Easy Chicken Tacos

Every time I think about whipping up some delicious Easy Chicken Tacos, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia washing over me. These tacos remind me of lively family gatherings where the aroma of spices floated through the air, and everyone gathered around the kitchen table to enjoy a hearty meal together. As a busy person who loves to cook, I appreciate how these tacos can be made effortlessly in the Instant Pot without sacrificing flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday afternoon, these Easy Chicken Tacos are always a hit!

What to Gather for Easy Chicken Tacos

When it comes to Easy Chicken Tacos, the ingredients are not only straightforward but also work harmoniously together. Each component plays a vital role in building flavor and texture, resulting in a truly satisfying dish. Let’s dive into what you’ll need!

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil: This will be your cooking base, helping to sear the chicken and develop flavor.
• 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds): The star of the show, providing a lean protein source.
• 1/2 small onion, chopped: A classic aromatic that adds sweetness and depth.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic gives the dish a fragrant, savory note.
• 1 14.5 oz can of Kroger Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes add acidity and a rich flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder: This spice gives your tacos a warm, smoky kick.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin: An essential spice that brings an earthy tone to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and beautiful color.
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper: A pinch of heat to elevate the flavors.
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, queso fresco, jalapeno, and lime wedges to personalize your tacos.

Making This Easy Chicken Tacos

Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to bring these Easy Chicken Tacos to life! Using the Instant Pot makes this process incredibly simple. Let’s jump into the steps!

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil is hot; this will ensure that the chicken gets a nice sear, creating a delicious outer layer.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden color to develop.
3. Once the chicken is seared, flip it over and add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir everything around for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Make sure to stir gently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Next, pour in the Kroger Fire Roasted Tomatoes with their juice. This will add moisture and flavor. Then, sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine everything well.
5. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set it to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the chicken to cook perfectly and absorb all those lovely flavors.
6. When the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot natural release for 10 minutes. This means you don’t touch the valve right away, allowing for a tender outcome.
7. After the 10 minutes, open the vent to release any remaining pressure and unlock the Instant Pot lid carefully. You should see beautifully cooked chicken!
8. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this task; it makes shredding super quick and easy.
9. Return the shredded chicken back into the Instant Pot with all the juices. Stir until everything is well combined, ensuring the chicken is coated in that delicious sauce.
10. To serve, fill your corn tortillas with the flavorful chicken mixture and top them with your choice of optional toppings. Enjoy your creation!

Helpful Notes about Easy Chicken Tacos

These tips will ensure your Easy Chicken Tacos turn out perfectly every time. Follow these notes to enhance your cooking experience!

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This makes for a quick lunch option!
• Freezing: You can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve!
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Meal Prep: Prep the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños according to your preference; you can make it mild or fiery!

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tacos

Let’s dive into some delicious ways to serve up your Easy Chicken Tacos.

• Build-Your-Own Taco Bar: Set up a fun taco bar with all your toppings laid out. Let everyone customize their own tacos for a festive atmosphere!
• Hosting a Gathering: These tacos are perfect for casual get-togethers. Pair them with margaritas for a delightful evening!
• Lunch or Dinner: They make fantastic lunch options too! Pack the chicken separately from the tortillas to keep them fresh.
• Seasonal Pairings: During warmer months, serve with a side of fresh corn salad or grilled vegetables.
• Kids’ Parties: These tacos are a hit with kids! Make them mini-sized for little hands to enjoy.
• Meal Prep: Perfect for meal prepping; just portion out the chicken and serve with tortillas throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Easy Chicken Tacos are a delightful and flavorful dish that brings everyone together. With their simplicity and delicious taste, they are sure to become a family favorite. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the tacos that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Easy Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food! These Easy Chicken Tacos are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 pounds
• 1/2 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 14.5 oz can Kroger Fire Roasted Tomatoes
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional Toppings shredded cheese, chopped lettuce, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, queso fresco, jalapeno, and lime wedges

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Instant Pot
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts over and add the onion and garlic. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring the onion and garlic around the chicken breasts so they don’t burn.
2. Add the tomatoes with the juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Lock the Instant Pot lid in place and set to Manual High Pressure for 8 minutes. When the 8 minutes is up, let the Instant Pot natural release for 10 minutes.
3. Open the vent and unlock the Instant Pot Lid. Remove the breasts from the Instant Pot and shred with 2 forks. You can also use a stand mixer or hand mixer to shred the chicken if you wish. Put the shredded chicken back in the Instant Pot with all of the juices. Stir until combined.
4. To serve, fill corn tortillas with chicken and desired toppings. Enjoy!

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This makes for a quick lunch option!
• Tip 2: You can freeze the shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw and reheat when ready to serve!
• Tip 3: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Prep the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
• Tip 5: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños according to your preference; you can make it mild or fiery!

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Meet Hazel Miller

The Flavor Enthusiast Yes, Jenna and I are related! Growing up, our kitchen was the center of our world, and that hasn’t changed. I am a curious cook who loves exploring new ingredients and techniques. I don’t have a single specialty I just love the magic of transformation. Whether we are grilling outdoors or baking indoors, I am always right there, tasting, testing, and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.