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    See More:   Eating after Bariatric Surgery Gluten-Free Healthy Meals Recipes for Beginners Weeknight Meals

    Last Modified: Oct 2, 2022 by Tara Ziegmont 27 Comments

    Chicken Burrito Bowls in the Instant Pot

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    How to make the best healthy Instant Pot chicken burrito bowls at home - This simple, quick, and easy recipe in the Instapot uses shredded chicken with rice, beans, salsa, cilantro, avocado, and cheddar cheese. Easy meal prep for one pot taco bowls too. Low carb option.

    PIN IT FOR LATER!

    Pin

    Can I just tell you how much I love avocados? I think they are one of the finest foods on the planet, along with asparagus, beets, feta, and sharp cheddar cheese.

    I look for reasons to buy avocados. They have a lot of calories, it's true, but they're made of a lot of healthy fats and so having a half of one every day or every couple of days is quite good for you.

    The problem I have with avocados is that my local grocery store only sells them when they're hard as marbles. Then I have to bring them home and wait a few days to a week before they're soft enough to be edible. That is annoying. I want to come home from the grocery store, cut open the avocado, and eat it. I don't want to wait a week.

    But anyway, this post is not about avocados; it's about this chicken burrito bowl recipe. I made up this recipe for the bowls because I had some really nice avocados that I wanted to use up and I was hungry for a Neato Burrito bowl. (Neato Burrito is a local restaurant here in the Harrisburg, PA area, and they are amazing, and if you ever get the chance to eat there, you will never again be satisfied with Chipotle. Just saying.) We made at home Neato Burrito burritos once, and those are still amazing, but we didn't have any feta, and they just aren't the same without the feta.

    So we used the Instant Pot to pressure cook some chicken with garlic, salsa, beans, corn, and rice, and Joe and I had burrito bowls made with the chicken and bean mixture, avocado, cheese, cilantro (grown by me), and Greek yogurt. Joe put extra tomatoes on his because he likes raw tomatoes, but I hate raw tomatoes and didn't.

    Our kids are super picky, and they wouldn't eat the burrito bowls. Instead, Joe put some of the shredded chicken from the bowls into hard taco shells, topped it with shredded cheddar cheese, and the kids were as happy as cats in the sunshine. We ate a family meal at home and saved $50 (what we would have spent at Neato Burrito, if it had not been the time of the quarantine, and they had not been closed).

    This is such a quick, easy, and simple recipe that it has earned a place in our regular meal rotation. It's nice to not have to babysit the stove; the Instant Pot takes care of all the cooking and babysitting, and the whole meal is done in less than a half hour which makes it an amazing after a long day of working dinner.

    It's rare that we find something that Joe and I enjoy and the kids will also readily eat.

    What you'll need to make chicken burrito bowls in the Instant Pot

    Equipment

    The only equipment you really need for this recipe is a 6-quart Instant Pot or other electronic pressure cooker. A garlic press is also very helpful, although you could mince the garlic with a sharp knife if you're so inclined.

    Ingredients

    This is a very forgiving recipe that adjusts for taste preferences and dietary needs very easily.

    • 1-½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
    • 2-4 tablespoons taco seasoning - This is the equivalent of 1-2 packages. I prefer to make my own at home so that I can adjust the flavors to my family's preferences and also to avoid the fillers and preservatives that are found in the packets you can buy at the store.
    • 3 cloves garlic - I know there's garlic in the taco seasoning, but adding fresh really kicks the burrito bowls up a notch.
    • 1 can of black beans - You could prepare your own dried black beans if you're into that. I go homemade on a lot of things, but I prefer to buy canned beans.
    • One small bag of frozen corn kernels - I prefer frozen or fresh corn, but by all means, use whatever you like. There's no reason not to use canned corn if you like that.
    • One jar of salsa - My current favorite is Newman's Own pineapple salsa, but you can of course use whatever salsa you like. The finished burrito bowls will taste a lot like your salsa, so make sure it's a variety that you really enjoy.
    • Jasmine rice - Leave this out for a low carb meal. Cooking instructions below for making it separately.
    • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth - This is enough to make the rice in the Instant Pot while the chicken cooks. Use only 1 cup if you are not adding rice into the IP.

    The following ingredients are only used in making the bowls and not in the actual cooking.

    • Shredded cheddar cheese
    • Lime wedges - To squeeze over the finished bowl
    • Fresh cilantro 
    • Greek yogurt or sour cream
    • Sliced avocado
    • Diced tomato

    How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

    1. Add the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Add the chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Place the chicken in the broth and sprinkle with taco seasoning, using 1 packet for a mild flavor and 2 packets for more spice.
      chicken in the Instant PotPin
      Press garlic into the pot and top with beans, corn, and salsa. Add rice to the pot, if using, and stir together.
      ingredients in the Instant PotPin
    2. Cook the chicken and beans. Lock the lid and cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. Natural release the pressure for 10 minutes, then use manual quick release and carefully unlock the lid.
    3. Shred the chicken. Remove the chicken only from the Instant Pot and shred with two forks.
      shredded chickenPin
    4. Assemble the taco bowls and serve. To serve, top the shredded chicken with the rice and beans mixture from the Instant Pot, shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese, diced tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream in the center.
      Instant Pot chicken taco bowlPin

    Instant Pot burrito bowl variations:

    • Vegetarian - Burrito bowls don't have to have chicken as beans and rice together make a complete protein. To make this a vegetarian meal, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth or vegetable stock in place of the chicken broth.
    • Fajita-style - Add chopped or sliced onions and sliced red, orange, or yellow peppers to the Instant Pot before cooking for a more fajita-like flavor.
    • Use different chicken - Boneless skinless chicken breasts are my personal preference in this recipe, but skinless chicken thighs also come out really well. They taste different of course, but they tend to be juicier and a bit more flavorful, so give them a try and see what you think.
    • Use leftover turkey - This recipe would be a perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey. Omit the chicken before cooking, using the Instant Pot for just the rice and veggies. Shred the already cooked turkey and use it as the base of the bowls before topping with the cooked veggies and rice.
    • Low carb - For a lower carb or bariatric meal, cook the rice separately or leave it out altogether. If cooking separately, prepare it with ½ cup salsa and 2 ½ cups chicken broth instead of water. This will give it a nice flavor, as if it were cooked with the chicken in the Instant Pot.
    • Low carb, continued - Also for a lower carb meal, you can serve the chicken mixture overtop of shredded lettuce, as the base of a nice salad, or over cauliflower rice.

    Notes for better Instant Pot burrito bowls:

    • This recipe is equally good in taco shells, wrapped up in tortillas, or served over tortilla chips like nachos. My kids love it all three ways.
    • I prefer to use my homemade taco seasoning in place of packets because doing so allows me to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin to my family's preferences. Each commercial packet equals approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning.

    Check out these other amazing Instant Pot recipes while you're here:

    • Easy Shredded Beef Tacos in the Instant Pot
    • Mongolian Chicken in the Instant Pot
    • Coconut Chicken Curry in the Instant Pot
    • The Best Instant Pot Sloppy Joes Recipe
    • Very Best Pot Roast Ever (Instant Pot Recipe)
    • Sweet Balsamic Pork Roast in the Instant Pot

    Chicken Burrito Bowls in the Instant Pot

    How to make the best healthy Instant Pot chicken burrito bowls at home - This simple, quick, and easy recipe in the Instapot uses shredded chicken with rice, beans, salsa, cilantro, avocado, and cheddar cheese. Easy meal prep for one pot taco bowls too. Low carb option.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Gluten-free, Main Course, Main Dish
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 adults
    Calories 644 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot
    • Garlic press

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
    • 1-2 packets taco seasoning Use 1 for a mild flavor and 2 for a spicier flavor.
    • 3 cloves garlic
    • 15 ounces black beans
    • 12 ounces corn I think frozen corn tastes best, but use whatever you like.
    • 15 ounces salsa
    • 3 cups jasmine rice Leave this out for a low carb meal. Cooking instructions below for making it separately.
    • 3 cups chicken broth Use only 1 cup if you are not adding rice.
    • Cheddar cheese shredded
    • fresh cilantro snipped
    • Greek yogurt or sour cream
    • avocado sliced
    • tomato diced
    • Lime wedges

    Instructions
     

    • Add chicken broth to the pot. Place chicken in the broth and sprinkle with taco seasoning, using 1 packet for a mild flavor and 2 packets for more spice.
    • Press garlic into the pot and top with beans, corn, and salsa. Add rice to the pot, if using, and stir to distribute.
    • Lock the lid and cook on manual pressure for 12 minutes. Natural release the pressure for 10 minutes, then use quick release and carefully unlock the lid.
    • Remove the chicken only from the pot and shred.
    • To serve, top the shredded chicken with corn and beans mixture, cheese, cilantro, tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream.

    Notes

    For a lower carb or bariatric meal, cook the rice separately or leave it out altogether. Prepare it with ½ cup salsa and 2 ½ cups chicken broth instead of water. This will give it a nice flavor, as if it were cooked with the chicken in the Instant Pot.
    This is equally good in taco shells. My kids love it that way.
    You can use my homemade taco seasoning in place of packets. Each packet is approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning.
     
    Here are the nutrition facts without the rice:
    nutrition facts for chicken burrito bowls with no ricePin

    Nutrition

    Calories: 644kcal | Carbohydrates: 109g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1081mg | Potassium: 1203mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 546IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe? Pin it for later!Follow @FeelsLikeHome or tag #FeelsLikeHomeBlog!
    CHICKEN BURRITO BOWLS IN THE INSTANT POT StoryPin
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Sarah says

      May 02, 2020 at 7:27 pm

      How long would you cook this if the chicken was frozen? Or would you suggest thawing the chicken first.

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        May 03, 2020 at 9:57 am

        Joe said he cooks it in the Instant Pot for 20 to 30 minutes when the chicken is frozen.

        Reply
    2. Jenny Earnest says

      May 28, 2020 at 5:38 pm

      Your cooking time says 20 mins., but you say to remove the chicken at 12 minutes. Do the rice and beans need longer to cook?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        May 29, 2020 at 2:20 pm

        No, it's only 12 minutes in the Instant Pot for the whole thing. I said 20 minutes because it will take a bit to shred the chicken and get ready to serve the meal.

        Reply
        • Tatjana says

          September 07, 2021 at 9:22 pm

          Anyone have a like not Spivey at all salsa, less then mild...but still tasty?
          I'm in Southern California (I know, it's not me it's my kids!)
          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Tara Ziegmont says

            September 08, 2021 at 4:11 pm

            I really like Newman's Own pineapple salsa. It's sweet, no spice, and it has a really nice flavor.

            Reply
    3. Sydney says

      May 02, 2021 at 1:16 pm

      If you’re X2 the recipe do you still cook for 12 minutes?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        May 03, 2021 at 12:28 pm

        Oh boy. I know you could double it, and I'm pretty sure you'd have to increase the time, but I'm honestly not sure how much you'd have to increase the time by. Sorry.

        Reply
    4. Karen Carter says

      June 17, 2021 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      My family loved this meal; thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        June 17, 2021 at 2:47 pm

        You're welcome! I'm glad you liked it!

        Reply
    5. Tammy Bates says

      July 12, 2021 at 1:43 pm

      This taste delicious but it kept giving me the burn Indicator ! I finally had to transfer it to my crockpot to finish cooking it ! I think it might need more liquid then it calls for or less rice !

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        July 14, 2021 at 8:06 am

        Hi Tammy,
        I'm really curious about this because, when I make this recipe, the finished dish is almost soupy because there's so much broth. I'm sure there are lots of different variables, including elevation and type of rice. Next time you make it, I would suggest adding an extra cup of chicken broth. It will probably be too much in the end and give you that soupy consistency, but it's not a big deal because you can always just pour off the excess as you spoon it out of the pot. Thanks for letting me know you had trouble. I'm sure you're not the only one.

        Reply
      • Will G. says

        October 03, 2021 at 2:54 pm

        My fiancé and I just made this and it kept burning too! We switched to a big pot on the stove and had to add a lot more water/broth but the recipe itself tasted delicious.

        Reply
    6. Sarah says

      September 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      5 stars
      How long does the rice need to be cooked if cooked separately?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        September 12, 2021 at 8:34 pm

        You can just follow the package instructions.

        Reply
    7. kulani Hadlow says

      September 14, 2021 at 12:15 pm

      5 stars
      Great meal! We want to use brown rice this time. Do you know if I'll have to add time for using brown rice?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        September 17, 2021 at 9:57 am

        I think brown rice does take longer, but I'm not sure how much longer. I found this article which may help:

        https://lifemadesweeter.com/instant-pot-rice/

        Reply
    8. Rachael says

      October 13, 2021 at 7:39 pm

      Tried this recipe tonight and my pressure cooker kept alerting water. I added more broth three times with no avail. I’m using the Ninja Foodi Deluxe, that is less than a year old and have never had this happen.

      Reply
      • Elaine says

        January 05, 2022 at 6:52 pm

        Same thing is happening to us. Ugh!! I think maybe if I’d left off 1 cup of rice and kept the same liquid maybe wouldn’t have dried out thus giving the water error 3x.

        Reply
    9. Mindy says

      January 13, 2022 at 7:45 pm

      This recipe kept burning in my instant pot even after adding 1.5 cups more of broth!. I had to remove it after the 4th burn notice and transfer to a pot and cook it on the stove. So definitely add more broth or cook in crock pot or on top of stove.

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        January 17, 2022 at 9:46 am

        I have never had that happen in all the times I've made this recipe. I'm sorry you had so much trouble!

        Reply
    10. Sierra says

      January 19, 2022 at 2:28 pm

      Hi thank you for publishing this recipe! Do you know the carb count if you do not eat the rice? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        January 19, 2022 at 9:53 pm

        This is a serving without the rice:

        Here are the nutrition facts for one serving with no rice.

        Reply
    11. Jeanna says

      February 06, 2022 at 9:58 am

      Is this a crock pot friendly recipe too?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        February 06, 2022 at 8:01 pm

        I've never tried to make it in the Crockpot, but I can't think of a reason why you couldn't. I think it should be fine.

        Reply
    12. Jennifer Burke says

      January 30, 2023 at 6:08 pm

      For some reason, neither my chicken nor my rice were cooked after the 12 minutes and the 10 minute release. I keep having to add liquid and cook longer….I don’t know what I did wrong?

      Reply
      • Tara Ziegmont says

        January 31, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        Was your chicken frozen? Were the breasts extra thick? Those are the only things I can think of in terms of the food.

        The other thing I thought of is was the valve fully closed or is the seal cracked? Like maybe the IP isn't getting up to pressure correctly?

        Reply

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    Harrisburg PA mom blogger Tara Ziegmont
    I am passionate about helping women to care for themselves and their families physically, emotionally, and spiritually by making time for what matters most through a combination of delectable recipes, Christian inspiration, and family fun. If you're tired of feeling so weary and uninspired, you're in the right place. I'm so glad you're here!
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