Mexican Chicken

RECIPE BY: San

DATE: January 29, 2026

Total Time 45 minutes

This post may include affiliate links that earn us a small commission from your purchases at no extra cost to you.

Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken; is insanely delicious and incredibly easy to make, with just the right amount of spice!

Perfect for tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taco salad, or served with beans and rice. So many ways to serve this delicious dish to your family!

shredded chicken taco

This recipe for Shredded Mexican Chicken is purely magical. In only 20 minutes of high pressure in your Instant Pot, you’ll get perfectly cooked, moist, tender, and shreddable chicken with a delicious sauce!!!

shredded chicken on corn tortilla

how to make Shredded Mexican Chicken in the Instant Pot

Add all ingredients to the liner of an Instant Pot.  There’s no need to stir.

ingredient overhead shot with sesaonings, liquid smoke and green salsa

Start by adding the chicken, trying not to overlap it in too many layers. Add the seasonings.

overhead shot of chicken in seasonings sprinkled over them

Pour the salsa over the chicken.

overhead shot of chicken in seasonings and green salsa poured over them

Add the liquid smoke. I drizzle this on, just eyeballing it, but you don’t need much. A little goes a long way.

close up shot of liquid smoke bottle

Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to “sealing”. Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and use the +/- buttons to set the timer for 20 minutes.

overhead chicken in instant pot

Once the timer beeps, let the pot depressurize for 20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. When the pin drops, remove the lid and set aside.

cooked chicken in instant pot

Remove chicken breasts to a large bowl and shred them.

shredded chicken in instant pot overhead shot

Toss shredded chicken with as much sauce as you’d like; we use it all.

What Can I make & Serve with Mexican chicken

side shot of shredded chicken

How to make Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken

First, grab your slow cooker or crockpot and add all the necessary ingredients. You are starting with the chicken, seasonings, salsa, and liquid smoke.

After that, put a lid on the pot and cook it for 4-5 hours over high heat or 7-8 hours on low.

Remove chicken breasts to a large bowl and shred them. Toss shredded chicken with as much sauce as you’d like; we use it all.

shredded chicken in white pot with tongs

How to store shredded chicken

This chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezer for up to 2 months. All you need is a sealed container.

Pin To Pinterest.

collage image of shredded mexican chicken tacos

Mexican Chicken

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 15 1/2 cup servings
Calories: 115 kcal
Instant Pot + Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken (Shredded); is insanely delicious and incredibly easy to make, with just the right amount of spice!

Ingredients
 

  • 3 lbs chicken breasts
  • 4 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 16 ounces salsa we prefer salsa verde
  • 1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions
 

  • Grab your Instant Pot and add the chicken, seasonings, salsa, and liquid smoke.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to "sealing". Press the Pressure Cook or Manual button and use the +/- buttons to set the timer for 20 minutes.
  • Once the timer beeps, let the pot depressurize for 15-20 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. When the pin drops, remove the lid and set aside.
  • Remove chicken breasts to a large bowl and shred.
  • Toss shredded chicken with as much sauce as you'd like; we use it all.

Calories: 115kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 20gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 670mgPotassium: 422mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 276IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know what you think!

Similar Posts

5 from 11 votes

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




15 Comments

  1. It doesn’t say how long to cook in a slow cooker (don’t have an Instapot), but I’m gonna guess 6 hours on low?

  2. 5 stars
    This Mexican chicken was amazing!! The chicken came out tender and delicious. This dish was a big hit and I’ll definitely make it again!

  3. 5 stars
    It turned out juicy and tender, and adding fresh toppings like avocado and lime really brought the dish to life. Absolutely delicious and a definite repeat in my kitchen!