Name: Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Hawaiian Fusion
Ingredients: 1.25 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs; 2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped; 1 jalapeño, minced (ribs and seeds removed for less heat); 1/2 red onion, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 jalapeño (ribs and seeds removed for less heat); 1 clove garlic; 1 teaspoon dried dill (or about 1/4 cup fresh dill); 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 1/4 cup fresh chives (or substitute 1/2 teaspoon onion powder); 1/2 teaspoon salt; Black pepper to taste; Cabbage for the slaw (finely shredded); Tortillas (corn or flour, warmed); Optional toppings: avocado slices, extra pineapple chunks, cilantro, red onion, etc.

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 23 reviews

If you crave a burst of tropical flavors fused with the comforting feel of a taco night, you are going to absolutely love the Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw Recipe. This dish is a delightful dance of tender chicken infused with sweet pineapple and spicy jalapeño, all finished off with a cool, creamy slaw that packs a punch of freshness. It’s not only incredibly flavorful but also fast and easy to prepare, making it your new go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers. Preparing this recipe feels like inviting the sunny vibes of Hawaii straight into your kitchen, wrapped in a warm tortilla and topped with that addictive jalapeño ranch slaw.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a shiny metal bowl on a white marbled surface, there are several layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is light pink raw chicken pieces. On top of the chicken, starting from the bottom left, there are small chopped white garlic pieces, coarse white salt, and diced light purple shallots. Next to the shallots, there is a mound of dark red paprika powder. Above the paprika and salt, bright yellow chopped pineapple chunks cover the right side of the bowl. Near the top left, there are dark green chopped jalapeños and a small heap of ground brown spice. Just above the chicken and to the center-left, there is a small red dollop of ketchup and a yellow mustard sauce underneath the pineapple. The image is bright and focused, showing fresh and colorful ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet crucial for balancing the sweet, spicy, and creamy notes that define this dish. Each element brings something special to the table, from the hearty chicken thighs to the zesty jalapeño ranch slaw, promising a harmonious explosion of textures and tastes.

1.25 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
2 cups fresh pineapple, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and tropical flair that complements the savory chicken.
1 jalapeño, minced (remove ribs and seeds for less heat): Brings the perfect spicy kick without overwhelming the dish.
Half of a red onion, minced: Offers subtle sharpness and crunch that balances sweetness.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to the chicken mixture.
1 teaspoon chili powder: Essential for adding smoky warmth that elevates the taco’s profile.
1 teaspoon cumin: Provides earthy undertones that tie the flavors together beautifully.
1 teaspoon salt: Heightens and balances the distinct tastes in the dish.
1 tablespoon sriracha: Delivers subtle heat and a touch of tangy sweetness.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Adds complexity and a slight tang to the marinade.
1/4 cup water: Helps create the perfect consistency for cooking the chicken evenly.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the jalapeño ranch slaw dressing.
1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and smoothness to the slaw dressing.
1/4 cup water: Lightens the ranch dressing to the ideal texture.
1 tablespoon white vinegar: Provides acidity that brightens and balances the slaw dressing.
1 jalapeño (remove ribs and seeds for less heat): Infuses the ranch with spicy vibrancy.
1 clove garlic: Punctuates the dressing with savory depth.
1 teaspoon dried dill (or about 1/4 cup fresh): Adds a fresh herbal note to complement the heat.
1/4 cup fresh parsley: Brings a burst of green freshness for balance.
1/4 cup fresh chives (or sub 1/2 teaspoon onion powder): Enhances the dressing’s subtle onion undertones.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the slaw perfectly.
Black pepper to taste: Adds mild heat and flavor complexity to the slaw.
Cabbage for the slaw: Provides crisp texture and acts as a fresh, crunchy counterpoint.
Tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold all these delicious components together.
Any extra toppings you like: Slices of avocado, cilantro, or extra pineapple elevate the tacos to your personal favorite.

How to Make Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by finely chopping your fresh pineapple, mincing jalapeños and garlic, and preparing the red onion and cabbage for the slaw. Having everything ready before you dive into cooking makes the process so smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Instant Pot

Throw all the chicken ingredients—chicken thighs, pineapple, jalapeño, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, sriracha, mustard, and a bit of water—into the Instant Pot. Seal it up and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes (or 20 minutes if your chicken is frozen). After the cooking time, release the pressure carefully, then shred the tender chicken right inside the pot to soak in all those fantastic juices.

Step 3: Broil for the Perfect Finish

Transfer the shredded chicken onto a baking sheet lined with foil and pop it under the broiler for about 10 to 15 minutes. This final step creates irresistibly crispy, caramelized edges that add a delightful texture contrast to the juicy interior.

Step 4: Whip Up the Jalapeño Ranch Slaw

While the chicken’s broiling, blitz together the jalapeño ranch ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Toss the dressing with thinly shredded cabbage to create that vibrant, tangy slaw that gives these tacos their iconic refreshing bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy

Warm your tortillas, pile them high with the savory pineapple chicken and a generous scoop of jalapeño ranch slaw. Add extra toppings like avocado, fresh pineapple pieces, cilantro, or red onion for a personalized twist. The combination is wonderfully layered and absolutely satisfying.

How to Serve Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a shiny metal pot filled with cooked shredded meat mixed with small yellow chunks, all immersed in a rich reddish-brown sauce. The meat strands are soft and fibrous, evenly spread throughout the pot, while the yellow pieces add a pop of color and texture contrast. The pot rests on a white marbled surface that adds a clean, bright look to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red onions, and a few avocado slices brighten up these tacos and add layers of flavor and texture. Don’t be shy with an extra drizzle of that jalapeño ranch dressing — it ties every bite together with its creamy heat and herbaceous kick.

Side Dishes

Keep your sides simple and fresh to complement the bold tacos. A light mango salsa, black bean salad, or even a side of grilled corn works beautifully. You could also serve with a bowl of tortilla chips and guacamole for the ultimate tropical taco feast vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these tacos family-style on a large platter loaded up with colorful toppings and slaw on the side so everyone can customize their own. For a party, mini tortillas with bite-sized chicken and slaw turn into irresistible finger foods. You can even use lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb variation that’s just as tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Hawaiian chicken and jalapeño ranch slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the chicken juicy and the slaw crisp. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken (without the slaw) in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Avoid freezing the slaw as it tends to lose its best texture and freshness when thawed.

Reheating

Reheat the shredded chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To keep it from drying out, add a splash of water and cover while reheating. Always add fresh jalapeño ranch slaw when serving to preserve its vibrant crunch and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine but may turn out slightly less tender and juicy compared to thighs due to their lean nature. Just be sure not to overcook them in the Instant Pot to keep that perfect texture.

How spicy are these tacos?

They have a pleasant, mild to medium heat level thanks to the jalapeños and sriracha, which can be adjusted according to your taste. Removing the jalapeño seeds and ribs will reduce the spiciness without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes! As long as you use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Always double-check your sriracha and other condiments to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Can I make the jalapeño ranch dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before tossing with the cabbage for fresh, zesty slaw any time.

What other toppings would pair well with these tacos?

Try adding pickled red onions, crumbled queso fresco, fresh mango chunks, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. The possibilities for customizing are endless and all delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly joyful about making and sharing the Instant Pot Hawaiian Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch Slaw Recipe. It’s a wonderful combination of sweet, spicy, creamy, and fresh that feels like a mini vacation on your plate. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a lively gathering, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try and watch it become a new beloved staple in your meal rotation.