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Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos from above on a platter with another taco on a stack of plates
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5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos

Discover how to make Instant Pot Chicken Tinga Tacos, featuring tender chicken in a rich chipotle tomato sauce perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: 30-Minute Meal, 60 Minutes or Less, Instant Pot, Mains
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Keyword: 30-Minute Meal, Chicken Tacos, Chicken Tinga, Cinco de Mayo, Easy, Instant Pot, Meat, Quick, Simple, Smoky, Tacos
Servings: 14
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Eva Filer

Equipment

  • 6-Quart Instant Pot
  • Measuring Spoons
  • High-Powered Blender

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts frozen or thawed (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 28- ounce can diced tomato no salt added
  • 2 6.5- ounce cans chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 large yellow onion roughly chopped
  • ½ tablespoon ancho chili powder optional
  • ½ tablespoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½-1 cup cilantro stems and leaves, optional
  • 14 corn tortillas

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients (except for the cilantro, if using, and the corn tortillas) to an instant pot, lightly greased with non-stick spray, leaving the chicken on the bottom.
  • Place the lid on, seal the valve and cook on MANUAL (high) or MEAT about 8 minutes for thawed, or 10 minutes from frozen, and immediately release the pressure (see notes**). Check with an instant read thermometer for an internal of 165F. If you need to cook it for longer you can set it for another minute and test again.
  • When the chicken is cooked, place it in a bowl and shred into smaller pieces. Set aside.
  • Working in two batches if needed, add the sauce (and cilantro) to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth.
  • Either add the chicken and sauce back to Instant Pot base or to your serving dish and mix well to combine.
  • Serve on a corn tortillas with your desired toppings; we like avocado, red onion, fresh cilantro, Cojita cheese and our Cilantro Lime Dressing.

Notes

  • Cooking Tips: Depending on their size, you may need another minute or two.
  • Fresh vs. Frozen: I usually use about 8 ounce frozen breasts and 10 minutes is perfect, just ensure you keep them on the bottom. Fresh often works well with only 8 minutes.
  • Shred While Warm: The chicken is easier to shred right after cooking.
  • Adjust the Heat: Taste the sauce before combining and adjust spice if needed.
  • Use Fresh Tortillas: Warm corn tortillas on the stove, it will make a big difference in texture and flavor.
  • Blend Well: Create a smooth sauce for evenly cover the chicken.
 
  • Nutrition information is calculated based on 14 servings. 

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 310mg | Potassium: 301mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 202IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg
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