Easy Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken

This Instant Pot chipotle chicken is smoky, saucy, and basically made for piling into bowls, tacos, or whatever you've got in the fridge.

If you've ever grabbed that chipotle-style shredded chicken from Costco and loved the flavor, this hits that same vibe… but with simple ingredients you can control. And yes, it's gluten free and low FODMAP, so everyone can dig in.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Big flavor, simple ingredients - smoky, slightly spicy, made with pantry staples
• Hands-off cooking - the Instant Pot does the work for you
• Endless meal options - tacos, bowls, salads, and more
• Meal prep friendly - make once, eat all week
• Special Diet without trying too hard - gluten free, dairy free, and low FODMAP

What You'll Need

• Chicken Breasts - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts. 
• Chicken Broth - Use homemade or a low sodium option.
• Garlic Infused Olive Oil - Adds additional fat and garlic flavor
• Spice Mix: Chipotle chili powder, dried oregano, ancho chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper - a balanced, flavorful spice mix.
• Lime Juice - Adds brightness to the cooked chicken. 

See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Build the base
Grab a 6-quart Instant Pot and make sure the sealing ring is in place. Add the chicken broth, garlic infused olive oil, and spices. Stir to combine.

Step 2: Pressure cook the chicken
Nestle the chicken breasts into the liquid. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest.

Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken with tongs and shred using two forks on a cutting board.

Step 4: Add flavor back in
Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the cooking liquid. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and stir. Set to keep warm until ready to serve.

Ingredient Swaps

• Chicken thighs - use boneless, skinless thighs for a richer flavor
• Chicken stock - works just as well as broth
• Salsa - Swap out the chicken broth for your favorite salsa.

Chipotle Chicken Rice Bowl (with Cilantro Lime Rice)

If you need an easy dinner or meal prep idea, this is it. This chipotle chicken was basically made for rice bowls.

Start with a scoop of warm cilantro lime rice, then pile on the shredded chipotle chicken and your favorite toppings. It's simple, flexible, and one of those meals that everyone can build their own way.

Use my Instant Pot cilantro lime rice for an easy, flavorful base that pairs perfectly with this chicken.

How To Build a Chipotle Chicken Bowl

• Base - cilantro lime rice (white, brown, Mexican rice or roasted potatoes)
• Protein - shredded chipotle chicken
• Fresh - chopped romaine, tomatoes, green onion tops
• Extras - corn, black beans (if tolerated), shredded cheese
• Creamy - sour cream, homemade guacamole, or chipotle mayo
• Finish - squeeze of fresh lime juice

Mix, match, and build it how you like.

Meal Prep Chipotle Chicken Bowls (Easy Grab-and-Go Lunches)

This is one of those recipes that works just as well on day four as it does on day one. If you're packing lunches or need something quick during the week, chipotle chicken bowls are a solid go-to.

The trick? Keep the hot and cold ingredients separate so everything reheats well and still tastes fresh.

How To Meal Prep Chipotle Chicken Bowls

I like to use one container and put the cold ingredients in 2 ounce small containers with lids.

Heat Together (in one container):

• Cilantro lime rice
• Shredded chipotle chicken
• Black beans
• Corn

Keep Cold (separate containers):

• Chopped romaine
• Tomatoes
• Jalapenos
• Cheese
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream or lime crema, guacamole, or diced avocado (if you can handle not pretty avocado)

When you're ready to eat, remove the cold items, heat the rice and chicken mixture, then add everything back on top.

Simple, fast, and way better than standing in line somewhere.

Meal Prep Tips

• Let it cool first - prevents soggy containers
• Store sauces separately - keeps everything fresh
• Use sturdy containers - helps everything stay in place
• Switch up toppings - keeps lunches from getting boring

Low FODMAP Notes

Low FODMAP ingredient information is based on the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App testing results as of the day posted. As always, modify based on your gut and what works for you on a low FODMAP diet.

• Chicken breasts - unseasoned, plain chicken does not have any detected FODMAPs.
• Chicken broth - use homemade or an option you can tolerate.
• Garlic infused olive oil - adds flavor without the FODMAPs
• Spice mix:
  • chipotle chili powder - I love to use this instead of chipotle peppers in adobe sauce, which can contain onion and garlic. It is safe at 1 teaspoon (2 grams) per meal.
  • oregano - safe at 1 teaspoon (3 grams) per meal.
  • ancho chili powder - safe at 1 teaspoon (2 grams) per meal.
  • cumin - safe at 1 teaspoon (2 grams) per meal.
  • smoked paprika- safe at 1 teaspoon (2 grams) per meal.
• Lime juice - safe at 1 tablespoon (21 grams) per meal.

More Ways To Use Chipotle Chicken

Storing and Reheating

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavor gets even better the next day.

Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freeze: Freeze chipotle chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

More Loveable Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Greek Chicken - A delicious Greek-inspired chicken recipe. Perfect for salads or wraps.
• Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken - A flavorful, not-too-spicy shredded buffalo chicken. It is great in rice bowls topped with ranch dressing.
• Instant Pot Wild Rice Blend - A hands-off way to make wild rice blend. It works as a simple side dish or as an ingredient in a casserole.

Still looking for delicious Instant Pot recipes? Discover an old favorite or something exciting and new!