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Instant Pot Spicy Shredded Chicken

This dish features tender, flavorful chicken cooked under pressure in an Instant Pot, infused with cumin, garlic, and dried chili. The result is shredded chicken with a juicy, slightly crispy exterior and fragrant juices, perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or salads. The cooking method produces a moist, easily shreddable texture with rich, aromatic flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 dried chili chili flake or dried chili adjust to heat preference
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and ground cumin, ensuring an even coating for bold flavor.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and add olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering with a slight crackle.
  3. Place the chicken into the pot and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until the surface turns golden brown, releasing a fragrant aroma.
  4. Add the minced garlic and dried chili to the pot, cooking for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden.
  5. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to enhance flavor.
  6. Secure the lid, set the pressure release to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  7. Once cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick release to vent the steam and open the lid to reveal tender, bubbling chicken.
  8. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to a cutting board, then shred it finely using two forks or a meat shredder, letting it absorb the flavorful juices.
  9. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and toss to coat with the remaining cooking juices, allowing it to soak up all that aromatic flavor for a minute or two.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes as desired for extra heat.
  11. Serve the fragrant, shredded chicken hot, perfect for filling tacos, bowls, or wraps, with a spoonful of the flavorful juices for added moisture and taste.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime or chopped cilantro when serving. Adjust chili spice level to your preference by increasing or reducing the chili flakes.