I've got Instant Pot chicken taco bowls that are incredibly flavorful and made with juicy chicken thighs, cauliflower rice, and are perfect for meal prep. They are packed with protein, healthy fats, fiber and are gluten free, dairy free, paleo, low carb, and Whole30.

chicken taco bowls with ingredients in bowls around them

Why are these chicken taco bowls so awesome?

Well, for one, they are completely no fuss. I love being able to prep the chicken in the Instant Pot quickly and preparing everything else during this time.

If you like to multitask, let that be your "challenge" for this recipe.

It will come together so quickly, it will soon become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Why else?

The bowls are gluten free, grain free, dairy free (if using coconut yogurt and omitting cheese), paleo, Whole30, and low carb.
They are highly customizable. Use your favorite salsa, cheese, yogurt, etc.
Super nutritious: they are loaded up with high protein content, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber.
Perfect for meal planning and prep: make the chicken ahead of time and throw it on a salad, alongside your favorite veggies, etc. It can be eaten in many other ways besides in these taco bowls.

ingredients prepped in bowls for Instant Pot chicken taco bowls

What ingredients do you need?

Boneless & skinless chicken thighs
Green salsa
Bone broth
Salt & pepper
Taco seasoning
Cauliflower rice
Greek or coconut yogurt
Homemade paleo mayonnaise
Shredded cheese
Red onion
Avocado
Cilantro
Limes

... and that's it! It isn't a very long list, and because everything is fairly customizable, I think you are going to have a lot of fun with and really love this dish.

These Instant Pot chicken taco bowls have been made twice in the past week. Tim was like: "Why don't you make flavors like this more often?"

Good question. I think I will just have to start!

chicken taco bowls with a fork inside and limes on top

I've been obsessing over these hard taco shells lately. I decided to split this dish up.

We ate half of it in cauliflower rice bowls and the other half, we decided to stuff into shells.

So. Darn. Good.

If you have a favorite taco shell, I'd say go for it. However, if you want to keep the recipe low carb or Whole30 compliant, do make it with the cauliflower rice.

You don't need to worry about storing everything separately in the refrigerator. We mixed everything up and ate it as leftovers all week long.

shredded chicken on top of cauliflower rice in bowls

How to make Instant Pot chicken taco bowls

Turn on the Instant Pot and hit "Manual." Add chicken thighs, salt, pepper, garlic, salsa, broth, and taco seasoning. Give everything a nice stir. Set the pressure to "High" and the timer for 12 minutes.

After the chicken has finished cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then, move the “Sealing” nob to “Venting” and let it release completely.

Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and shred using two forks on a cutting board.⁣ Transfer back into the Instant Pot insert and mix together with the sauce. Set aside to cool.

In a small bowl, mix together paleo mayonnaise with the green salsa. Set this aside.

Cook the cauliflower rice. Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add oil and let that heat for another minute. Add in cauliflower rice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until cauliflower has softened. Taste for additional seasoning and set aside.

Prepare the bowls. Add cauliflower rice into the bowls first. Top off with shredded chicken and juices and the mayo/salsa mixture. Layer with yogurt, shredded cheese, onion, cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime. Enjoy!

Recipe notes and questions

I like to use a hatch green chile salsa, but you can use any salsa verde really.
Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese: Mexican, Colby jack, cheddar, etc.
You can use fresh or frozen. If it is frozen, allow it to defrost for at least 30 minutes before cooking or sauté in the pan for an extra couple of minutes.
Feel free to also serve this dish in your favorite taco shells: i.e. Siete Foods Grain Free Taco Shells (pictured above.)

Can I use regular rice instead?

Absolutely. Simply cook it up in a rice cooker, Instant Pot, on the stove top, etc. and have at it!

What size Instant Pot do I need to use?

A traditional 6-quart is great!

Toppings are key!

Be sure not to skimp out on all of the toppings. I listed my favorites in the recipe, but you do you.

You can alternatively serve this dish:

On a salad
On a bed of tortilla chips
Inside taco shells

two chicken taco bowls with forks inside and ingredients around them

More easy Instant Pot chicken recipes:

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

Paleo Chicken Tikka Masala

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodle Soup

Paleo Buffalo Chicken Pizza

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla-less Soup