If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor, then you’re in for a treat! This instant pot Mexican chicken and rice recipe is a delicious one-pot meal that can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, vegetables, and spicy flavors, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.
Using an Instant Pot to make this dish ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection and the rice is fluffy and tender. With the addition of diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions, this dish is packed with nutrients and flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to make for dinner or meal prep for the week, this instant pot Mexican chicken recipe is a must-try!
How to Make Instant pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Course: Entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 9 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 582kcal
To make instant pot Mexican chicken and rice, you will need the following ingredients:
Ingredients for Instant Pot Mexican Chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 onion diced
- 1 c rice white, long grain, uncooked
- 1 can rotel 10 oz.
- 1 can black beans 15 oz, drained
- 1 can of corn kernels, drained
- 2 1/4 c chicken broth
- 2 c cheese Colby jack and cheddar mix was used
- 2 green onions diced
- 1 tomato diced
Instructions for Making Instant Pot Mexican Chicken
- Turn the pot to saute and add olive oil. Add cubed chicken, diced onions, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes once the oil is hot, and cook until meat is no longer pink on the outside.
- Turn the pot off and pour in the can of Rotel, drained black beans, and corn as well as your chicken broth. Stir together.
- Sprinkle uncooked white rice onto the top and gently use the back of a spoon to submerge it into the liquid, do not stir together.
- Put the lid on, close the steam valve, and set it to high pressure for 9 minutes with a 2-minute natural release. Then let out the rest of the steam quickly.
- Lift the lid, fluff the rice mixture, and sprinkle 1 cup of your cheese on top. Gently mix in and set the top on again just for 3 minutes so that melts.
- Lift the top off, and serve with additional cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and avocado slices on top.
Tips for using the Instant Pot
Here are some tips for using your Instant Pot to make the perfect instant pot Mexican chicken and rice:
- Use the right liquid-to-rice ratio: For best results, use a 1:1.25 ratio of liquid to rice. This means that for every cup of rice, you’ll need 1 1/4 cups of liquid. In this recipe, we’ll be using chicken broth as the liquid, but you can also use water or vegetable broth if you prefer.
- Make sure to rinse your rice: Before adding the rice to the Instant Pot, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly to remove any excess starch. This will prevent the rice from becoming mushy and ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Use the right cooking time: For white rice, set your Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” mode for 4 minutes on high pressure. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure. For brown rice, increase the cooking time to 22 minutes on high pressure, with a 10-minute natural release.
- Don’t forget to season: To give your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice plenty of flavors, be sure to season it well. In addition to the Mexican spices, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper, as well as some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Let it rest: Once the cooking is complete, it’s important to let the rice sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and become even more tender and flavorful.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to use your Instant Pot to make the perfect instant pot Mexican chicken and rice every time.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice:
- Add some toppings: To give your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice an extra boost of flavor, consider adding some toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. You can also add some diced tomatoes, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro for added texture and color.
- Serve with a side salad: For a complete meal, serve your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice with a side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a cucumber and tomato salad would be perfect accompaniments.
- Make it a wrap: Another fun way to enjoy your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice is to wrap it up in a tortilla. You can add some extra toppings like lettuce, diced tomatoes, or guacamole for a tasty and satisfying wrap.
- Add some beans: To add some extra protein and fiber to your meal, consider adding some beans to your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice. Black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans would all be great additions.
- Serve with chips and salsa: For a fun and casual meal, serve your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice with some tortilla chips and your favorite salsa. You can also add some guacamole or queso dip for a little extra indulgence.
By trying out some of these serving suggestions, you can turn your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice into a complete and delicious meal that’s sure to satisfy you.
Nutrition Fact
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Here are some final thoughts and recommendations for your Instant Pot Mexican Chicken:
- Experiment with different spice blends: While this recipe calls for a specific blend of Mexican spices, don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. You can add some chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika for a smokier flavor, or some oregano and thyme for a more herbal note.
- Use high-quality ingredients: When making instant pot Mexican chicken and rice, it’s important to use high-quality ingredients. Choose fresh chicken, high-quality rice, and flavorful chicken broth to ensure that your dish turns out delicious.
- Don’t overfill your Instant Pot: It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using your Instant Pot to prevent any accidents. Be sure to never overfill your Instant Pot, and always leave enough space for the pressure to build.
- Use leftovers creatively: If you have any leftovers from your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice, don’t let them go to waste! You can use the chicken and rice to make delicious burrito bowls, quesadillas, or even stuffed bell peppers for a quick and easy meal.
- Have fun with it! Cooking should be enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re adding different toppings, experimenting with different spice blends, or using it as a base for other dishes, the possibilities are endless.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can make the most out of your instant pot Mexican chicken and rice and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. Bon appetit!
