There’s something magical about a recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and perfectly tailored to your goals. This Instant Pot Keto Chicken Recipe has become my go-to on busy nights when I want a meal that feels indulgent but fits my keto lifestyle.
With its rich, creamy flavors and tender, fall-apart chicken, it’s hard to believe this dish is low-carb, yet it’s perfect for anyone chasing ketosis—or just a really satisfying dinner. One evening, after a long day of errands, I threw together this dish with pantry staples, skeptical that it’d amount to much.
But when I lifted the lid of the Instant Pot, the aroma of garlic, herbs, and butter was nothing short of heavenly.
It’s now a staple in my meal prep, saving me time and helping me stick to my goals. Did you know that people on keto can lose up to two times more weight in the first three months compared to other diets? Recipes like this make that journey a whole lot tastier.
Serve it alongside a Keto Greek Cucumber Salad or an Easy Shrimp Caesar Salad for a complete, guilt-free feast.
Let me know in the comments if you try it—don’t forget to share your tweaks!
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of butter, garlic, and herbs creates a sauce so luxurious, you’ll want to spoon it over everything.
- Quick and Convenient: Using the Instant Pot means you can have a gourmet-level meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The chicken stays juicy even after reheating, making it ideal for weekly lunches.
- Keto-Friendly Comfort: It’s deeply satisfying and keeps you full, which is key for sticking to your goals.
- Customizable: Swap the spices or add veggies like zucchini or spinach to suit your tastes.

Instant Pot Keto Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Instant pot
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
- Measuring spoons for seasonings
- Forks for shredding chicken
- Wooden spoon or utensil for quick release
Ingredients
- ½ Cup chicken broth
- ½ Tsp pepper
- 1 Cup Salsa
- 2 Tsp Minced garlic or 1 tsp minced garlic powder
- 3 Lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 Tbsp chili powder- optional
- 1 Tsp dried onion flakes
- 1 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Cumin
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs.
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot.
- Pour salsa evenly over the chicken.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "sealing."
- Press the "poultry" button and set the timer to 12 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, the Instant Pot will beep.
- Use a long wooden spoon to carefully switch the valve to "venting" for a quick release.
- Open the lid once all the steam has been released.
- Shred the cooked chicken thighs in the pot using two forks.
- Stir the shredded chicken with the broth and salsa, then.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the chili powder; for extra heat, add more chili powder or a dash of cayenne.
- Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 217kcal |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fibre | 1g |
Fat | 9g |
Protein | 28g |
Cholesterol | 105g |
Variations To Customise Your Dish!
- Add Avocado: Top the shredded chicken with slices of avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken after shredding for a cheesy, melty finish.
- Serve with Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Spicy Salsa: Use a spicy salsa or even a chipotle salsa for a smokier, spicier flavor.
- Toppings: Add fresh cilantro, lime juice, or sour cream for a zesty, refreshing touch.