Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

After a long, hectic day, there’s nothing quite as comforting as walking into your kitchen and preparing a meal that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas. Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo is exactly that kind of dish – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. This vibrant red sauce chicken dish combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a rich, smoky salsa roja that’s bursting with authentic Mexican flavors.

When you lift the lid of your Instant Pot, the steam carries the tantalizing scent of cumin, chili powder, and garlic that will immediately transport you to a traditional Mexican kitchen. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender while absorbing all those incredible spices, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for an impromptu dinner, this easy Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

• ✅ This authentic Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo delivers restaurant-quality flavors in just 30 minutes of cooking time
• ✅ Perfect one-pot Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo recipe that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
• ✅ The pressure cooking method makes this Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo incredibly tender and juicy every time
• ✅ This flavorful Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo recipe works beautifully for meal prep and tastes even better the next day
• ✅ Customize the spice level of your Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo to suit your family’s preference, from mild to extra spicy
• ✅ Naturally gluten-free Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo that fits into multiple dietary plans

Ingredients for Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

To make this delicious pressure cooker chicken in red sauce, you’ll need:

• 2 pounds (907g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1.5 tablespoons Mexican red chili powder (NOT cayenne – for a milder version, use regular chili powder)
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 1.5 teaspoons table salt)
• 2 tablespoons oil (avocado or olive oil work well)
• 14 ounces (397g) canned tomatoes (fire-roasted adds extra flavor)
• 5 ounces (142g) tomato paste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 ounces (57g) canned/pickled jalapeños (adjust to your spice preference)

Ingredient Tips:

• For a deeper flavor in your homemade salsa roja for chicken, use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular
• Chicken breasts can be substituted but may result in a slightly less juicy spicy chicken with red salsa in instant pot
• For an even more authentic Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo, consider adding 1 teaspoon of Mexican oregano

How to Make Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo – Step by Step

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cumin, Mexican red chili powder, and salt. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture. This dry-rubbing technique is key for developing deep flavor in your quick Mexican chicken dinner.

Step 2: Prepare the Instant Pot

Turn your Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode and add the oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) and brown for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking the chicken through – just developing flavor for your tender Mexican chicken Instant Pot recipe.

Step 3: Create the Salsa Roja Base

Remove the browned chicken to a plate. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base is essential for an authentic flavorful pollo en salsa rojo Instant Pot experience.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a blender. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and jalapeños. Blend until smooth to create your homemade salsa roja. This creates the vibrant red sauce that gives this Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo its signature color and flavor.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Return the chicken to the Instant Pot and pour the blended salsa over it. Stir to combine, making sure all chicken pieces are coated in the sauce. Secure the lid, set the valve to SEALING, and cook on HIGH pressure for 10 minutes for this easy Instant Pot Mexican pollo recipe.

Step 6: Natural Release

Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow a 10-minute natural pressure release before carefully releasing any remaining pressure. This rest period is crucial for keeping your Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo tender and juicy.

Step 7: Reduce Sauce (Optional)

If you prefer a thicker sauce for your one pot Mexican pollo en salsa, set the Instant Pot to SAUTÉ mode again and simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

• Don’t skip the browning step: This develops deep flavor and is worth the extra few minutes for your Instant Pot chicken with spicy tomato sauce
• Adjust the heat level: The recipe as written produces a medium-spicy dish. For milder flavor, reduce the jalapeños or remove the seeds
• Make ahead: This Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld
• Freeze-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze portions for up to 3 months for quick future meals
• Secret ingredient boost: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the salsa for brightness that balances the rich flavors

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

This versatile dish can be served in many delicious ways:

1. Traditional style: Serve over Mexican rice with a side of refried beans
2. Low-carb option: Enjoy with cauliflower rice and sliced avocado
3. Taco night: Shred the chicken and use as filling for tacos with fresh toppings
4. Bowl style: Create a burrito bowl with rice, beans, this flavorful Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo, and toppings
5. Nacho topping: Shred and use as a protein-rich nacho topping with melted cheese

Perfect accompaniments include:

• Warm corn or flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro and lime wedges
• Mexican-style street corn
• Quick-pickled red onions
• Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
• Diced avocado or guacamole

Nutritional Information for Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 278 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

This Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo is high in protein while remaining relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various dietary preferences including keto, paleo, and gluten-free diets.

Storage & Leftovers

This Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day!

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freezing: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months
• Reheating: For best results, reheat slowly in a covered saucepan on the stovetop with a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture
• Meal prep: Portion into individual containers with rice or cauliflower rice for easy grab-and-go lunches

Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo

Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Mexican pollo en salsa rojo?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but skip the browning step. Add 5 minutes to the pressure cooking time (15 minutes total) and be sure to check that the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before serving.

How long does it take to cook pollo en salsa rojo in an Instant Pot?

The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, including 10 minutes of pressure cooking plus pressurization time and natural release. It’s much faster than traditional stovetop or oven methods!

What ingredients are needed for Instant Pot Mexican pollo en salsa rojo?

The essential ingredients are chicken thighs, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, jalapeños, and Mexican spices including cumin and chili powder.

What are some side dishes to serve with Mexican pollo en salsa rojo?

Traditional sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, corn tortillas, avocado slices, and lime wedges. For a complete fiesta, add some elote (Mexican street corn) and a simple cabbage slaw.

Conclusion

This Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo brings the vibrant, bold flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen with minimal effort. Thanks to the pressure cooking method, what would traditionally take hours simmering on the stove is ready in just 30 minutes, without sacrificing any of the deep, complex flavors that make this dish so special.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this versatile recipe delivers incredible taste with every bite. The tender chicken coated in that rich, flavorful salsa roja will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Have you tried making this Mexican Chicken | Instant Pot Mexican Pollo En Salsa Rojo? What’s your favorite way to serve it? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this recipe for the next time you’re craving something deliciously satisfying!

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