and one to pull and tear it apart. Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the cooking liquid and stir in the finely chopped cilantro. The cilantro adds a fresh brightness that complements the citrus and spices beautifully, and letting it sit in the warm liquid for a minute infuses the chicken with its flavor.
  • Warm the tortillas and assemble your tacos by filling each one with the shredded chicken mixture. Top with your preferred toppings: I like to use Kerrygold Dubliner cheese for its sharp, complex flavor that cuts through the richness of the sour cream, but any good-quality shredded cheese works. Add lettuce and sour cream to taste, adjusting flavors to your preference.