This is it!! my favorite shredded chicken recipe to make in the instant pot! Our Mexican Poblano Instant Pot Chicken is so simple but it is so flavorful!
Are we all still on this instant pot bandwagon? I’ll admit, we fell off of it a bit this summer as we were grilling so much, but with fall just around the corner we can’t help but bust out the ol’ electric pressure cooker again and this Mexican Poblano Instant Pot Chicken was just the right recipe to start with because oh my goodness it has got flavor!!!
I’m not just looking for a good shredded chicken recipe, or a Mexican chicken recipe, I want a hole in the wall, favorite Mexican restaurant worthy chicken recipe. One with actual flavor but without the long spice list and hours upon hours of cooking.
And I found it.
This is the BEST Instant Pot Chicken Recipe ever.
Years ago Cade made me this Poblano Braised Beef Tacos recipe that I fell head over heals in love with. It’s so good!! I’d occasionally seen the Poblano Peppers in the store and wondered what to make with Poblano Peppers. Slow roasted meats is the perfect solution (or stuffed peppers which is a huge hit!!
This Mexican Poblano Instant Pot Chicken is fall apart tender, full of flavor, totally not spicy and so easy to make. I’ve made enough shredded Mexican chicken recipes to know that not all of them turn out juicy and crave-able, but this, ohhhhhh my goodness, you’re wearing crazy pants if you don’t make it.
I mean, just look how juicy and tender that chicken is!!
Is an Instant Pot and Crock Pot the Same Thing?
A crock pot or slow cooker cooks at a lower temperature with a lid that can be removed at any time. You can dump everything in the slow cooker and cook an entire meal without turning on your oven and in the case of roasts, that slow cook time and low heat lead to a fall apart meat.
When the Instant Pot Says Burn
There are many different reasons that your instant pot can come up with the message “BURN”.
- Food Stuck to the Bottom of the pot- Check the pot and see if there’s food stuck to it. If there is, use a wooden spoon or plastic spatula to scrape it off.
- Too Little Liquid in the Pot- Liquid is what helps the instant pot come to the correct pressure, so if you don’t have enough in there you may end up with a burn notice.
- You’re Burning Your Food- It seems funny to say, but you may actually be burning your food. Especially when cooking the peppers and onions. Make sure you have enough fat in there and are moving the peppers and onions so that things don’t sit and burn.
- Your Food is Thick and not as liquid– Our Award Winning Instant Pot Chili is an easy example. It’s thicker and can sometimes lead to a burn notice. Stir your food well and add more liquid if needed.
What Instant Pot to Buy
We get asked all the time what instant pot to buy. I truly believe that for most families the 6 qt 7 in 1 Instant Pot is the best size with the best functionality. Smaller and it’s hard to cook extra for leftovers or for freezing, or for feeding guests, bigger and you better be feeding a crowd.
Can the Instant Pot Cook Frozen Chicken
The instant pot can cook frozen chicken. It’s a really great thing too because sometimes, no matter how awesome you are, you forget to get the meat out to defrost.
However, that being said, this Mexican Poblano Instant Pot Chicken is best if you have defrosted the chicken so that,
- You can properly brown the chicken
- The ice on the chicken doesn’t lead to more liquid than you need which would lead to less flavorful chicken.
How to Cook Frozen Chicken in the Instant Pot
If you find yourself stuck in a bind and need to cook the chicken from frozen in the instant pot, here’s how you do it.
- Cook your peppers and onions like normal
- Place all other ingredients in the pressure cooker.
- Close the lid and turn vent to sealed.
- For Frozen Chicken, cook on poultry setting on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow a natural release.
If you need to know how to cook any other Instant Pot basic, check out our Instant Pot Cheat Sheet!
Are Poblano Peppers Hot?
Poblano peppers have very mild heat. They are less spicy than jalapenos, and add just a great flavor!
Are Pasilla Peppers the Same Thing as Poblano Peppers?
Actually, Pasilla Peppers and Poblano Peppers are not the same thing, however you may have noticed that grocers often mislabel the poblano pepper as a pasilla. In fact, both of the stores I’m closest to do just that.
- Pasilla Peppers are thinner and wrinkly
- Poblano Peppers have a dark green, thick skin and are a larger pepper, like a bell pepper, but it’s long and not short like the bell pepper.
What Poblano Peppers Look Like
- Which is Hotter, Poblano or Jalapeno Pepper?
Poblano peppers are a very mild variety of peppers so you’re safe to use them much like you would a bell pepper, in a salad, mole, or for roasting.
How to Store Poblano Peppers
You should store poblano peppers in a veggie drawer in the refrigerator. Poblano Peppers will last for about one week in the refrigerator.
- Can You Freeze Poblano Peppers?
Yes, in order to freeze: Slice or chop the poblano peppers, then place in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Instant Pot Dinner RECIPES
- Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Better Than Your Grandma’s Chicken Noodle Soup
- Instant Pot or Slow Cooker Pineapple Mexican Shredded Chicken
- Award Winning Instant Pot Turkey
- Instant Pot Beef Stew
- BBQ Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Smoky BBQ Instant Pot Ribs
- Award Winning Instant Pot Chili
- Instant Pot Taco Soup
- You can find all our Instant Pot Recipes here!
Mexican Poblano Instant Pot Chicken
Description
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 5 Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 1/2-2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 1-2 Teaspoons Pepper
- 1 1/2 Cups Red Onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 Poblanos, seeded, thinly sliced (Pasilla Peppers or Poblanos in the store)
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons Cumin
- 1 1/2 Cups Chicken Stock
- 1 1/2 Cups Orange Juice
- 12 Corn Tortillas, 6-inches, soft
- Toppings for tacos
Instructions
- In an instant pot (or large dutch oven to go even faster) drizzle in a little oil and heat to saute or medium high heat on the burner.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper on each side of the chicken and place top down in the pan, depending on how many will fit. Allow the chicken to brown and turn over. Cook until just golden again and remove to a plate.
- Repeat with all remaining chicken.
- Turn the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Add the peppers and onions and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until tender.
- Sprinkle in the cumin and garlic, and cook for another minute.
- Add the chicken back in as well as the chicken stock and juice.
- Allow to come to a simmer on the saute mode and then turn off the saute and turn on the pressure cooking button, setting the timer for 35 minutes. If you're using a dutch oven, bring to a simmer and then pour the liquid and place the chicken into the instant pot.
- Once the cooking is done, allow to rest for 5 minutes and then do a quick release and shred the chicken on a cutting board. Place the meat back in the instant pot and toss with the peppers and juices.
- Serve with tortillas, salsa, etc
Equipment
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
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Debbie
This had no flavor at all. The chicken was tender and juicy but it was way too bland. I would not make this one again
Sweet Basil
I’m sorry you were disappointed with this recipe. It’s nearly impossible for it to be bland though with all the seasonings, orange juice, onions and peppers in it.
Michelle
I’m thinking about making this for a cafe Rio like we salad. Would a cilantro lime dressing be ok with this? I’m wondering/worrying about a possible orange juice flavor. Basically is this like orange chicken or is it like cafe Rio?
Sweet Basil
If you’re looking for Cafe Rio chicken, go with this recipe: https://ohsweetbasil.com/cafe-rio/
Here’s link for the dressing too: https://ohsweetbasil.com/cafe-rio-creamy-tomatillo-cilantro-ranch-dressing-recipe/
Enjoy!
Leslie
I made this tonight and agree with other comments about it lacking flavor. The texture of the chicken was great and I was able to pull the chicken apart in a snap and did not find it to be dry at all. Followed recipe exactly except I did not put the chicken back in the pot with the liquid because there was so much liquid it would be too wet! So instead I scooped out all the cooked peppers and onions and added them plus a a few ladles of the liquid to the shredded chicken in a bowl. I would not make this again unfortunately.
Sweet Basil
Thank you for the feedback Leslie!
Haley
Really bland tasteless recipe. Only loads of salt, spices, and two cans of rotel saved it. Also wat too much liquid. Followed recipe exactly.
Josh
Too much liquid, unlike the photo that showed a relatively dry sauce on the chicken. I should have known not to add 3 cups of liquid…
john smith
whatever you do do not make this recipe. it was a disaster! no flavor & dry chicken over cooked.
Heather
How long would you cook bone in chicken thighs?
Sweet Basil
I would add a good 10 minutes, possibly a few more.
Katie
Hi. I’m planning on making this soon. Do you happen to know the approximate total weight of the chicken breasts you used? The ones I have on hand are huge, and I can’t imagine using 5 of them. Thanks!
Sweet Basil
I totally know what you mean. The last batch of chicken breasts that I got were huge too. I would say to use 3 if they are huge.
Nat Smith
I put in 4 poblanos and added some mexican oregano. I thought it lacked flavor, honestly. I probably would roast the poblanos to generate more flavor, but I’m not even sure that would get this dish over the hump. Okay, but nothing to write home about.
Michelle
I made this tonight, and cooked it for 35 minutes. It seemed a little crazy, but I trusted you. The chicken turned out moist and was amazing. My family loved it.
Sweet Basil
Yay!! It does seem long, but it really locks in the flavors! I’m so glad it was a hit for your family!
silvana
Is it possible to cook this in a slow cooker and, if so, what would the cook time be? Thank you so much!
Sweet Basil
Absolutely! 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.
Karen
The cook time of 35 minutes is wayyyy too long. For shredded chicken I always do a 15 minute cook time with a 5 minute wait and then a quick pressure release. Never fails. I do however, totally recommend this recipe as long as you ignore the recommended cook time. It was yummy.
Sweet Basil
The longer time is because you’re really cooking down those flavors and peppers and thickening the sauce. Trust us! 😉
Curious
Pressure cook for 35 minutes? Is that a typo?
Joanne
Wondered the same thing!
Sweet Basil
The longer time is because you’re really cooking down those flavors and peppers and thickening the sauce. Trust us on this one! 😉
Sweet Basil
Nope, true story! The magic of the Instant Pot! The longer time is because you’re really cooking down those flavors and peppers and thickening the sauce.