In the rush of daily life, there’s often little time to create a home-cooked meal that both satisfies and excites. Enter my Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken, a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts and zesty salsa verde in a whirlwind of flavor, all ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe isn’t just a timesaver; it’s a celebration of healthy ingredients that transforms your weeknight dinner into a culinary fiesta, perfect for tacos, on rice, or simply by itself. The magic of cooking under pressure means you’ll spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen. Could you imagine serving up a plate with such vibrant, tangy goodness in mere moments? Let’s dive in and put the spotlight on this quick and easy dinner sensation! Why is this recipe a must-try? Simplicity at its finest: With just a few steps, transform basic ingredients into a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. Bold flavors from the salsa verde bring an exciting twist that elevates your dinner experience. Versatile options allow you to serve this dish in various ways—tacos, rice bowls, or even on its own for a lean meal. Healthy ingredients foster nutrition without compromising taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for all diets, especially gluten-free fans! Time-saving efficiency means more moments to relax and enjoy family time, giving you the satisfaction of home cooking without the hassle. This Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is a culinary fiesta you won’t want to miss! For some extra cooking tips, you might find my Guide to Instant Pot Basics handy. Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Ingredients Looking to whip up this flavorful dish? Here’s what you’ll need. For the Chicken • Chicken Breasts – The main protein source; substitute with chicken thighs for extra tenderness. • Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste for a personalized flavor. For the Sauce • Salsa Verde – Provides a tangy flavor and moisture; choose a fresh-tasting variety for the best results. • Chicken Broth – Adds depth of flavor for cooking; can be substituted with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist. For the Aromatics • Olive Oil – Enhances the flavor of the sautéed onion and garlic; can be omitted if using non-stick cookware. • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish; yellow or white onion works best. • Garlic – Offers aromatic goodness; fresh is recommended, but garlic powder can be a pinch substitute. For the Seasoning • Cumin – Brings warmth and depth to your salsa verde chicken; chili powder can work as a different flavor profile substitute. Get ready to embark on a delicious journey with my Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken—it’s bound to be a family favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Begin by chopping one medium onion and mincing three cloves of garlic. Measure out one cup of salsa verde and one cup of chicken broth, ensuring you have everything ready within arm’s reach. This prep will streamline your cooking process, allowing you to focus on crafting your delicious Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken without any interruptions. Step 2: Sauté Aromatics If your pressure cooker has a sauté function, select it and heat two tablespoons of olive oil on medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is translucent. Stir frequently to avoid burning and to fully develop those lovely flavors that will form the base of your dish. Step 3: Combine in Cooker Add four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pressure cooker, ensuring they are evenly arranged. Sprinkle one teaspoon of cumin, salt, and pepper over the chicken, then pour the salsa verde and chicken broth over the top. This combination will create a mouthwatering sauce while keeping the chicken moist during cooking. Step 4: Cook Under Pressure Close the lid of your pressure cooker securely, ensuring the vent is set to sealing. Select the high-pressure setting and cook for 10 minutes. Once the timer goes off, allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before carefully switching to a quick release to release any remaining pressure, giving your Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken a perfectly tender texture. Step 5: Shred Chicken Open the lid once the pressure has fully released and carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs. Place them on a cutting board and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it back into the vibrant sauce. For an extra zesty kick, squeeze in the juice of one lime and add freshly chopped cilantro. Step 6: Serve and Garnish Now it’s time to enjoy your delectable Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken! Serve it warm over fluffy rice, in soft tortillas for tacos, or in a grain bowl. Garnish with fresh avocado, sliced radishes, or a dollop of sour cream for an added burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Variations Feel free to mix things up and let your culinary creativity shine when making this dish! Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for an even juicier and more tender result. They infuse deeper flavors and pair beautifully with salsa verde. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with hearty jackfruit or firm tofu, adding extra spices for flavor. This creates a delightful plant-based twist! Different Salsas: Experiment with different salsa types, like mango or roasted tomato, for unique flavor explosions. Each variety brings its own personality to the dish! Add Vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or black beans during cooking for textural variety and additional nutrients. Your dinner will become a vibrant fiesta in a bowl! Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice Base: Serve the chicken over quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a nutritious, low-carb alternate. It’s a delightful way to elevate your meal! Spicy Kick: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper directly into the pressure cooker for heat enthusiasts. Everyone will savor the extra warmth in every bite. Creamy Addition: Stir some cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce before serving for a rich, velvety texture. This small change envelops the chicken in luxurious goodness! Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for an aromatic finish. The brightness of the herbs adds a refreshing element that complements the zesty flavors perfectly. Embrace these variations to make this Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken all your own, and don’t hesitate to bring in your favorite ingredients! For even more inspiration, check out my Guide to Flavor Pairing or discover more quick meals with my Quick Weeknight Dinners collection! What to Serve with Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken? Elevate your meal by pairing this zesty dish with a variety of delightful sides that complement its vibrant flavors. Fluffy Cilantro Lime Rice: The bright cilantro and zesty lime enhance the dish’s freshness while soaking up the delicious sauce. A perfect match for a complete meal experience! Crispy Mexican Street Corn: This sweet and smoky side balances the tangy salsa verde and adds an irresistible crunch to your plate. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing, protein-packed salad featuring fresh veggies, lime juice, and cumin that echoes the dish’s flavors while providing a colorful contrast. Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides a rich contrast to the tangy chicken, adding a luxurious texture that elevates each bite. Homemade Guacamole: This creamy dip is a must-have for tacos; its rich, flavorful goodness pairs beautifully with the salsa verde chicken in a taco presentation. Spicy Pickled Radishes: These crunchy bites add a zingy and vibrant contrast, brightening every mouthful of chicken and enhancing the overall flavor profile. Chilled Mango Salsa: The sweetness and slight spiciness of this salsa offers a fantastic balance to the dish’s richness, making every bite a burst of delightful flavors. Refreshing Limeade: A cool, tangy drink helps cleanse the palate between bites. The citrus brightens the meal experience and completes the festive vibe of your dinner. Helpful Tricks for Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken • Submerge Chicken: Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in salsa verde for even cooking. This prevents any dry bits that can ruin your dish. • Brighten the Flavor: Adding lime juice at the end not only enhances the dish but also gives it a fresh, zesty note. Adjust the amount to your taste! • Spice it Up: If you enjoy heat, consider adding jalapeños or chili flakes into the pressure cooker. This can elevate your Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken to another level! • Slow Cooker Alternative: If time allows, adapt this recipe for a slow cooker; simply cook on low for 6-8 hours for wonderfully tender results. • Prepping in Advance: For quick weeknight meals, you can marinate the chicken in salsa verde a few hours ahead or even the night before for intensified flavor. Storage Tips for Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Fridge: Store cool leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Make sure to refrigerate within two hours of cooking for safety. Freezer: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion it in airtight containers or freezer bags, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain moisture. Enjoy the zesty flavors as if it were freshly made! Meal Prep: For added convenience, consider prepping the chicken in advance by marinating it in salsa verde; this allows for even more flavors to develop before cooking. Make Ahead Options These Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the onions and garlic, measure out the salsa verde and chicken broth, and store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Additionally, the chicken can be seasoned with cumin, salt, and pepper, then refrigerated in a sealed container, ready to cook when you are. When it’s time to enjoy your meal, simply sauté the aromatics, combine everything in the pressure cooker, and cook according to the instructions for a delicious dinner that tastes just as fresh and flavorful! By prepping ahead, you’ll save valuable time on busy weeknights without compromising on taste. Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of salsa verde should I use? I recommend opting for a fresh-tasting salsa verde that you enjoy; the flavor can really make or break the dish. If you’re short on time, a store-bought variety will do perfectly, but make sure to check the ingredient list for quality. Look for one without overly artificial preservatives to truly capture that homemade essence. How should I store leftover Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken? Store any cool leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to refrigerate your leftovers within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Enjoy it again by simply reheating, but remember to keep it tightly sealed to retain the moisture! Can I freeze Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken, and how? Absolutely! This dish freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, making sure to remove any excess air to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. What if my chicken turns out dry after cooking? If your chicken is a bit dry, it may be because it wasn’t submerged enough in the sauce before cooking. Always ensure the chicken breasts are mostly covered by the salsa verde and broth. For next time, try adding a bit more sauce or broth. If you do have dry chicken, shred it and mix it back into the sauce; this will help to rehydrate it effectively, and adding a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors! Is this recipe suitable for my gluten-free diet? Very! This Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken is naturally gluten-free as long as the salsa verde and chicken broth you choose are labeled as such. Always read labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients, especially with packaged items. Enjoy this wholesome dish without worry! Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can! If using frozen chicken breasts, simply add them to the pressure cooker without thawing. Increase the cooking time to about 15 minutes on high pressure, and still allow for a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal even with last-minute prep! Easy Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken for Busy Nights A delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts and zesty salsa verde, ready in under 30 minutes. A must-try for busy weeknights! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsNatural Release Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs for extra tenderness.1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.For the Sauce1 cup Salsa Verde Choose a fresh-tasting variety for best results.1 cup Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.For the Aromatics2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be omitted if using non-stick cookware.1 medium Onion Yellow or white onion works best.3 cloves Garlic Fresh is recommended, but garlic powder can be a substitute.For the Seasoning1 teaspoon Cumin Chili powder can be used as an alternative. Equipment Pressure Cooker Method Basic StepsChop the onion and mince the garlic. Measure salsa verde and chicken broth.Heat olive oil in the pressure cooker, add onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.Add chicken, cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour salsa verde and chicken broth over the top.Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 5 minutes.Shred the chicken once cooled, return it to the sauce, and add lime juice and cilantro.Serve in tortillas, rice, or on its own, garnished with avocado or radishes. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 40gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg NotesEnsure chicken is mostly submerged in salsa verde for even cooking. Lime juice enhances flavor, and you can add jalapeños for heat. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
