Craving a quick, delicious dinner that packs a punch of flavor? Then you need to try this Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, it transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick 30 minute dinner idea uses the convenience of an Instant Pot to bring together boneless chicken and rice with a blend of your favorite Mexican flavors. Instant Pot recipes are both satisfying and easy to make.
Why Instant Pot Chicken Recipes are a Game Changer for Home Cooks
The Instant Pot has revolutionized home cooking by drastically reducing cooking times and simplifying meal prep. Chicken dinner recipes, in particular, benefit from this handy kitchen gadget, as it ensures juicy, tender meat every time.
Plus, the Instant Pot’s pressure cooking method locks in flavors, making dishes like this Mexican Chicken and Rice, Mexican Beef & Rice , or Spicy Shredded Pork incredibly rich and satisfying without the hours-long effort. Instant Pot Boneless Chicken Recipes are quick and easy to make.
Mexican Chicken & Rice Ingredients
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
Ingredients and Their Roles in the Dish
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions and garlic.
- Diced onion & minced garlic: Create a flavorful foundation for the dish.
- Rotel with chiles: Introduces a tangy and slightly spicy element.
- Black beans and corn kernels: Add texture and earthy flavors.
- Salsa & Taco seasoning: Infuse the dish with classic Mexican flavors.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Gives the dish a gooey, cheesy appeal.
- Boneless skinless chicken: The protein hero of our dish.
- Uncooked Long grain white rice: Provides a fluffy base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the rice and chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Green onions: Add a fresh, crisp garnish to finish the dish.
Gourmet Taco Seasoning
Love authentic Mexican cuisine? Now you can make it at home. Season chicken, beef, shrimp or vegetables to make delicious gourmet restaurant quality taco recipes at home.
👇See the step by step directions below!
Recipe Prep
Before you begin, gather your ingredients, and ensure your Instant Pot is clean and ready to use. Check the lid seal and make sure it is properly arranged around the inside of the lid.
This recipe serves as a fantastic chicken main dish but can also be a hearty side alongside other Mexican favorites like Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas, Chicken Tacos, or Creamy Chicken Tacos.
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Step by Step Directions
- Step 1: Turn the sauté setting on your Instant Pot to medium heat and warm the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute; be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Step 2: Switch off the sauté setting. Stir in the Rotel, black beans, corn, salsa, one cup of cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning.
- Step 3: Add the chicken pieces and uncooked rice to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and gently mix, ensuring the rice is just moistened.
- Step 4: Secure the Instant Pot lid, turning the pressure valve to the sealing position.
- Step 5: Select the manual setting, adjusting the time to 5 minutes. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to reach full pressure before cooking begins.
- Step 6: Once pressure cooking completes, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. Then, carefully vent any remaining steam by turning the valve to unseal.
- Step 7: Open the lid cautiously, fluff the rice with a large spoon, and stir the ingredients.
- Step 8: Top with the remaining cheese. Cover with the lid briefly to melt the cheese, then it's ready to serve!
Optional Toppings
Garnish and Serve: Top each serving of Mexican chicken and rice with your choice of toppings.
- sliced green onion
- diced tomatoes
- sour cream
- salsa
- shredded cheese
This versatile dish shines as both a hearty main course or a fulfilling side dish.
Serving Suggestions
To turn this flavorful Instant Pot Mexican chicken and rice into a complete feast, consider these serving suggestions that will complement its rich taste and hearty texture.
- Tucked into burritos with a dollop of homemade refried beans.
- Pair with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
- Roll up into warm tortillas. Add in diced avocado, cilantro, and lime juice for extra flavor.
- Use as a filling for enchiladas
Storing Leftovers
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet until heated through.
Helpful Cooking Tools
Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.
📌Pro Cooking Tips
- Always check the sealing ring before use.
- Avoid overfilling with liquids to prevent sputtering.
- Use the natural release method for meats to keep them tender.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Layer ingredients properly to avoid the burn signal.
- Seal the lid correctly to ensure proper pressure build-up.
- Keep your Instant Pot clean for optimal performance.
Make Tonight's Dinner Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Instant Pot Mexican chicken and rice is not just a meal – it's an experience that brings the rich and vibrant flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table.
With the combination of convenient cooking and versatile serving options, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, the tips and insights provided will help you master the art of Instant Pot cooking, making meal preparation both enjoyable and stress-free.
From the kitchen to the table, every bite promises a fiesta of flavors that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.
More Instant Pot Recipes to Try
Discover more quick, easy, and delicious Instant Pot recipes that will transform your weeknight dinners into a culinary adventure.
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Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 10 oz. can rotel with chiles
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can corn kernels (drained)
- ½ cup favorite salsa
- 3 tablespoons Taco seasoning
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken (cut into bite size cubes)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked Long grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- Green onions
Instructions
- Turn the sauté setting on and heat the oil. Sauté the onion for 2 to 3 minutes and then add the garlic. Sauté for 1 minute longer. Cancel the sauté setting.
- Add the undrained Rotel, drained black beans, drained corn, salsa, one cup of cheddar cheese, and taco seasoning. Stir to combine.
- Add the chicken pieces, uncooked rice and chicken broth to the pot.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid, turning the pressure valve to the sealing position. Select the manual setting, adjusting the time to 5 minutes. The pot will take about 10-15 minutes to reach full pressure before cooking begins.
- After pressure cooking allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 5 minutes. Then, carefully vent any remaining steam by turning the valve to unseal.
- Open the lid cautiously, fluff the rice with a large spoon, and stir the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese. Cover with the lid briefly to melt the cheese,
- Serve with salsa and any favorite toppings.
Recipe Expert Tips
- Always check the sealing ring before use.
- Avoid overfilling with liquids to prevent sputtering.
- Use the natural release method for meats to keep them tender.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Layer ingredients properly to avoid the burn signal.
- Seal the lid correctly to ensure proper pressure build-up.
- Keep your Instant Pot clean for optimal performance.
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