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Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice: Quick Comfort Food Delight

Enjoy a quick and flavorful Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice for a comforting dinner any night of the week.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Natural Release 2 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
  • 1 pound chicken breasts Cubed; chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken may be used.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika can be used for extra flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 1 medium onion Diced; shallots can be substituted.
For the Rice & Veggies
  • 1 cup white rice Long-grain preferred.
  • 10 ounces Rotel Can be substituted with plain diced tomatoes.
  • 1 can black beans Drained; kidney or pinto beans work too.
  • 1 cup corn Can omit or substitute with bell peppers.
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth Vegetable broth for vegetarian option.
For the Toppings
  • 2 cups cheese Colby Jack and cheddar or omit for dairy-free.
  • 1/4 cup green onions Chopped, for garnish.
  • 1 medium tomato Diced, for garnish.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Start by heating olive oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté setting. Add the cubed chicken and diced onions, seasoning with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
  2. Once sautéed, turn off the pot. Pour in the Rotel, drained black beans, corn, and chicken broth, ensuring a flavorful base for your dish.
  3. Sprinkle the uncooked long-grain rice over the mixture, gently pressing it down until it's submerged. Be careful not to stir, as this can prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
  4. Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, close the steam valve, and set it to cook on high pressure for 9 minutes. Allow for a natural release for 2 minutes, then do a quick release for the remaining steam.
  5. Fluff the rice with a fork, then mix in 1 cup of cheese. Close the lid for an additional 3 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, and avocado for that perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Optional: Top with a dollop of sour cream for an extra creamy finish!

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