Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls Delight

Oh, let me tell you about my new favorite lifesaver in the kitchen – the Instant Pot! If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, you’ve got to try my Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls. Seriously, this dish is a game changer for busy evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made these burrito bowls. It was a chaotic Tuesday, and I was juggling work, kids, and a mountain of laundry. I thought, “How can I whip up something satisfying that everyone will love?” That’s when I turned to my trusty Instant Pot. In just 30 minutes, I had tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a medley of spices mingling together, all ready to be devoured. The best part? Everyone in my family went back for seconds! Trust me, once you try these burrito bowls, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without an Instant Pot. It’s a delicious, hassle-free meal that makes weeknight dinners a breeze!

Ingredients List

To whip up these delightful Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1½ tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 1½ lb (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 (15-oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 (16-oz / 450 g) jar salsa
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to a delicious meal that brings the essence of a burrito bowl straight to your table!

How to Prepare the Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls

Getting these Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls ready is as easy as pie! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a flavor-packed meal in no time. Trust me, the Instant Pot makes everything so much simpler, and you’ll love how everything comes together in one pot.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, turn your Instant Pot to the Sauté mode and add in the oil. Let it get hot – you’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent. Oh, the smell is heavenly!
2. Next, stir in the chili powder and ground cumin. Give it about 30 seconds to bloom and fill your kitchen with those warm, spicy aromas. Then, pour in ¼ cup of the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits add so much flavor!
3. Now, season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper before adding them into the pot. Toss in the drained black beans, frozen corn, and that luscious jar of salsa. Stir everything gently to combine – you want all those yummy flavors to mingle together.
4. Here’s the fun part! Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the top of the mixture. Then, pour the remaining ¾ cup of chicken broth over the rice without stirring. It’s crucial to keep the layers intact for the best results.
5. Secure the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to High Pressure for 10 minutes. Remember, it will take about 10 to 12 minutes to come to pressure before the timer starts, so don’t worry if you don’t hear that beep right away!
6. Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Just be cautious of the steam – it can be pretty hot! When the pressure is fully released and the safety valve drops, open the lid.
7. Finally, give everything a gentle stir to combine. Wow, it looks so colorful! Serve it up in bowls, topped with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor. Enjoy every bite of your delicious burrito bowls!

And there you have it! A fuss-free, delightful meal that’s perfect for any busy weeknight. You’ll love how the Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting while you just sit back and enjoy the delicious results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, perfect for those hectic weeknights!
• Easy to Make: The Instant Pot takes care of the cooking for you, allowing you to relax while it works its magic. Minimal hands-on time means less stress in the kitchen!
• Flavorful Explosion: Each bite is packed with spices, tender chicken, and all the vibrant flavors of a burrito bowl, leaving everyone craving more.
• One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked together in one pot, clean-up is a breeze. Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash?
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, making it a hit for family dinners or casual gatherings!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls turn out perfectly, here are some handy tips to keep in mind!

• Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember that breasts cook faster, so you might want to reduce the pressure cooking time by a minute or two.
• Rice Type: Stick with long-grain white rice for best results. If you opt for brown rice, increase the cooking time to 22 minutes and add an extra ¼ cup of broth.
• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the onions and garlic is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush through this step!
• Check Your Seal: Always ensure the lid is sealed properly before cooking. If the pot doesn’t come to pressure, it won’t cook correctly.
• Garnish Options: Get creative with toppings! Avocado slices, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños can elevate your burrito bowls even further.

With these tips, you’ll be set for a delicious, stress-free meal that’s bound to impress!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to the Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s not just delicious but also packed with good nutrition! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 540
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But rest assured, you’re feeding your family a wholesome meal that’s sure to keep them energized!

FAQ Section

Got questions about my Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:

• Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
  Absolutely! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes if your chicken is frozen. The Instant Pot is great for cooking from frozen, so don’t panic!
• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it in the Instant Pot using the sauté function until warmed through. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
• Q: How do I adjust the spiciness?
  If you prefer milder flavors, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or use a milder salsa. For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or using a hot salsa.
• Q: What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
  Don’t fret! You can cook this recipe in a regular pot. Just simmer everything on the stove until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender, adjusting the liquid as needed.

These answers should help you create a delicious meal without any hiccups. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing leftovers from your Instant Pot Weeknight Chicken and Rice Burrito Bowls is super easy and ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal again! Just transfer any leftover burrito bowls into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for up to 5 days, so you can savor the flavors throughout the week.

When it comes time to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options! The microwave works well – just place your portion in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the Instant Pot using the Sauté function. Just add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist, and stir until heated through. This way, you’ll maintain that delightful texture and flavor. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!

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