Description
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowl recipe is a quick and flavorful one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, rice, beans, corn, and salsa come together in the Instant Pot for a wholesome, delicious dinner. Customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado, or sour cream for a satisfying burrito bowl experience without the tortilla.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chunky salsa (mild or spicy)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped cilantro
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the rinsed white rice, drained black beans, frozen corn, chunky salsa, and chicken broth. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula or wooden spoon to deglaze and prevent any burning or sticking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode on high pressure and set the timer for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes. Then carefully perform a quick release to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Serve: Fluff the chicken and rice mixture gently with a fork. Serve the burrito bowls hot with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, sour cream, and lime wedges.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
- If you prefer using water instead of chicken broth, the flavor will be milder—adjust seasoning to compensate.
- Use chicken thighs if you desire juicier, more flavorful meat; chicken breasts work for a leaner option.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild or spicy salsa according to your preference.
- Allowing natural pressure release for 5 minutes helps retain moisture in the rice and chicken.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
