Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

By Suzanne Anderson April 5, 2023 42 mins read 578 Views

Long gone are the days when eating healthy meant boring dinners kids won’t eat. These keto-friendly Instant Pot Chicken Tacos are crowd-pleasers bursting with flavor that, best of all, are ready in 30 minutes or less!

Mastering the art of the instant pot meal is a game-changer when it comes to cooking keto-friendly recipes. Whether you’re new to cooking or have a million different things on your to-do list, an Instant Pot helps cut down on guesswork and cleanup. Meals you didn’t think could be made in one pot can suddenly be in your normal weekly rotation thanks to this little machine.

Take these instant pot chicken tacos, for example. The combination of tangy salsa, creamy sauce, and tender chicken will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, the quick prep and easy clean-up leaves you with more free time to spend with the ones you love.

Why You’ll Love Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

These keto-friendly chicken tacos are ready in 30 minutes from prep to table, making them the perfect weeknight meal for busy families.
The combination of tangy salsa and creamy sauce brings a fiesta of flavor that feels incredibly indulgent but is actually a healthy meal. High in healthy fats and proteins instant pot chicken tacos are customizable and keto-friendly.
Leftovers are as versatile as fresh instant pot chicken tacos. You can chop the leftover creamy salsa chicken and turn it into a salad. Spread over lettuce shells for a keto creamy salsa chicken salad sandwich. You can also use leftover chicken as a filling for quesadillas or omelets.

Can I Eat Instant Pot Chicken Tacos on Keto?

The key to navigating a keto-friendly diet is finding foods that are high in healthy fats and proteins, but low in carbs. Not only are the base ingredients keto-friendly, but you can give your meal an extra nutrient boost based on your toppings.

While sour cream might feel counter-intuitive when you’re on a diet, the high amount of healthy fat makes it keto-friendly. You can use the sour cream as a barrier between your chicken and toppings, cementing in your other ingredients. Try using tomato, avocado, and cilantro for more texture and flavor.

If you really want to keep your instant pot chicken tacos strictly keto-friendly (and gluten-free), use a keto tortilla or even lettuce leaves for your shell. Lettuce is not only a low-carb alternative to flour tortillas, but they add a cool and refreshing crunch to tacos.

The Best Sides to Serve with Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Knowing what sides to serve on taco night can be a hard dilemma to solve. I love to pair instant pot chicken tacos with this Keto Mexican Style Cauliflower Rice recipe or my sugar-free, dairy-free Keto Coleslaw.

Other keto-friendly side dishes you can try are making a batch of guacamole by mixing mashed avocado, lime juice, and the same spices from the taco recipe. Instead of tortilla chips, you can use pork rinds, cucumber slices, almond flour crackers, or even cheese crisps to dip.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz mild salsa (I used Herdez)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
8 oz cream cheese, softened

Tips for Making Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

To get the best-tasting instant pot chicken tacos, you can follow a few simple tips.

Before putting your chicken in an Instant Pot, slice your chicken breast into even-sized pieces. This will help ensure the meat is evenly cooked, juicy, and flavorful.
Don’t skimp on the salsa! If you’re not making your own, buy a brand with low carbs and no additives or preservatives.
After cooking your chicken, let your Instant Pot naturally release pressure for at least 5 minutes before doing a quick release to help lock in flavor and moisture.
I usually serve these “Chipotle-style” with queso, salsa, and guacamole in a low-carb shell. I personally love cheese shells or my keto tortillas.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time on your Instant Pot accordingly.

How do I make dairy-free instant pot chicken tacos?

Avoiding dairy without losing the creaminess of the recipe is easier than you’d think. Tofu, cashew, coconut, and almond cream cheeses are all great substitutes that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for normal cream cheese.
If you want sour cream but can’t have dairy, you can also find sour cream substitutes.

Can I swap chicken out for different meat?

Yes! You can either use ground meat and brown it first in the Instant Pot before adding the rest of your ingredients to the Instant Pot.
Or, you can use beef or pork (shoulder or loin). Just like with the chicken cut your meat into cubes or strips before topping it with salsa to get the best flavor.

What are keto-friendly toppings for instant pot chicken tacos?

The best keto-friendly toppings for tacos are sour tomatoes, lettuce, shredded cheese, avocado, jalapenos, onion, cilantro, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime.

How to Store Leftover Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

One of the great things about this instant pot chicken tacos is that there are usually leftovers. But before putting your food in the fridge, make sure you let your chicken cool to room temperature. You can leave it in the Instant Pot with the lid off to while it cools.

After dividing your leftovers into smaller portions (this works best for reheating), put your chicken in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in your refrigerator.

To reheat your leftovers, you can either microwave in a microwave-safe dish for 1 – 2 minutes or use the stovetop. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to your pan. You’ll just want to avoid reheating chicken more than once. Otherwise, you run the risk of harmful bacteria growth.

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Basic ingredients, kid-friendly, and easy-on-the-budget chicken tacos. 3NC per serving. Crock-pot and instant pot options!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Servings 6

Author Anna Hunley | Keto In Pearls

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breasts
12 oz mild salsa I used Herdez
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
8 oz cream cheese softened

Instructions

Pour chicken stock into Instant Pot.
Add chicken to the pot and sprinkles spices on top.
Add salsa on top of the chicken. Do not stir.
Cook on HIGH pressure for 15 minutes.
Manually release steam after 5 minutes of natural pressure release.
Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
Add cream cheese to the pot and stir in juices until cream cheese is completely melted.
Add chicken back to the pot and toss together.

The post Instant Pot Chicken Tacos appeared first on Keto In Pearls.

By: KetoInPearls
Title: Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Sourced From: ketoinpearls.com/creamy-salsa-chicken-tacos/
Published Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:39:53 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the first keto week the most difficult?

Preparing for the first week of a keto diet is often daunting. It requires significant lifestyle changes and pushes most people out of their dietary comfort zone. It can be scary to consider that you are saying goodbye to high-carb food favorites.

But don't fear! This will be one of the most rewarding weeks in your life if you have the right information. With perseverance and dedication, you can not only survive, but thrive on ketogenic eating.

The key is to start slow - transitioning onto any new dietary plan takes time. Although you might feel groggy during the transition to a lower-carb life style, don't panic! Consuming healthy fats as well as low-sugar foods will help replenish your energy and keep portions in check.

It is important that you recognize that it won't take too long for your body adapts. Cravings for high-sugar foods will eventually subside, your hunger will disappear naturally, and your metabolism's energy will be maintained throughout the day.

You can make it seem easier by emphasizing mental fortitude before you dive into ketosis.

What is the suggested lazy keto diet?

It can be daunting to begin your keto journey. There are many books, websites and nutrition advice that can overwhelm you. This is where the lazy keto diet comes in.

Lazy keto is not about tracking macronutrient ratios. It focuses instead on reducing net carbohydrate intake from 25-50 grams daily to achieve and maintain ketosis. This approach is more relaxed than traditional keto diets since you don’t need to keep so close tabs on macronutrient ratios and caloric intake.

In essence, with a lazy ketogenic diet, you forgo tracking macros and opt for whole low-carb foods that you love most - things like meats, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables are encouraged in moderate amounts while avoiding starchy carbohydrates and added sugars all together.

This is the perfect way to transition to low-carb living, without having your meals sacrificed or depriving yourself of important nutrients. Lazy Keto is a great option for people who are just starting out on their health journeys and don't have the time or knowledge to understand keto nutrition plans. It also works well for people who need a break from counting macros every day, but still want to achieve their weight loss goals.

What happens during the first week with keto?

First things first, getting ready for a ketogenic diet means doing your research. It's important to learn about the best foods and how many carbs can you eat daily. It is important to understand which foods contribute to the proper balance of macronutrients.

Once you have the basic information, it is time to start creating meals that suit your new lifestyle. Eating whole foods and not processed sugars will make it easier for your body to adjust faster. A few simple tweaks, such as adding more healthy fats and proteins in each meal, can significantly improve energy levels and focus while helping with cravings.

The next step in the keto diet is to learn proper portion control. This can be done by tracking macros or consulting with a nutritionist who may offer one-on-one advice.

When transitioning into keto, newcomers must take their time. They need to ensure that their bodies are ready for the change before they can go full throttle. This is a crucial step in the journey. It is vital to get adequate rest and keep hydrated. This journey should take at least three weeks before you decide whether it is for you. Everybody reacts differently so be patient and give your body some time.

Can I eat a vegetarian keto diet?

Understanding the basics of vegetarian ketosis is crucial to determine whether you are allowed to eat it. It's not as difficult as it looks. A vegetarian keto diet means that you eliminate all animal products and eat plant-based foods high in fats and carbohydrates.

When following a vegan keto diet, the most important thing is to monitor your macronutrients. This means weighing out how many carbohydrates, proteins and fats you eat each day. Fat should be increased and protein should be reduced. In order to achieve nutritional ketosis (a state of optimal metabolic function), you must reduce your consumption of carbohydrates. This will make your body burn more calories than glucose and increase your metabolism.

You'll need to calculate macros and monitor carbohydrate intake. Vitamin B12, which is essential for vegan ketogenic eating, should be supplemented as many people do not have sufficient of it due to poor diets.

If you are looking for plant-based options (such as tempeh/tofu), which are naturally low in carbohydrates but rich with protein, and then add some strategic supplementation sprinkled throughout with macro counting, it is possible to easily reach your nutrient requirements for success on a ketogenic vegetarian diet.

Do I Really Need a Keto Food List

Is it necessary to have a keto food menu? Your keto journey should include a food list. The key to reaping the benefits of the ketogenic diet is eating high-fat, low carb foods. There are so many foods and recipes that offer different amounts of carbs, it can be hard to choose the right fuel for your goals.

You can plan your meals easier by knowing which foods you are allowed to eat on this diet. It provides both information on what to eat and ideas for cooking them. You can also use it as a reference guide to help you shop at the supermarket or at restaurants.

In addition, having a well-balanced nutritional approach to eating can help maximize weight loss results while maintaining overall wellness. To reach ketosis, you need to eat 12-15% protein and 15-30% fat. It is important to choose meals that provide maximum nutrition with minimal carbs.

It can be very helpful to have a reliable keto food guide that lists healthy options within these parameters. This will help you make the transition to cleaner eating habits, which will lead to better health and more purposeful living. By taking advantage of this helpful resource, you're one step closer to achieving your lifestyle objectives.

What is the average time it takes to lose weight using lazy keto?

It can be challenging to calculate how long it takes to lose weight on the lazy keto plan. There are many factors which influence the success of the diet. It won't be the exact same for everyone. It is dependent on each person's goals, lifestyle, and ability to adhere to this type of diet.

Studies suggest that after about two weeks, you might see a consistent decrease in body weight. There are many factors that can affect your ability to lose weight.

Even if you don't exercise often, it is possible to lose weight even if you do not engage in any physical activity. If you exercise regularly and eat healthy, you may see noticeable results in seven days.

Consistency is key when trying any lifestyle change, like maintaining a healthy diet or starting an exercise regimen; it will help you reach your goals faster if done consistently and correctly according to relevant nutritional requirements for your body type and metabolism rate. Programs like lazy keto will show significant results if you are willing to work hard and have the knowledge.

Can you eat rice while on keto?

Hesitating? Are you unsure how or whether rice should be included in a ketogenic diet? It is possible to incorporate rice into your ketogenic diet, but it could be detrimental to your well-planned diet.

Rice, a carbohydrate made from grains, packs a lot of energy per portion. You should limit the amount of rice you eat, whether it's white, brown, or wild. On the other hand, certain varieties, such as cauliflower and broccoli rice, are low in carbohydrates while still providing essential nutrients like vitamin C, fibre, and even protein.

Cauliflower can be used to replace rice in ketosis. It has 3g of net carbs per 1-cup portion. However, this is an easy substitution. You should make sure you have enough water throughout the day so that you don't feel bloated from the additional starches in your rice meal.

Healthy grains like cauliflower rice, which is low in carbs, can help support a ketogenic lifestyle. Are you wondering if keto rice is good for you? Consider the nutritional value of each variety, as well as how much you include with your meals.

Statistics

Fats should replace the majority of cut carbs and deliver approximately 60–80% of your total caloric intake. (healthline.com)
It typically contains 70% fat, 20% protein, and only 10% carbs (9Trusted (healthline.com)
When following a ketogenic diet, carb content is between 5–10% of calories consumed, though looser versions of the diet exist (7Trusted Source (healthline.com)
Proteins should account for around 10–30% of energy needs, while carbs are usually restricted to 5%. (healthline.com)
Carbohydrates are the body's preferred source of energy, but on a strict ketogenic diet, less than 5% of energy intake is from carbohydrates (learn more in our beginner's guide for the ketogenic diet). (eatingwell.com)

External Links

How To

What are the Best Foods You Can Eat on a Ketogenic Diet?

A ketogenic diet is only possible if you consume the right foods. Include protein, moderate carbohydrate intake, and include fats.

Eating whole foods is important. It's also important to consume moderate amounts healthy fats such butter, avocado oil, coconut oil, butter, and other healthy fats. For maximum success, avoid refined sugar, bread, gluten, and all other grains.

If you want to ensure your body receives the best nutrition, organic should be your top priority. Free-range eggs provide vital nutrients that are concentrated from their natural environment.

Seducing your taste buds with delicious dishes composed of common low-carb staples such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and kale can cut off troublesome cravings for sugar and carbs. Eating fermented foods is a great way to include probiotic properties in your diet that have been linked to improved metabolic health and decreased inflammation.

Recipes using wild meats, such as partridge, duck, and venison can add variety to your menu plans while providing lean protein sources and minerals that aren’t always easily found in other food options.

It's all about creating balance between eating fresh produce in their natural forms and adding nutrient dense ingredients that will help you stay satisfied, so you don’t feel deprived or denied.