Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (3 Ways!)

Salsa chicken is one of our favorite, quick, weeknight meals. We have it at least a few times a month, which sounds repetitive except that we always change it up just a bit. We’ll show you how to make 3 different kinds of salsa chicken so you never get tired of this dinnertime staple.

One thing to point out with this recipe/technique is you want to carefully check the ingredients in your salsa. Some salsa has sugar, as well as other things I’d prefer they not have. Just check the ingredient list before you buy or make your own homemade salsa.

I used to make this recipe in my slow cooker, and that’s still a great way to go. The problem I ran into is I often don’t get around to thinking about dinner until everyone is starving.

I know. I KNOW. Meal planning for the win. Some days just get away from me.

Enter the Instant Pot

If you have been around here for a bit, you know that I LOVE my Instant pot. I firmly believe that everyone who is trying to eat healthy food should NEEDS an Instant Pot.

I have two and they get used daily.

Slow cookers are great but, as the name implies, they are S L O W.

I can throw frozen chicken into my Instant Pot and have perfectly cooked chicken ready to plate in less than 30 minutes.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN INSTANT POT

There are several Instant Pot models to choose from. I ended up with two because I often make a main course and a side dish (and I just needed a spare for those days when I hadn’t done the dishes from the first time mine was used during the day. Ooops.)

I have the Instant Pot Lux60 6-in-1, which is an older model, and the Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1.

The main difference between the two is the 7-in-1 includes a yogurt function, so if you want to make homemade yogurt (which is a great way to cut down on sugar in your yogurt) then go with the 7-in-1.

They do make a larger version if you want more cooking capacity. Mine are both 6 quarts but the Instant Pot also comes in an 8 quart. One thing to keep in mind is the larger pot will take a bit longer to come to pressure, especially if it is filled.

I have a family of 8 and don’t have any issues making enough food in our 6-quart Instant Pot but if you want to cook in bulk for freezer meals, you may want to go with the 8-quart.

Ready for the recipes?

These are our three favorite ways to make salsa chicken. We use it to make enchiladas, salads, quesadillas, rice bowls, tacos, or we eat it on its own with a few sides. It really is the perfect weeknight meal option.

Salsa Chicken – Method 1

This method is super simple and probably the one I use most often, simply because I love the flavors.

Salsa Chicken Ingredients

4-6 chicken breasts
1 jar of your favorite salsa
1 can of diced green chilies

Salsa Chicken Preparation

Add the chicken to your Instant Pot.

Top with salsa and green chilies. Add 1/4 cup of water.

Put the lid on your Instant Pot and push the “poultry” button.

After cooking, release the pressure and shred the chicken (if desired).

Salsa Chicken – Method 2

My family loves this Guacamole Salsa and it is fantastic in this. It has a bit more kick than some of the others so I make this recipe when I’m feeding people who can handle the flavor.

Salsa Chicken Ingredients

4-6 chicken Breasts
1 Jar Guacamole Salsa
1 can of diced tomatoes

Salsa Chicken Preparation

Add the chicken to your Instant Pot.

Top with guacamole salsa and diced tomatoes.

Put the lid on your Instant Pot and push the “poultry” button.

After cooking, release the pressure and shred the chicken (if desired).

Salsa Chicken – Method 3

This method is great if you want to jazz it up a bit. I love this recipe used on rice bowls or quesadillas but really, it would be good on just about anything.

Salsa Chicken Ingredients