Chicken Tostadas
By :Julie Han
This recipe can be used for tostados, tacos, taco bowls, or even as leftovers on a salad! the possibilities are endless for this delicious and flavourful chicken.
Votes: 72
Rating: 4.78
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Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Poultry
Duration 15-30 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook
Main Ingredient Chicken, Salsa, Spices
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12-15 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1 cup salsa
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Difficulty Easy
Browse Category Poultry
Duration 15-30 min
Cooking Technique Pressure Cook
Main Ingredient Chicken, Salsa, Spices
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12-15 minutes
Servings
8 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 pounds chicken breast boneless skinless, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1 cup salsa
Votes: 72
Rating: 4.78
Rate this recipe!
Print Recipe
Instructions
  1. Place fresh or frozen chicken breasts in Instant Pot and cover with 1 cup of water.
  2. Set to Manual High- Pressure, adjusting the time to 9 minutes for fresh and 12 minutes for frozen. Lock the lid, making sure the valve is in the sealing position. When finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes, then do a quick pressure release by switching the valve to venting.
  3. Remove the chicken and allow to cool for a few minutes. Drain the liquid from the Instant Pot.
  4. Shred the chicken. Return shredded chicken to the Instant Pot.
  5. Set the pot to Sauté. Stir 1 cup of jarred salsa, and all of the spices and seasoning into the shredded chicken. Allow to cook for about 3 minutes to combine all of the flavors.
  6. Serve as tostadas, tacos, or bowls. Top with your favorites like avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, onion, and lime juice.
63 replies
  1. Sammyvoelker
    Sammyvoelker says:

    It came out really good. Just be sure you use a medium or mild salsa. I used a very hot one (local Texas brand) and with all of the added spices, it came out quite hot. My husband and I both like spicy food, so it was ok, but others may want to be aware of this.

    I also found that adding some chicken stock helped take some of the heat down.

  2. Idofunstuff
    Idofunstuff says:

    This was easy, so I may make it again. However, it was super salty. Next time I will add the salt at the end and adjust accordingly.

  3. DanaAlene
    DanaAlene says:

    This was the first thing I made using the instant pot. The flavor was good but it cake out kinda dry and burnt to the bottom of the pan. I would make it again if i could find a way to ensure it would not burn during the saute part of the process.

  4. KarynYarris
    KarynYarris says:

    This was a hige hit in our house! Will fefinately be making it again… one tip.. imcrease your cooling time to 12 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked…that is what I did, then the saute step and it worked great!

  5. Aleesh
    Aleesh says:

    It was my first meal!! Kids cleaned their plates. I actually added cut up bell peppers and onions to the saute process. I was a little worried it would be too spicy for the kiddos so I used premade taco seasoning for the different spices

  6. Klshreve
    Klshreve says:

    This recipe was full of flavor and super easy! I made a few changes to the recipe. I used chicken broth instead of water. I also added the spices in with the broth. I took the suggestion of naturally releasing the pressure for 12 minutes and then quick released. I sauteed as the recipe called for, but added a little more salsa, so the mixture was moist. My husband LOVED it! We will definitely make it again.

  7. gkal1964@gmail.com
    gkal1964@gmail.com says:

    Great recipe. Used frozen chicken thighs. Poultry setting with 5 minute natural release chicken cooked perfect. Followed recipe other than that.

  8. YourQ2GetFit
    YourQ2GetFit says:

    Fantastic flavor!! I used chicken thighs an followed reat of recipes as written. Served in bowls with lettuce, cheese, guac, and sour cream. Delicious and easy!! Will make this a favorite.

  9. W001324
    W001324 says:

    Really good! (Only my second IP recipe.) Frozen chicken needed longer than the recipe says-I repressurized 6 more minutes which was too much. Part of the learning process.

  10. Jesbetz
    Jesbetz says:

    Loved it! Added spices at the beginning. Used chicken broth instead of water and a lil more than one cup of salsa at the end. Definitely will make it again.

  11. Nurseleana
    Nurseleana says:

    Overcooked my fresh chicken breasts. Next time i make this will do a quick release instead of natural release over 5 minutes.

  12. ChrisBoyle
    ChrisBoyle says:

    This was my first meal, and it was very good. I used 2 cups chicken broth instead of water. I also used 4lbs frozen chicken breast, so I did 14 minutes high pressure, and 6 minutes NPR. I was very nervous and ended up extremely pleased with the results

  13. JodiG
    JodiG says:

    First time ever using the Instant Pot and this was phenomenal! Definitely a hit with my family!

  14. Jo Mama
    Jo Mama says:

    Whoops, I forgot the salt altogether. Loved it, its a keeper. My first recipe in my new IP.

  15. gersonde
    gersonde says:

    Don’t add any salt until after you mix it all together and taste it. It may not need any added salt. 1 tsp. as the recipe calls for is way too much and will ruin it.

  16. Shelley32
    Shelley32 says:

    This is my 2nd recipe using my new IP and it was delicious! I cooked a whole chicken in place of the breasts and added cilantro to the chicken after I shredded it.
    Thank you for a great recipe!

  17. Kamcmillerjr
    Kamcmillerjr says:

    So far I’ve made about 4 different dishes in the IP to mixed results, but this dish is simply amazing. I followed the recipe to the letter and it was a Grand Slam in my house. Daddy won dinner with this one!!

  18. Ash711219
    Ash711219 says:

    Sooo good!! I used less than half of the recommended chili powder. It was perfect for me.

  19. BaddestMamaJama
    BaddestMamaJama says:

    This is the first recipe I tried in my new Instant Pot and it was DELICIOUS & EASY!!!!! Definitely on out go-to list!!

  20. Btucker
    Btucker says:

    So Delish! this is the first thing I’ve ever made with my Instant Pot and even my kiddos loved it!

  21. emaxon
    emaxon says:

    This was very yummy! I did it with frozen chicken. The 12 minute cooking time and 5 minute delayed release was perfect!

  22. carolinecooks
    carolinecooks says:

    This was so easy and amazing! This was the first thing that I’ve made in my instant pot and I am blown away; from completely frozen to ready in a matter of minutes! Impressive! My kitchen smells like i have slaved away all day! Love it!

  23. militantrubberducky
    militantrubberducky says:

    First IP meal, fantastic. Great with Goya yellow rice. Wish I knew the nutritional value so I can log it info MyFitnessPal.

  24. PadreIslandSteve
    PadreIslandSteve says:

    My first attempt and I could not beleive how easy it was to make. It will even taste better the longer it sits in the spices and salsa, but I can’t wait that long so I’m making tacos for lunch.

  25. Christine07
    Christine07 says:

    Ohhh my goodness this recipe is amazing. I did add more salsa. I added green tomatillo salsa and tasted amazing. Thank you Julie!

  26. Jencalichick
    Jencalichick says:

    Super easy and super tasty! Took a bit longer thab 22 min as the instant pot has to warm up to cooking temperature,
    but well worth the wait. We added an extra cup of salsa to make it extra moist!

  27. Amfaizi
    Amfaizi says:

    I love this recipe! I make a bunch at once so there’s enough to freeze. It’s a great way to make a quick dinner when you already have the chicken made ahead of time. I shred the chicken using a hand mixer (it may have been the author herself who suggested this on YouTube), it’s a huge timesaver!

  28. db8
    db8 says:

    Huge hit with my family, who asked for it to be put in regular rotation. To avoid any sticking or burning during the saute, I used a little bit of the broth reserved after cooking the chicken to help mix the seasoning and deglaze the pot. Made with a chipotle-lime salsa and it was delicious!

  29. Ciro
    Ciro says:

    Did 5 pounds of frozen chicken breasts for 30 minutes. Followed rest of recipe directions and perfectly done chicken for shredding!

  30. Trishsamps
    Trishsamps says:

    I made this with my brand new instant pot! Used the chicken for bowls and it was unreal. Im amazed at how much tome i saved and how easy this was!!!!

  31. SissaG
    SissaG says:

    Made this last night as my second Instant Pot try. Was so quick and easy after a long day at the arena for a hockey tournament. Kids loved it minus the cilantro & avacado I used as my garnish inside soft shell wraps. Kids ate theirs with sourcream and shredded cheese in their wraps.

  32. Lezombier
    Lezombier says:

    This was the first recipe i made with my new instant pot and it was delicious! Sided with homemade guac was perfect!

  33. Davis80
    Davis80 says:

    Was very easy & very yummy! I will make again. I did add extra salsa to ensure that the chicken stayed moist.

  34. Kazbar2000
    Kazbar2000 says:

    I didnt have all the spices so i used 1/2 an envelope of taco seasoning. Fried torillas and added cheddar and chicken. Added sour cream and avocado. Kids loved them. Super easy and fast.

  35. Kels1777
    Kels1777 says:

    This is a great recipe!! Super easy to make and delicious. I made it yesterday and my huaband demolished it!! Lol! My husband never likes to eat the same food each day. He requeasted that I make it again tonight. Thanks!

    Kelly

  36. Justin Time
    Justin Time says:

    I put the frozen chicken and salsa in the pot and cook it on manual for 12 minutes turns out delicious every timeb

  37. OnePotMeal
    OnePotMeal says:

    I halved the spices, used smoked paprika instead of regular, and had to use a substitute for thr chili powder. It tasted great.

    The chicken came out of the pot quite tough and could not shred it. Had to chop with a knife.

  38. nicolelowry
    nicolelowry says:

    so yummy and so easy. I actually seasoned the chicken breasts raw so that it could seep into the meat. then I added some more of my favorite seasonings along with the salsa when sauteeing – sooo yummy!!!

  39. Jessica070596
    Jessica070596 says:

    First recipe I have tried on here and my entire family actually liked it! I am still shocked and cannot wait to make it again!

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