Imagine walking into your kitchen, the delightful aroma of spices swirling around you like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The rich scent of simmering chicken chili verde fills the air, promising a meal that’s not only comforting but also bursting with flavor. delicious chicken salad recipe You can practically taste the zesty green chiles and tender chicken just by inhaling deeply. sweet treat for a cozy meal Mediterranean-style potatoes perfect side dish for Chili Verde This Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde recipe, made with only six ingredients, is perfect for those days when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
This dish is more than just food; it’s a memory-maker. I remember my first attempt at making this chili for a cozy game night with friends. As soon as they took that first bite, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning. We were all laughing and sharing stories while the chili worked its magic in the pot—an experience that turned an ordinary evening into something special. For more inspiration, check out this Flourless Brownies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The bold flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty meal that pleases everyone
- With its vibrant green color, it’s visually stunning and will impress your guests
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or over rice or tortillas
I still chuckle thinking about how fast my friends polished off the entire pot that night—it was gone before I could even get a second helping!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your crowd size for optimal servings.
- Green Salsa: Use store-bought or homemade; it adds fantastic depth and flavor to your chili. For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker Salsa Beef recipe.
- Chicken Broth: Choose low-sodium broth to keep control over the saltiness and enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
- Canned Green Chiles: These bring heat and zest; opt for mild if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive pals.
- Cumin Powder: A key player here, cumin adds an earthy tone that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Cilantro: Chop some fresh cilantro for garnish; it adds brightness and freshness right before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cooking this Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde is simpler than trying to figure out why socks disappear in the dryer! Let’s dive into each step together.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients and chopping the cilantro. This makes everything easier once you start cooking.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle cumin generously over both sides of the chicken breasts. This step is crucial for infusing flavor right from the start.
Add Ingredients to Instant Pot: Place the seasoned chicken in your Instant Pot. Pour in green salsa, canned green chiles, and chicken broth, making sure everything is well-covered.
Set Your Instant Pot: Close the lid securely and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to seal it properly—this isn’t a science experiment!
Release Pressure & Shred Chicken: Once cooking time is up, release pressure carefully. Remove chicken breasts and shred them with two forks before mixing back into the pot.
Add Final Touches: Stir everything together until well combined and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top just before serving. Enjoy this vibrant dish with warm tortillas or over rice!
And there you have it! A delightful bowl of Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde that will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
You Must Know
- This Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde is not just flavorful; it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights
- With only six ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time
- The aroma of spices and tender chicken will fill your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug on a chilly day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by browning the chicken in the Instant Pot, then add all other ingredients and pressure cook for 15 minutes. This method locks in flavors and ensures perfectly tender chicken.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the green salsa for a spicier version or add beans for extra texture. You can also toss in some fresh cilantro before serving for an aromatic twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply use the microwave or stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, let the chicken marinate with spices overnight for deeper flavor
- Always ensure your Instant Pot is sealed properly to avoid cooking issues
- Using fresh ingredients will enhance the dish’s overall taste and aroma
Nothing beats that moment when I served this dish at a family gathering, and everyone asked for seconds! It turned into a competition over who could finish their bowl first—a delightful memory that still makes me smile.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken but increase the cooking time slightly.
What can I serve with Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde?
Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or warm tortillas for a delightful meal.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add more jalapeños or choose a spicier green salsa to amp up the heat level.
Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Instant Pot Chicken Chili Verde is a flavorful and comforting dish that comes together effortlessly. Made with just six simple ingredients, this zesty chili features tender chicken and vibrant green chiles, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Its rich aroma fills the kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup green salsa
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (4 oz) canned green chiles
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop the cilantro.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with cumin.
- Place seasoned chicken in the Instant Pot and add green salsa, canned chiles, and chicken broth.
- Secure the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes.
- Release pressure carefully. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir back into the pot.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro over rice or warm tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg



