Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken – this copycat chipotle chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Tender and juicy chicken with bold flavors, perfect for making chicken tacos, taco salads, and building burrito bowls.

close up of instant pot chipotle chicken in a bowl

Best Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Recipe

If you love Chipotle’s burrito bowls, you’re going to want to introduce this recipe into your meal rotation! You’ll see just how easy it is to make your restaurant favorites at home with just a few basic ingredients. I love Chipotle, but the nearest one is 20 minutes away so naturally I needed to recreate my favorite bowl at home!

This recipe for Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken is super simple, full of flavor and a hint of heat, and perfect for Taco Tuesday or meal prep. Serve it in your favorite way with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Ingredients

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts

Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

1 cup Water

Onion

Garlic

Homemade Taco Seasoning – chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, black pepper, oregano

Variations & Substitutions

Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs for the chicken breasts

Add a splash of lime juice after cooking

Use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of the water

Add a small can of diced green chilies for extra flavor

Increase the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce for a spicier version

Substitute Ancho Chili Powder for the chipotle in adobo sauce

How to Make Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken

Finely chop the chipotle pepper and slice the onion.

Add chicken, onion, chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, and water to the Instant Pot.

Close the lid, place the valve in sealing position, and cook on Manual (high pressure) for 12 minutes.

Allow for natural release of remaining pressure when cooking cycle is complete (about 10 minutes.)

Chop or shred the chicken as desired.

Ways to Serve

  • Make chicken tacos using flour or corn tortillas
  • Serve in taco salads
  • Build burrito bowls with white rice, brown rice and/or black beans
  • Serve over cauliflower rice with your favorite toppings
  • ​Make nachos by topping tortilla chips with chicken, cheese, and favorite taco toppings

Chipotle Chicken Topping Ideas

  • Fajita Veggies
  • Quick pickled red onion
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded cheese
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt

FAQs

Can I make chipotle chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes, absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on Low for 5-6 hours or High for 3-4 hours.

What cut of chicken is best for this recipe?

I prefer boneless skinless chicken breasts because they are less fatty but some will say skinless chicken thighs are better because they are more tender and flavorful (and also less expensive.) Chipotle uses chicken thighs. It’s really just personal preference!

What’s the easiest way to shred chicken?

I like to use my stand mixer for shredding chicken. Place cooked chicken in the bowl and shred using the paddle attachment on Low. A hand mixer also works great for this!

Why is my chicken rubbery?

Using a quick release of pressure can sometimes result in rubbery instant pot chicken. The few extra minutes it takes for a natural release is well worth it for tender and juicy chicken!

How to store and reheat chipotle chicken?

Cooked chicken can be stored refrigerated for 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a sauce pan and cook over low heat on the stovetop or microwave for 30 second intervals until it is warm.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Sure! Place cooled chicken in an airtight freezer safe container or bag for up to 6 months.

More Instant Pot Recipes

3 Ingredient Salsa Chicken

​Easy Instant Pot Taco Meat

Instant Pot Rice

Instant Pot Shredded Mexican Beef

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

Instant Pot Stuffed Pepper Casserole

ingredients for instant pot chipotle chicken all ingredients combined in the Instant Pot shredded instant pit chipotle chicken on a cutting board

close up of instant pot chipotle chicken in a bowl

Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken (Copycat)

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Author: Nikki
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: chipotle chicken bowls, pressure cooker chicken, taco tuesday recipes
Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken - this copycat chipotle chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite! Tender and juicy chicken with bold flavors, perfect for making chicken tacos, taco salads, and building burrito bowls.
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Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 chipotle pepper (in adobo), finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo Sauce
  • 1 small yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons Homemade Taco Seasoning, see recipe below
  • 1 cup water, or chicken broth

Equipment

Instructions

  • Place chipotle pepper, adobo saue, onion, garlic, taco seasoning, and water in the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
  • Submerge chicken breasts in the liquid. Seal lid and cook on Manual setting (high pressure) for 12 minutes.
  • When cooking cycle is complete, allow pressure to release naturally (about 10 minutes.)
  • Release remaining pressure. Remove chicken breasts and chop or shred to your desired size/texture.
  • Serve immediately or store with reserved liquid in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Click here for Taco Seasoning recipe

Nutrition

Calories: 142kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 73mg, Sodium: 520mg, Potassium: 442mg, Fiber: 0.4g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 39IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 14mg, Iron: 1mg

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