Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls are the perfect solution for a quick and flavorful dinner. This dish combines all the delicious components of your favorite burrito into a satisfying bowl, making it easy to customize with your favorite toppings. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, these burrito bowls are sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and simplicity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite is packed with bold flavors from taco seasoning, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken.
• Customizable: Load your bowl with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or cheese for a personalized meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Save time on cleanup with everything cooked in one Instant Pot.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, ensure you have the right tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker is essential for achieving perfectly tender chicken quickly while infusing flavors.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping vegetables without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for your veggies and makes prep faster.
• Mixing Spoon: An effective tool for combining all ingredients before serving.

Ingredients

Easy all-in-one dinner Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls have all your favorite ingredients found in a burrito but served in a delicious burrito bowl where you can add all your favorite toppings.

For the Chicken Base

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet of taco seasoning

For the Veggies

• 15 ounce can sweet corn, drained
• 15 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can Rotel (diced tomato and chopped green chilies)
• 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced

For the Rice

• 1½ cups uncooked long-grain rice

How to Make Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot

In the Instant Pot, pour just enough chicken broth to cover the bottom of the pot. Then place the chicken breasts along the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the chicken.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Beans

Pour the corn, black beans, and Rotel into the pot. Try to pour them in different sections to avoid piling up in one place.

Step 4: Layer Bell Peppers and Onion

Add both the green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Spread them evenly over the top so they don’t stack too much.

Step 5: Add Rice

Rinse the rice thoroughly before adding it evenly to the pot. Pour in any remaining chicken broth, ensuring that all rice is covered by liquid.

Step 6: Pressure Cook

Using your Instant Pot’s instructions, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes. Allow it to slowly depressurize for 10 minutes after cooking. Then release any remaining pressure by venting.

Step 7: Shred Chicken

Remove the lid carefully. Using two forks, shred the chicken into thin strands suitable for tacos.

Step 8: Final Mix

Stir well to blend all ingredients together. Place the lid back on without turning on the pot and let it sit sealed for at least 5 minutes to finish cooking any rice that may not be done yet.

Step 9: Serve

Enjoy your burrito bowls on their own or serve them in soft tortillas or with tortilla chips. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

Serving Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls is a great way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures. You can customize each bowl according to your taste preferences, making it a fun meal for everyone!

In a Bowl

• Create a hearty meal by serving the chicken mixture in a bowl. Top with your favorite ingredients like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

In a Soft Tortilla

• For a portable option, scoop the shredded chicken into soft tortillas. This makes for an easy-to-eat burrito that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

With Tortilla Chips

• Serve the shredded chicken mix alongside crispy tortilla chips. This is perfect for sharing during game nights or as a casual snack.

Over Mixed Greens

• For a healthier twist, place the chicken over a bed of mixed greens. Add your favorite vinaigrette dressing for extra flavor.

As Part of a Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with the shredded chicken as one option. Provide an array of toppings so everyone can build their own tacos just the way they like them.

How to Perfect Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

Perfecting your Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls can elevate your meal experience. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time!

• Use quality chicken: Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts yield the best flavor and texture.
• Season generously: Don’t be shy with taco seasoning; it enhances the overall flavor profile of your burrito bowls.
• Layer ingredients properly: Distributing ingredients evenly in the pot helps ensure everything cooks evenly and prevents burning.
• Let it rest after cooking: Allowing the dish to sit covered after cooking helps finish cooking any rice that may have been on top.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different toppings like guacamole, jalapeños, or fresh salsa to add variety and enhance flavor.
• Adjust liquid as needed: If you prefer more broth in your bowls, feel free to add extra chicken broth before cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls can complete the meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options to consider!

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A refreshing salad made with corn, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices that perfectly complements the burrito bowls.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices adds richness and is always a crowd-pleaser.
3. Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices provides an excellent base for the chicken burrito bowls.
4. Black Bean Salad: A protein-packed salad featuring black beans, corn, peppers, and cilantro that pairs well with any Mexican dish.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa make for an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
6. Cilantro Lime Rice: Lightly seasoned rice with cilantro and lime brings brightness to your meal and complements the flavors nicely.
7. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and nutrition while balancing out the hearty burrito bowl.
8. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters made from zucchini provide a tasty crunch that contrasts nicely with soft burrito bowl ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Not using enough liquid: Always ensure that you have enough broth in the pot. Insufficient liquid can lead to burning or uneven cooking.
• Overcrowding the ingredients: Avoid piling all your ingredients in one spot. Spread them evenly for better cooking results and flavor distribution.
• Skipping the natural release: Allowing the pressure to release naturally for a few minutes helps finish cooking the rice and keeps everything tender.
• Not rinsing the rice: Rinse your rice before adding it to remove excess starch, which can make it gummy rather than fluffy.
• Neglecting toppings: Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings! They enhance flavor and texture, making your burrito bowl more enjoyable.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

How do I customize my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like zucchini or corn. You can also switch up the beans or add different spices!

What toppings do you recommend?

Popular toppings include avocado, salsa, cheese, or fresh cilantro. Customize based on your preference!

How long does it take to cook?

The total time is approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowls are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can mix and match ingredients and toppings based on what you love. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!