Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

Kelli Foster
Kelli FosterCulinary Producer at The Kitchn
I'm a recipe developer, food writer, stylist, and video producer, with more than 10 years of professional experience. As an expert meal planner and avid home cook who loves grocery shopping and helping people figure out what to cook for dinner, I'm a natural fit as The Kitchn’s Dinner Therapist. Since graduating from The University of Scranton and The French Culinary Institute, I've authored three cookbooks: Buddha Bowls, Plant-Based Buddha Bowls, and The Probiotic Kitchen. My kitchen superpower is turning a random assortment of ingredients into easy, delicious dinners that even my young son will eat.
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updated Oct 1, 2022
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instant pot salsa chicken on a plate
Credit: Photo: Tara Donne; Food Styling: Cyd McDowell

This 2-ingredient recipe is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook chicken. Try the shredded meat in tacos, burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and salads.

Serves4 to 6

Prep5 minutes

Cook28 minutes

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instant pot salsa chicken on a plate
Credit: Photo: Tara Donne; Food Styling: Cyd McDowell

Anytime I’m staring down a pack of boneless chicken breasts and need a quick dinner that requires next to no effort, I turn to salsa chicken. It’s the easiest, most foolproof chicken dinner I know, and the reason I always keep a couple of jars of salsa on hand.

After just 15 minutes in the Instant Pot, you’re greeted with a big batch of shredded meat that can be used for tacos, burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and salads. Plus, leftovers can be stashed in the freezer for endless future meals.

Credit: Photo: Tara Donne; Food Styling: Cyd McDowell

For the Best Results, Layer the Ingredients

You’ll start by adding the salsa to the Instant Pot in an even layer across the bottom of the insert. While this recipe calls for tomato salsa, any jarred salsa will work, and changing up the variety is a fun way to keep this dinner feeling fresh.

Then, place the seasoned chicken breasts on top — no need to stir. Placing the chicken on top of the salsa rather than directly against the insert helps prevent the bottom of it from scorching.

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Instant Pot Salsa Chicken

This 2-ingredient recipe is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook chicken. Try the shredded meat in tacos, burritos, grain bowls, sandwiches, and salads.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 28 minutes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) container

    tomato salsa (about 2 cups)

  • 2 pounds

    boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 (16-ounce) jar tomato salsa in a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker. Season 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts all over with 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Place on top of the salsa in an even layer, and do not stir.

  2. Lock the lid on and make sure the pressure valve is set to seal. Set to cook under HIGH pressure for 10 minutes. It will take about 12 minutes to come up to pressure.

  3. When the cook time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 5 minutes. Quick release any remaining pressure. Use 2 forks to shred the chicken, then stir into the salsa.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Filed in:
Chicken
Cooking Methods
Freezer Friendly
Gluten-Free
Ingredient
Instant Pot