Craving a quick, mouth-watering meal that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the convenience of one-pot cooking? Look no further than this Instant Pot Fiesta Chicken and Rice! In just 30 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dinner that's packed with protein, vibrant colors, and irresistible spices. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned home chef, this recipe promises to become your new weeknight superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Cheddar cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Set Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and lightly spray inner pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add cubed chicken to the pot and sprinkle with cumin, stirring to coat evenly and lightly brown the exterior of the chicken pieces.
- Add uncooked rice, drained black beans, frozen corn, and salsa to the pot, stirring to combine with the chicken.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing position, and select "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" mode at high pressure.
- Cook for 10 minutes, allowing natural pressure release for an additional 5 minutes after cooking completes.
- Carefully open lid, fluff rice with a fork, and stir contents to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Serve hot, topping each portion with shredded cheddar cheese and optional garnishes like chopped cilantro or green onions.
Tips
- Chicken Prep Matters: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overdone.
- Spice It Up: While the recipe calls for cumin, feel free to experiment with additional spices like chili powder or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Liquid Ratio is Key: The salsa provides moisture, but if your mixture seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent burning.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For perfectly melted cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar on top of the hot dish and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Garnish for Glory: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate this dish from good to absolutely incredible.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for batch cooking and quick lunches.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
