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Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice

A vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant spices, all cooked in the Instant Pot.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Mexican
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless) Can be substituted with turkey breast.
  • 1 cup rice Long-grain white or brown rice; quinoa is a healthier alternative.
  • 1 onion (thinly sliced) Red onion adds sweetness; white onion provides sharper flavor.
  • 1 bell pepper Any color you prefer (green, yellow, or red).
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is best, can substitute with garlic powder.
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning Homemade blends let you control the spice, usually contains cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added) Opt for healthier choices whenever possible.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth works well.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil Helps sauté and adds healthy fats.

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Set your Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and heat the olive oil. Add cubed chicken breast and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in the sliced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
  3. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the mixture and stir well, letting the flavors marry for about a minute.
  4. Add the rice and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot, ensuring everything is mixed evenly.
  5. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, making sure the rice is submerged. Do not stir.
  6. Close the lid, seal the valve, and set to 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on high for 10 minutes.
  7. Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release to release any remaining steam.
  8. Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm.

Notes

This dish can be customized further with vegetables like corn or zucchini. Serve with fresh avocado and sour cream for a complete meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.