Salsa Chicken Tacos

5 from 4 votes

With just two main ingredients and the option to cook this easy dinner in a pan on the stovetop, in the slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot, these Salsa Chicken Tacos are the flexible meal we all need. Plus: You can scale this up or down as needed!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 348kcal

Author: Amy Palanjian

Equipment

Greenpan Nonstick Pan
Scissors
Instant Pot

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil (if using the stovetop method)
2 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
1½ cups salsa
1 teaspoon cumin
¼ teaspoon salt
6-8 tortillas
Cilantro, shredded lettuce, avocado, chopped tomatoes (optional)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Stovetop: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet placed over medium-low heat. When warm, add the chicken and cook on both sides for 2 minutes each. Add the salsa, cumin, and salt, stir gently and simmer for 8 minutes or until the chicken registers 160 degrees F when tested with an instant read meat thermometer.
Slow Cooker: Add the chicken, salsa, cumin, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir. cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Instant Pot: Add the chicken, salsa, cumin, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir. cover, lock the lid, and set to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. When cooking is complete, press "cancel" and let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. (There may not be any.)
Once chicken is cooked, use two forks (or kitchen scissors) to shred it. Serve warm with tortillas and taco toppings.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly to serve. You can also freeze cooled, cooked Salsa Chicken in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 6 months.
Use mild salsa for flavor without overt spice. Use a pureed version if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Chop the shredded chicken into tiny pieces for babies who are learning to feed themselves finger foods.
Add hot sauce or crushed red pepper to your serving if desired.

Nutrition