Go Back
Close up view of shredded chicken topped with chopped cilantro.

Instant Pot Smoky Honey Cilantro Chicken

Yield: 6 Servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Additional Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salsa verde or tomatillo salsa
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke (optional, but delicious)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2-3 cloves, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2-3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

Instructions 

  • Whisk together the salsa verde, honey, liquid smoke, chili powder, salt, dried oregano, cumin, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  • For the Instant Pot: Add the salsa verde mixture to the insert of the Instant Pot. Nestle the chicken into the sauce.
  • Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing the rest of the pressure.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks (right in the Instant Pot). Stir in the fresh cilantro and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
  • For the Slow Cooker: Add the salsa verde mixture to the insert of a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Nestle the chicken into the sauce.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours. If the mixture starts to look dry during cooking, add 1/2 cup or so chicken broth to the slow cooker and continue cooking.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks (right in the slow cooker). Stir in the fresh cilantro and add additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed.
  • For serving: serve the chicken as desired in tacos, enchiladas, burritos, on salad, etc.

Notes

Salsa: my preferred brand of salsa verde is Trader Joe's, but I've also used Herdez with good results.