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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup brown rice, rinsed - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned) - 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference) - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon onion powder - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Let’s break down these ingredients. The chicken breasts are tender and soak up all the flavors. Brown rice gives a nice texture and is filling. Black beans add protein and fiber. For the additional ingredients, corn brings sweetness and color. Salsa adds zest, while spices like chili powder and cumin deepen the flavor. Garlic and onion powders enhance the dish without overpowering it. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds richness. Lastly, garnishes like creamy avocado, bright cilantro, and zesty lime make the bowl pop. These toppings not only look good but also add fresh flavors. Enjoy mixing and matching these ingredients to create your perfect chicken burrito bowl! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by taking the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the spices stick. Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spices all over the chicken. This step adds great flavor to your dish. I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and shred easily. You can also use thighs if you prefer darker meat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if you change the cut. Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the Instant Pot. Next, add the rinsed brown rice on top of the chicken. This keeps the rice from burning. Then, pour in the drained black beans, corn, and salsa. Lastly, add the chicken broth. Stir gently but do not disturb the chicken layer. Close the lid and set the valve to 'sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This will lock in flavor and moisture. After cooking, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. Then, switch the valve to 'venting' to let out any remaining steam. Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix everything together to blend the flavors. Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into bowls. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy your tasty and colorful burrito bowls! Achieving Perfectly Cooked Rice To get perfect rice in your burrito bowls, rinse the brown rice well before cooking. This step helps remove excess starch, which can make the rice sticky. Use the right water ratio: for one cup of rice, use one cup of chicken broth. This adds flavor and keeps the rice fluffy. Preventing Burn Errors Burn errors can happen if ingredients stick to the bottom. To avoid this, layer your ingredients carefully. Place the chicken at the bottom, then add the rinsed rice, and finally pour in the other ingredients. Make sure to not stir them too much. This keeps everything safe from burning. Adding Extra Spices If you want more flavor, you can add extra spices. Try adding smoked paprika for a rich taste. A pinch of cayenne can add heat if you like it spicy. Feel free to play with flavors until you find your perfect mix. Suggestions for Toppings Toppings make your burrito bowls fun and tasty. Besides avocado and cilantro, you can add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream. Lime wedges are great for squeezing over the top. These add freshness and flavor to each bite. Stovetop Method If you don't have an Instant Pot, you can still make these bowls on the stovetop. Start by sautéing the chicken in a pot, then add the rice and other ingredients. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks. Cooking for Meal Prep These burrito bowls are great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in the fridge. Portion them into containers for easy meals throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy a quick, healthy dinner! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value to your meal. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder or salsa to suit your taste preferences for a milder or spicier dish. Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping; simply divide into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the avocado and cilantro; they add freshness and creaminess that elevate the dish significantly. {{image_2}} Using Quinoa Instead of Rice You can swap brown rice for quinoa. Quinoa cooks faster and adds a unique flavor. It also packs more protein and nutrients. Use the same amount of quinoa as rice in your dish. Just rinse it well before adding to the pot. Alternative Beans Black beans are great, but you can use pinto or kidney beans. Each type brings a different taste and texture to the bowl. You can also try chickpeas for a fun twist. Just make sure to drain and rinse any canned beans. Spicy vs. Mild Salsa Choose your salsa based on your spice level. A mild salsa is great for kids or those who prefer less heat. If you love spice, go for a hot salsa. You can even mix different salsas for more flavor depth. Different Protein Options Chicken is delicious, but you can switch it up. Try using turkey or beef for a change. For a vegetarian option, use grilled veggies or tofu. Each protein will change the dish's flavor and feel. Unique Toppings Get creative with your toppings. Besides avocado and cilantro, try diced tomatoes or jalapeños. Add some shredded cheese or sour cream for creaminess. These toppings add fun textures and tastes to the bowls. Seasonal Vegetable Additions Add seasonal vegetables for extra color and nutrition. Think bell peppers, zucchini, or corn in the summer. In fall, add roasted squash or sautéed greens. These veggies not only taste good but also make your bowl pop with color. To keep your chicken burrito bowls fresh, store them in airtight containers. This method helps prevent drying out. Make sure to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Place in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When reheating, you have two good options: the microwave or the stove. The microwave is quick and easy. Just place your bowl in and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway for even heating. The stove takes a bit longer but can keep the flavors fresh. Use a pan over low heat and stir often. For freezing, ensure the dish is completely cool. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. You can freeze the bowls for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat. Meal prep makes busy days easier. Start by preparing ingredients in advance. Rinse the rice, drain the beans, and chop the avocado. You can store each item in separate containers in the fridge. Batch cooking is also a great strategy. Make a double batch of the burrito bowls and store the extras. This method saves time and gives you quick meals for the week. Plus, you can mix and match toppings for variety! How to avoid dry chicken in the Instant Pot? To keep chicken juicy, use enough broth. The broth helps keep moisture. Season your chicken well, too. Avoid overcooking. Follow the timing closely for best results. Let it rest after cooking. This helps the juices spread throughout the meat. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to layer the frozen chicken at the bottom. This helps it cook evenly. Always check that it reaches a safe temperature. How to make it vegetarian? For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with extra beans or tofu. You can also add more veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini. This keeps the dish hearty and satisfying. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor. Can I use quick-cooking rice? You can use quick-cooking rice, but adjust the liquid and time. Quick-cooking rice needs less broth and shorter cooking time. Always check the package for specific instructions. You want the rice to cook perfectly with the other ingredients. What can I serve with burrito bowls? You can serve burrito bowls with tortilla chips or a side salad. Guacamole and salsa make great toppings, too. Try adding a scoop of sour cream or cheese. These extras add flavor and fun to your meal. How to customize individual servings? Each person can add their favorite toppings. Offer options like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or olives. You can even have a taco bar with different toppings. This way, everyone can make their bowl just how they like it. This article laid out a simple way to create tasty burrito bowls. You learned about key ingredients, how to prepare chicken, and cooking with the Instant Pot. I shared tips on flavor and storage too. You can change the ingredients to suit your taste and meal prep needs. Enjoy making and sharing these bowls with friends and family. They’re not just delicious; they’re easy to customize and fun to eat! Now, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls

A quick and easy recipe for flavorful chicken burrito bowls made in the Instant Pot.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
  • 1 cup salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Place the chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot, then add the rinsed brown rice.
  • Pour in the drained black beans, corn, salsa, and chicken broth. Gently stir until all ingredients are combined, but do not disturb the layer of chicken on the bottom.
  • Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to 'venting' to release any remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Mix everything together to combine the flavors.
  • Spoon the chicken and rice mixture into bowls. Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for drizzling over the top.

Notes

Serve in colorful bowls with lime wedges on the side. You can also add toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor and appeal.
Keyword burrito bowls, chicken, easy recipe, Instant Pot