Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos

Nothing beats a delicious taco night, especially when it involves the convenience of the Instant Pot! These Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos bring together juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and a hint of spice, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy weekend feast, this recipe combines simplicity with flavor to create a meal that the whole family will love.

The Upside of Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos

The beauty of these Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos lies in their ease of preparation. The Instant Pot does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with a medley of flavors while keeping it moist and tender. You won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen; in just a short time, you can have a cheesy, satisfying meal on the table. Plus, they are highly customizable! You can add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice levels, or even swap out ingredients to cater to your taste.

Ingredient List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into lengthwise strips
• 1/2 cup Pace Picante Sauce (see notes)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp Green Tabasco Sauce, plus more to add at the table if desired
• 2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (see notes)
• 4 oz cream cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles with juice
• 3/4 cup grated Mexican Blend cheese, plus about 3/4 cup more for serving tacos
• 8 Mission Carb Balance Low-Carb Tortillas (see notes)
• Sliced olives for serving (optional)
• Sliced green onions for serving (optional)

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Instant Pot: The star of the show that will make cooking a breeze!
• Cutting Board: For easy preparation of your chicken and toppings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients.
• Spatula: For mixing in the Instant Pot.
• Serving Plates: To present your tasty tacos.

Cook Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos Like This

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by trimming your chicken breasts and cutting them into lengthwise strips. This allows for quicker cooking and easier incorporation into the tacos.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

Place the chicken strips into the Instant Pot. Pour in the Pace Picante Sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and Green Tabasco Sauce. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.

Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Green Chiles

Add the cream cheese cubes and the can of diced green chiles (with the juice) to the pot. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated in the mixture.

Step 4: Cook

Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow for a natural release of pressure for about 5 minutes, then carefully switch to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Open the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir in the grated Mexican Blend cheese until melted and well combined.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas

While the cheese is melting, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until soft and pliable.

Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos

Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Top with additional grated cheese, sliced olives, and green onions if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Smart Substitutions

• For a spicier kick, use a hotter salsa or add more Green Tabasco Sauce.
• Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Use your favorite cheese blend or even a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
• Try different tortillas, such as corn or whole wheat, to fit your dietary needs.

Pro Tips & Notes

For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate in the spices and sauces for at least 30 minutes before cooking, though it’s not necessary. This will enhance the taste!

• For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Green Tabasco Sauce.
• Feel free to add additional toppings such as avocado, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply transfer it to the Instant Pot and follow the cooking instructions. Leftover Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

Your Top Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, you may need to increase the cooking time to about 15-18 minutes on high pressure.

Can I make this in advance for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat when ready to serve.

What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with guacamole and salsa for extra flavor!

Are these tacos spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. You can reduce or omit the Green Tabasco Sauce for a milder flavor.

Make It Tonight

If you’re searching for a quick and satisfying meal, look no further than these Instant Pot Cheesy Chicken Tacos. They are not only packed with flavor but also incredibly simple to make. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe allows you to enjoy a homemade meal in no time. So gather your ingredients, fire up that Instant Pot, and get ready to indulge in the cheesy goodness that awaits you!

Taco night has never been so easy and delicious! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the love with friends and family. Happy cooking!