Discover the ultimate convenience of cooking with our Instant Pot 20 Minute Chicken Burrito Bowls. This delectable recipe merges the vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with the efficiency of one-pot chicken meals, perfect for busy families and anyone in need of a quick, nutritious weeknight meal. Packed with healthy burrito bowl ingredients and customizable options, these chicken burrito bowls are sure to become a staple in your repertoire of easy Instant Pot recipes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cilantro Lime Rice

• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt

For the Toppings

• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for spice)
• Lime wedges for serving

Steps / Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
2. Sauté in Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add olive oil, then the seasoned chicken. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. This step enhances the flavor by sealing in the spices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Rice and Broth: Cancel the ‘Sauté’ mode. Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir gently, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid. This prevents any rice grains from staying uncooked and ensures even cooking.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ on high for 8 minutes. Once cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release. Ensure that all steam has fully escaped before opening the lid.
5. Fluff and Add Cilantro Lime: Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create flavorful cilantro lime rice. This imparts a fresh, zesty flavor to the dish.
6. Prepare Toppings: While the rice cooks, prepare the toppings. Warm the black beans and corn in a microwave or small saucepan. Dice tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. These toppings add nutrition and a burst of color.
7. Assemble the Burrito Bowls: Divide the cilantro lime rice and chicken mixture into bowls. Top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with jalapeño slices and lime wedges for added zest. Each bowl becomes a personalized masterpiece.

Tips & Tricks

• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare all ingredients ahead of time, store them in separate containers, and assemble when ready to eat. This method is perfect for busy weeks. Keep ingredients like avocado fresh by storing them in airtight containers with a sprinkle of lime juice.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to maintain texture. Add a splash of broth when reheating to prevent dryness.
• Avoid Soggy Rice: Ensure a proper water-to-rice ratio by measuring accurately. Too much liquid can lead to soggy rice. Use a rice colander to rinse rice before cooking, removing excess starch.
• Spice Control: Adjust the heat by adding or reducing jalapeño slices, or sprinkle a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. Mixing yogurt with the sour cream can help tone down spiciness if needed.

Variations

• Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or extra beans, and omit cheese and sour cream. Consider using shredded jackfruit for a meaty texture. Add nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative for a nutty flavor.
• Gluten-Free Choice: Ensure all spices and broth used are certified gluten-free. Opt for gluten-free tortillas on the side to maintain a balanced meal.
• Flavor Variations: Add a splash of hot sauce or salsa for a spicy twist, or stir in sautéed bell peppers for added crunch. Try incorporating roasted red peppers for a smoky sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

• Garnishing Ideas: Enhance presentation with fresh cilantro sprigs and a sprinkle of cotija cheese for an authentic Mexican touch. Adding a light drizzle of crema on top can elevate the visual appeal.
• Complementary Sides: Serve with tortilla chips and guacamole or a refreshing side salad like our Blueberry Breakfast Salad for a complete meal. Consider including a side of elote (Mexican street corn) for added flair.
• Beverage Pairings: Pair with a chilled glass of horchata or a crisp Mexican lager to complement the flavors of the burrito bowls. A virgin margarita or limeade can also offer a refreshing balance to the meal.

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. Increase the pressure cooking time to 20 minutes. Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Is it possible to use frozen chicken? You can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes. Ensure chicken is cooked through before serving. Using a meat thermometer can help verify doneness.
• How can I make the dish less spicy? Leave out the jalapeños and reduce the amount of chili powder to make the dish more family-friendly. Consider substituting with sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor.
• What type of cheese works best? Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese complements the dish beautifully, adding a creamy texture. For a smokier taste, try using smoked gouda or chipotle cheddar.

Instant Pot 20 Minute Chicken Burrito Bowls

★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: Mexican Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

4

⏱️

Prep Time

10 min

🍳

Cook Time

10 min

🔥

Calories

—

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Discover the ultimate convenience of cooking with our Instant Pot 20 Minute Chicken Burrito Bowls. This delectable recipe merges the vibrant flavors of Mexican-inspired cuisine with the efficiency of one-pot chicken meals, perfect for busy families and anyone in need of a quick, nutritious weeknight meal.

Cook Mode Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for spice)
• Lime wedges for serving

Directions

1.

Season the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for a consistent flavor throughout the dish.

2.

Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add olive oil, then the seasoned chicken. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3.

Cancel the 'Sauté' mode. Add the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir gently, ensuring the rice is submerged in the liquid.

4.

Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to 'Pressure Cook' on high for 8 minutes. Once cooking time is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.

5.

Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lime juice, chopped cilantro, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create flavorful cilantro lime rice.

6.

While the rice cooks, prepare the toppings. Warm the black beans and corn in a microwave or small saucepan. Dice tomatoes, red onion, and avocado.

7.

Divide the cilantro lime rice and chicken mixture into bowls. Top with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Garnish with jalapeño slices and lime wedges.