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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

    Modified: Mar 21, 2023 · Published: Jan 18, 2019 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 52 Comments

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    Whether you make this Cilantro Lime Chicken in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, it comes together in no time and is packed with flavor! Enjoy as is, or serve in burritos, tacos, or tostadas!

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    This past week with my hubby travelling, I wanted a meal that I knew my kids would enjoy but wouldn’t require a lot of effort on my part. If you have kids, you understand my thought process. Nothing is worse than putting tons of effort into dinner and hearing “it’s okay” or “I’m not a huge fan, but I will eat anyways”. Am I right?!?! Haha!

    Well, one of the meals I KNOW my kids love is their tostadas. I think it’s because of all the toppings they can choose, but a win is a win!

    I didn’t have my normal seasonings on hand, and I had forgotten to take chicken out of the freezer earlier, so I turned to the Instant Pot.

    Have you jumped on board the Instant Pot craze yet? I highly recommend doing so if not, but I have also included slow cooker directions below if not!

    By simply tossing a few on hand ingredients into my Instant Pot, I had this Cilantro Lime Chicken ready to go in less than 30 minutes. I chose to serve ours as tostadas, however, this chicken is great to use in tacos, burritos, nachos, or even by itself! The possibilities are endless!

    Since this includes beans in the recipe, you can add some rice to the side and call it a complete meal!

    Some topping options are chopped avocado, tomatoes, sour cream, cheese, onions, or bell peppers!

    However you choose to enjoy this, you’ll love it! Great for serving large crowds and freezes perfectly if you have leftovers!

    Here is the Instant Pot I use and LOVE: https://amzn.to/2AR03aP

    Here is a great option for a slow cooker if you’re in the market: https://amzn.to/2Djn2wB

    Be sure to follow me on Instagram also to stay up with what is new on the blog, https://www.instagram.com/thecookinchicks/

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

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    Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Chicken

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Whether you make this chicken in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker, it comes together in no time and is packed with flavor! Enjoy as is, or serve in burritos, tacos, or tostadas!
    4.10 from 52 votes
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    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6
    Calories 292 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 oz salsa
    • 2 tablespoon taco seasoning (see recipe below) May also use 1 store bought package
    • 1 lime, juiced and zested
    • ¼ cup chicken broth
    • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
    • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless/skinless
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
    • toppings of choice, tortillas or tostada shells if using, etc

    Instructions
     

    • In your Instant Pot, add the salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice/zest, chicken broth, and black beans.
    • Stir to combine and place the chicken breasts on top of mixture.
    • Close lid and set to manual, high pressure, 15 minutes. Be sure valve at top is in sealing position.
    • Once timer beeps, allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
    • After the ten minutes, do a quick release to ensure all remaining pressure is gone and open lid.
    • Shred the chicken breasts using two forks, then stir in the cilantro.
    • Serve as desired and enjoy!!

    Notes

    *To make in the slow cooker, simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker minus the cilantro. Cook on low for about 6-8 hours, or high for about 4 hours. Shred chicken and stir in the cilantro prior to serving!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 292kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 40gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 817mgPotassium: 1048mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 671IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

    Here is the recipe to the homemade taco seasoning I use, https://thecookinchicks.com/2012/07/taco-seasoning/

    I am absolutely obsessed with these Herb Cutting Scissors, highly recommend getting a pair if you like using fresh herbs! https://amzn.to/2Dj9xNv

    More Chicken

    • Jalapeno Chicken Salad on a croissant with lettuce.
      Jalapeno Chicken Salad
    • a one pan meal with simple ingredients.
      Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
    • a BBQ seasoned chicken stuffed tortilla grilled and stacked on a wood board.
      BBQ Chicken Quesadillas
    • a baked one pan meal with fresh summer vegetables, shredded meat, and stuffing.
      Chicken Zucchini Casserole
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    Comments

    1. Barbara Ford says

      May 10, 2021 at 8:04 am

      1 star
      I got the burn notice also. I switched from the stainless pot to the non-stick pot and the same thing happened. I added a bottle of taco sauce for more liquid and the same thing. I ended up microwaving the chicken until cooked but it turned out rubbery. Of course, this all happened when I was making dinner for some Instant pot skeptics. Next time I think I’ll read comments before trying a recipe.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 10, 2021 at 9:24 am

        Oh bummer to hear! A trick I have learned is to use chicken broth in place of adding a sauce or more salsa. You have to make sure nothing is stuck on your pot prior to pressurizing, and if you have had the burn notice in the past, add a bit of the broth and stir it around to get the broth on the bottom. That should take care of any issues going forward! Sorry to hear it wasn’t a success!

        Reply
    2. Lisa Gilmore says

      December 19, 2020 at 5:29 pm

      4 stars
      I have made this a number of times the taste is wonderful . I do get the burn notice every time I cook it I added more liquid but the beans burn 3 times every time . Can I use the nonstick pan for this recipe or will it burn too .

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 20, 2020 at 10:29 am

        I use the non stick liner for this recipe each time and never have the burn notice. Such a bummer to hear you do. Add about 1/4 cup more liquid and that should help!

        Reply
    3. SPINZ says

      October 28, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this again and again, it’s a house favourite. We enjoy it on rice. Thank you for this recipe!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 29, 2020 at 10:52 am

        Yay! Glad to hear you enjoy this recipe!!

        Reply
    4. Heather L Brown says

      October 14, 2020 at 11:43 am

      Is this recipe for Chicken breasts that are thawed or frozen?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 14, 2020 at 1:04 pm

        Thawed! If using frozen, just add a few minutes to the cook time 🙂

        Reply
    5. Brittany says

      July 29, 2020 at 11:53 pm

      I did not see the crock pot version of the recipe! Honestly scared of pressure cookers. Haha

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        July 30, 2020 at 11:45 am

        Once you learn the Instant Pot, it will end up being your favorite kitchen appliance, I promise! I was skeptical at first too, but now I own two haha! To make this in your slow cooker, simply add the ingredients in and cook low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours. Stir in cilantro AFTER cooked as it will become wilted and gross if cooked with the chicken the entire time! Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. shelly says

      July 29, 2020 at 12:52 pm

      Hi! I have an Instant Pot group on Facebook and would love to have you join us and share all your great recipes with my members!
      https://www.facebook.com/groups/134509247880971/?ref=bookmarks

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        July 30, 2020 at 11:43 am

        Thanks for the invite! Just submitted a request to join!

        Reply
    7. Cindy says

      July 11, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      I followed recipe exactly, even adding 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and got the burn notice. I used a can of black beans that burnt to the bottom. Very disappointed!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        July 13, 2020 at 8:25 am

        Bummer to hear that! Try keeping the beans on top next time to avoid them burning to the bottom. I have heard from a few people, they tried that and it worked great!

        Reply
    8. Linda says

      July 09, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      I think the reason people got a burn notice is because they used dry black beans. The recipe is confusing because it says 15oz of black beans, it should say a 15 oz can of black beans. Some people are beginner cooks and need clarification on recipes.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        July 09, 2020 at 1:33 pm

        Recipe has been updated!

        Reply
    9. Cyndy Cummings says

      June 26, 2020 at 11:06 am

      Do you have the cooking times for the slow cooker method?
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        June 27, 2020 at 11:13 am

        I haven’t done this in the slow cooker personally, but I would do 4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low if cooking it that route. Those times usually are perfect! Enjoy!

        Reply
    10. Tiana says

      May 08, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      I don’t have black beans would it be okay to use kidney beans ?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 11, 2020 at 8:03 am

        Absolutely! That would work just fine! Enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Haley says

      May 08, 2020 at 10:51 am

      5 stars
      The end result was one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time, but I think I’ll have to put the salsa in after pressure cooking next time, or do it in the slow cooker. I got the burn notice three times, but it finally pressurized after deglazing it the last time and adding another 1/2 cup of broth. I may just need more liquid in my 8 quart. The flavors are spectacular though!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 08, 2020 at 11:37 am

        Yay! So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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