Instant Pot Salsa Cilantro Shredded Chicken Thighs

We have been working hard at creating a cookbook. In some ways it is the gift that keeps on giving, because we get to revisit some of our favorite recipes.

It also shows us how much we use one trusted recipe over and over again as a “base” for other recipes. This is a really basic recipe and one that I know a lot of people have (or will add) their own flair to.

INGREDIANTS

• 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
  • note: we used bone-in thighs and removed the skin, it was cheaper and you know we are all about saving $$ but you can use boneless/skinless chicken thighs to save time
• 1 16 oz jar of your favorite salsa (we use La Victoria Cilantro Salsa)
• 1 Onion (chopped)
• 1 Garlic Clove (diced)
• 1 Bunch of Cilantro (chopped)
• 1 – 2 Jalapenos (seeds removed & diced) **optional
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Granulated Garlic
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 TBSP Olive Oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Remove skin on chicken thighs
2. Salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder the chicken on both sides
3. Press Sauté and when the pot is “HOT” add olive oil 
4. Place seasoned chicken thighs into the hot instant pot and sauté for 3 minutes
5. Flip and sauté for 3 more minutes
6. Move chicken to a plate
7. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes stirring often
8. Add ¼ cup of water and cancel sauté
9. Scrape the pot bottom clean using a flat wooden spatula
10. Add garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, salsa and stir ingredients
11. Place the chicken thighs back into the pot
12. Put the instant pot lid on, seal the pressure release valve, pressure cook for 10 minute and allow to natural pressure release for 10 minutes (5 minutes for boneless chicken thighs)
13. Remove the lid and carefully move the chicken to a plate to sit for 5 minutes
14. You can use the sauce in the pot for your salsa if desired
15. Use a fork and a knife to pull the chicken off the bone and cut into smaller pieces
16. Make tacos, burritos, fries, nachos, top steamed vegetables, rice, noodles, or eat it straight up

If you want some ideas on what you can do with your newly cooked chicken, check out this YouTube Video for Chicken Taco Bake!