Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls – a fiesta of flavors packed into one delightful bowl! Succulent chicken, seasoned to perfection, combines with fluffy rice, black beans, corn, and a medley of vibrant spices, all effortlessly prepared in your trusty Instant Pot.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Easy one-pot meal: This recipe requires minimal prep work and all the ingredients are cooked together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Quick cooking time: With the help of the Instant Pot, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Healthy and balanced: Packed with protein from the chicken and beans, along with corn, this recipe is a well-rounded meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
📋 Ingredients
This chicken burrito bowl recipe is packed full of protein and healthy ingredients. Make sure you have everything you need before you get started! Here's a shopping list:
- Canola or Vegetable Oil: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, it aids in flavor release and prevents sticking.
- Garlic, Minced: Adds a pungent depth that forms the aromatic base of the dish.
- Yellow Onion, Diced: Provides a sweet and savory note that complements the other flavors.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Acts as a cooking liquid that infuses the chicken and rice with a rich, savory flavor. You can make homemade chicken broth using our recipe if you like!
- Chili Powder: Gives the dish a warm, smoky kick, enhancing the overall taste.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbaceous touch that brightens the dish.
- Ground Cumin: Contributes an earthy flavor that's integral to the dish's Mexican-inspired profile.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein, it provides a hearty, lean element to the burrito bowl.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of all other ingredients, making them more pronounced.
- Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity to the dish.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the dish, adding a creamy, tangy layer of flavor.
- Black Beans, Drained: Add a nice texture contrast, while also boosting the dish's protein and fiber content.
- Corn Kernels, Drained: Provide a sweet crunch that balances the savory elements of the dish.
- Salsa: Adds a tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet component that ties together all the flavors.
- Long Grain White Rice: Serves as the starchy base, absorbing the flavors and providing a satisfying chew.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Chipotle-Lime Chicken Bowl: Marinate the chicken in a chipotle-lime sauce for a smoky and zesty flavor. Add corn, black beans, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
- Pineapple Teriyaki Chicken Bowl: Swap traditional flavors with a tropical twist. Use a teriyaki glaze on the chicken and add pineapple chunks, bell peppers, and snow peas.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice Bowl: Feature a cilantro-lime rice base for a vibrant and citrusy kick. Pair it with grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
🔪How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
- Step 1: Press “sauté” mode on your Instant Pot. Once your pot becomes hot, add in your oil and onions. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the onion starts to soften. Add in your minced garlic. Stir for about one minute.
- Step 2: While your onions are cooking, season your diced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add in your chicken broth. Scrape any residue from the onion and garlic that may still remain on the bottom of your pot.
- Step 3: Next, add in your chili powder, cumin, chicken breasts, black beans, corn, and salsa.
- Step 4: Stir all the ingredients and combine well.
- Step 5: On top of the mixture, add your white rice. Press the rice grains into the liquid, making sure that every grain is submerged, but don't stir. Cancel Saute Mode and pressure cook your ingredients on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, allow a 10-minute natural release before manually releasing the pressure. Open the lid, and gently mix everything together. Transfer to bowls and then top with your favorite toppings.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
Using your Instant Pot is super easy once you start using it! But, if you are a newbie, here are some simple tips and tricks to make your meal come out perfect:
- Scrape The Inner Pot. After using the sauté, be sure to use a tad bit of water to scrape the residue off the bottom. This helps prevent the dreaded Burn Notice.
- Consider A Natural Release. Once the time is up, let your pot sit for about 10 minutes then do a Manual Release. This will prevent the contents from spewing out of the valve.
- Don't Stir The Rice. Press the rice into the liquid so it is submerged, but do not stir it.
If you love the Tex-Mex flavors of Burrito bowls then you're sure to enjoy our Instant Pot Taco Soup and Instant Pot Taco Pasta recipes!
💭 FAQs
What Type Of Rice Is Best For Chicken Burrito Bowls?
Both brown rice and white rice work well. Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, while white rice tends to have a softer texture.
Can I Use Brown Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice in your burrito bowl, but be mindful of the longer cooking time and adjust liquid amounts accordingly. You’ll need to cook the rice for 20 minutes and add an additional ½ cup of water for each cup of rice you use.
Is It Possible To Make A Vegetarian Or Vegan Version Of A Burrito Bowl?
Absolutely! Choose plant-based proteins like beans or tofu, and use vegan-friendly toppings such as dairy-free cheese and vegan sour cream.
Best Way to Store Burrito Bowl
You can also freeze this dish for up to 2 months. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stove top.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with a burrito bowl? Here are some top suggestions:
- Tortilla chips: Serve alongside your burrito bowls for some extra crunch and texture.
- Avocado: Diced or mashed avocado adds a creamy element to the dish.
- Salsa: Top your bowl with your favorite salsa for added flavor and spice. Try our Mango Salsa Recipe here!
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors in this dish.
- Cilantro: For those who enjoy it, fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness to the dish.
- Cheese: Sprinkle some Shredded Cheese on top for a gooey and melty finish.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl
This Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowl is a lifesaver when you want a flavorful, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken, rice, beans, and all your favorite toppings, it's a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make, and the whole family will love how delicious it tastes!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- ½ Onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup Low Sodium Chicken Broth divided
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
- 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper
- 1 Can Black Beans 15 ounce
- 1 Can Corn Kernels 15 ounce
- 16- ounce Salsa or 16 oz jar salsa
- 1 cup White Rice
- ½ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- ¼ cup Fresh Cilantro Chopped
Instructions
- Press “Sauté” mode onyour Instant Pot. Once your pot becomes hot, add in your oil, and onions. Stir occasionally for about 3-4 minutes until the onion starts to soften.
- While your onions are cooking, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Add in your minced garlic. Stir for about one minute.
- Add in your chicken broth. Scrape any residue from the onion and garlic that made still remain on the bottom of your pot.
- Next, add in your chili powder, cumin, chicken breasts, Black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix well.
- On top of the mixture add your white rice. Press the rice grains into the liquid making sure that every grain is submerged.
- Press cancels on your instant pot. Close and lock the lid. Make sure that the valve is closed.
- Set your instant pot to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete allow a 10 minute natural release before manually releasing the pressure.
- Open the lid, and gently mix everything together. Transfer two bowls and then top with your favorite toppings.
- You can top with diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and more! Enjoy!
Notes
Scrape the inner pot. After using the sauté, be sure to use a tad bit of water to scrape the residue off the bottom. This helps prevent the dreaded burn notice.
Consider a natural release. Once the time is up, let your pot sit for about 10 minutes then do a manual release. This will prevent the contents from spewing out of the valve.
Don't stir the rice. Press the rice into the liquid so it is submerged, but do not stir it. You don't want the rice to be on the bottom of the inner pot, or you will get a burn notice.
Nutrition
Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 2244mgPotassium: 394mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 692IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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I'm confused; in the recipe it says to divide the broth but it's not clear when to use the other half.
There are no instructions to divide the broth. Step four says to add the chicken broth and that is when you add it. 🙂
Ok but the first ingredient list says "1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided"
Is there a way to use brown rice in this recipe? I know brown take a lot longer to cook, so probably not doable, but thought I'd ask!
To cook with brown rice, add 5-7 extra minutes of pressure cooking time.