I’ve been making salsa chicken for as long as I’ve had my instant pot. This is my go-to recipe whenever I have friends drop by for lunch or whenever I’m feeling too tired to cook. It’s also great for meal prep! I make/eat some version of this every other week.
If I’m being honest, salsa chicken is a recipe that I’m slightly embarrassed to be sharing on the blog because it’s so easy to make (I mean, is this even a recipe?). BUT. You’d be surprised at how many friends/family members have asked me how I make this chicken. So here I am, sharing this “recipe” for those of you who might also be seeking out simple lunch/dinner ideas.
There are two main ingredients in salsa chicken (you know what they are lol). And while you can leave it at just two ingredients, I do usually add a few extra spices to the dish. The additional spices make for a more special salsa chicken.
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH SALSA CHICKEN?
So many things! You can get away with making this chicken weekly – just create slightly different dishes with it. And switch up the salsa too to give the chicken a different flavor. I love switching out tomato salsa for salsa verde. đź’š
- allll the tacos! taco tues, I see you. 🌮
- quesadillas!
- loaded nachos! totally an acceptable dinner…
- enchiladas!
- burrito bowls with rice and beans and the works!
- topping for baked potatoes (serve w/cheese and sour cream and pickled jalapeños)!
- taco salad!
If you’re looking for more super simple recipe ideas that are basically pour and cook, try my lentil bolognese, curry chicken or Thai chicken recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce jar of (your fav) salsa
- 1 ½ pounds boneless and skinless chicken thighs
Optional Spices:
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
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- Serve with: tortillas cilantro, avocado, lime, jalapeños
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to an instant pot.
- Secure the lid, close the pressure valve and cook for 5 minutes at high pressure.
- Naturally release pressure (or NPR for 10 minutes, then release pressure).
- Using two forks, shred the chicken (or you can remove the chicken and cut it into chunks if you prefer).
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings! Or use however you’d like!
Notes
- For a variation, try salsa verde! If using salsa verde, skip the optional spices.
Lisa says
How many with this serve?
Lisa says
Hi, I love all of your recipes that I have made! Super flavorful! I was wondering if we could serve this over shredded cabbage on the taco? Thank you, Lisa.
Sowjanya Palleti says
My go to recipe on a busy day. Simple yet delicious and so fulfilling 🥰. Thanks Ashley!!
Ashley - My Heart Beets says
Sowjanya, happy to hear that! Thank you for letting me know how much you like this 🙂
Priyanka says
Hi I normally make quesadillas with chicken too but I only marinate with yoghurt and other spices. Since the chicken will have oil and other yoghurt with spices do I need to add water to it or just cook it in the pot without water ? If so maybe 10-12 breasts will need how much time and on what setting ? Thanks
Maneesha says
I love this recipe, Ashley!! It’s one of my weekly staples and I make Taco Bell “crunchwraps” with the chicken. I recently made this with frozen chicken thighs and I wanted to share what I did. I elevated the frozen chicken thighs on a steel insert and increased the cooking time to 30 min on high pressure (I literally took the thighs from the freezer to the IP). The result was perfect, tender chicken with amazing flavor! So tasty!! 🙂
My Heart Beets says
Hi Maneesha, that’s so awesome to hear! Thanks for sharing that tip about cooking frozen thighs – that’s great to know 🙂
Pooja Bryan says
Ashley, I just wanted to say that your blog and book has been an inspiration! We have started eating at home so much more now, thanks to your easy and delicious recipes. We have been quarantined at home last couple of weeks and we have tried out so many great recipes from your blog and book! This salsa chicken is one of our favorites. As is the lentil bolognese. Our one year toddler loves both! Keep posting and keep inspiring us moms looking for quick healthy recipes for our kiddos. Much love!
My Heart Beets says
Pooja, hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during this quarantine! I’m so glad to hear that your toddler is enjoying the recipes! Thank you so much for the kind words 🙂
Rebecca says
Love these simple toss it in and ‘poof’ dinner is done recipes. I’ll be making this one time and time again along with the paleo naan recipe.
My Heart Beets says
Rebecca, really happy to hear that! 🙂
Bhavini says
Thanks for sharing this recipe Maneesha! What a great and easy recipe the kids and hubby approved! Topped with cheese sauce And fresh guac!
My Heart Beets says
Bhavini, so glad you and your fam liked this! 🙂
Maneesha says
Ahh this is definitely on the menu for tomorrow’s taco Tuesday!
My Heart Beets says
Maneesha, awesome! Enjoy!
Maneesha says
What a FANTASTIC recipe! So easy to make! I paired this with some guac, sauteed vegetables, and salsa verde! Also made some chipotle jackfruit as a veggie option. Your recipe was PERFECT for Taco Tuesday or just for fun! Thanks for sharing, Ashley!
My Heart Beets says
Thanks, Maneesha! I’m so glad you made and liked this 🙂 Also, chipotle jackfruit sounds delicious!
Maneesha says
Just wanted to say again how much I enjoy your recipes <3 I share them with my mother, extended family, and friends, and now they all follow your blog! We love that the recipes are so easy and yet packed with flavor and nutritious!
My Heart Beets says
Aww, thank you Maneesha! I always love reading the reviews that you leave me 🙂 I really appreciate you sharing my blog with your loved ones! I hope we meet one day – I feel like we’re already friends lol. If you are ever in Pittsburgh, let me know!
Maneesha says
I feel the same way! If you’re ever in Orlando (bring the kids to Disney!), please let me know!