Fresh & Family-Loved Instant Pot Chicken And Rice Burrito Bowls Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hunger without sacrificing flavor.

This instant pot weeknight chicken and rice burrito bowls recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal in record time.

Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant seasonings combine to create a wholesome dish that rivals restaurant-quality fare.

Busy home cooks rejoice in this simple yet impressive one-pot wonder that cuts down on cleanup and cooking time.

Each bite promises a burst of southwestern-inspired zest that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The magic of the instant pot transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly you can create a crowd-pleasing dinner that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

What Stands Out in Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Foolproof one-pot meal that transforms dinner prep into a stress-free experience, making cooking feel like a breeze.
• Combines protein, grains, and veggies in a single pot, delivering maximum taste with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction for busy households.
• Incredibly flexible recipe allows easy swaps and additions, letting home cooks personalize each bowl with favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or hot sauce to match individual preferences.
• Delivers a well-rounded meal featuring lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and complex carbohydrates from rice, ensuring a wholesome dinner that keeps everyone feeling full and energized.

Ingredients for Weeknight Burrito Bowls

• Chicken: Protein-packed pieces that form the heart of these burrito bowls.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that creates the base of the hearty meal.
• Black Beans: Nutritious legume that adds texture and protein.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavor-building foundation that creates a delicious base.
• Chili Powder, Cumin: Warm spices that provide depth and authentic Mexican-inspired taste.

• Chicken Broth: Moisture-providing liquid that helps cook the rice and add richness.
• Salsa: Zesty sauce that coats the ingredients with tangy flavor.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds texture and color to the dish.

• Cheddar Cheese, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that bring brightness and additional flavor to the finished burrito bowls.

Instructions for Chicken & Rice Bowls

Step 1: Awaken The Aromatics

Heat oil in Instant Pot using sauté mode.

Add diced onions and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.

Sprinkle chili powder and cumin, cooking for 30 seconds to intensify the flavor profile.

Step 2: Deglaze With Liquid Gold

Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape bottom and release delicious stuck bits.

This prevents potential burning and enhances overall taste.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Foundation

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

• Black beans
• Corn
• Salsa

Stir to ensure chicken is well-coated and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Create The Rice Layer

Spread rice evenly across the top of the mixture.

Pour remaining chicken broth over rice.

Do not stir – this technique ensures perfect rice texture.

Step 5: Pressurize And Cook

Secure Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.

Allow 10-12 minutes for pressure buildup.

Once timer sounds, perform quick release carefully using a towel to minimize steam splatters.

Step 6: Finish And Garnish

Gently stir contents and transfer to serving bowls.

Top with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious burrito bowl creation!

Tips for Flawless Burrito Bowls

• Scrape the bottom of the Instant Pot thoroughly when deglazing to remove any stuck food particles, ensuring a smooth cooking process without triggering the burn warning.
• Layer rice on top without stirring to maintain perfect separate grains and prevent a mushy consistency that can happen with overmixing.
• Adjust the chili powder and salsa intensity to match your spice preference, making the burrito bowl mild or fiery according to your taste buds.
• Cover the steam valve with a towel during quick release to minimize messy splatters and keep your kitchen clean while venting pressure.
• Prepare extra portions and store in airtight containers for quick lunches, as this dish reheats beautifully and stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Save and Reheat Your Burrito Bowls

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Pour contents into skillet. Add splash of broth or water to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain texture and prevents rice from becoming mushy.

Great Sides for Chicken Bowls

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Crisp, zesty white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the spicy, vibrant chicken and rice burrito bowl flavors, cutting through the richness while enhancing the meal's Mexican-inspired profile.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Chilled Mexican beer such as Modelo Especial or Corona with a lime wedge offers a classic pairing that balances the dish's warm spices and provides a cool, light contrast to the hearty ingredients.
• Cocktail Companion: Tangy margarita made with fresh lime juice and tequila brings out the salsa and chili powder notes, creating a delightful flavor explosion that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: Sparkling citrus agua fresca or a bright, homemade lemonade delivers a refreshing punch that mirrors the dish's zesty undertones while cleansing the palate between bites.

Ways to Remix Burrito Bowls

• Vegetarian Protein Bowl: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings for a meat-free version.
• Cauliflower Rice Low-Carb Option: Swap traditional rice with riced cauliflower to create a lower-carbohydrate meal that's packed with nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free salsa and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and top with hot sauce for those who love an extra kick of heat in their burrito bowl.

FAQs

• Why should I not stir the rice when layering it in the Instant Pot?

Keeping the rice on top prevents it from becoming mushy and ensures even cooking. The liquid underneath helps steam the rice perfectly without turning it into a soggy mess.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires 22-25 minutes of pressure cooking instead of 10 minutes. You might also need to add a bit more liquid to compensate for the longer cooking time.

Deglaze the pot after sautéing aromatics by scraping up any stuck bits with chicken broth. This prevents food from burning at the bottom and ensures smooth pressure cooking.

• What if I don't have salsa?

You can substitute salsa with diced tomatoes and add additional spices like extra chili powder or hot sauce to maintain the flavor profile. The key is to keep the liquid content similar to the original recipe.

Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken And Rice Burrito Bowls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Weeknight miracles happen with these Instant Pot chicken and rice burrito bowls, delivering Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your dinner table. Hearty ingredients meld together quickly, promising a satisfying meal packed with bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 (16-ounce) jar salsa

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1.5 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat oil in Instant Pot on sauté mode at medium-high temperature. Add diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate chili powder and cumin, stirring quickly to activate spices and prevent burning, about 30 seconds.
3. Pour chicken broth into pot, using wooden spoon to deglaze bottom and release any caramelized bits, ensuring no scorching occurs.
4. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to pot along with black beans, corn, and salsa. Gently mix ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Distribute rice uniformly across the top of the mixture without stirring. Pour remaining chicken broth over rice, ensuring even liquid coverage.
6. Secure Instant Pot lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Allow 10-12 minutes for pressure buildup.
7. After cooking completes, perform quick release method carefully, using towel to minimize steam splattering.
8. Open lid and gently fold ingredients together, creating a cohesive mixture with balanced textures.
9. Transfer burrito bowl contents into serving dishes, garnishing with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder or adding jalapeños for extra kick.
• Prevent rice from becoming mushy by precisely measuring liquid and avoiding stirring during cooking.
• Swap chicken for plant-based proteins like tofu or black beans to create vegetarian-friendly version.
• Enhance meal prep by cooking extra portions and storing in airtight containers for quick lunches during the week.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg