Easy Instant Pot chicken fajitas
Add this simple and delicious Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas recipe to your meal plan, and it will quickly become a family favorite!
My kids adore tacos, quesadillas, taquitos, and just about any meal that reminds them of our favorite Mexican restaurant. While I might not be able to replicate those authentic Mexican dishes perfectly, I can certainly whip up a tasty and easy meal like these delightful Chicken Fajitas.
So, These Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas are truly incredible! Let me share a bit of my journey—I resisted getting an Instant Pot for the longest time, unable to understand why everyone was raving about it.
Finally, I gave in and bought one last year. It has transformed my cooking experience in so many ways that I regret not getting one sooner. Now, back to the recipe: if you’re looking for a delicious, quick meal that doesn’t require many ingredients or complicated steps, be sure to add this Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas recipe to your dinner rotation!
Why Choose Instant Pot for Chicken Fajitas?
Efficiency and Speed
The Instant Pot significantly reduces cooking time, making it ideal for busy families. Traditional fajitas can take upwards of an hour to prepare and cook, but with the Instant Pot, you can have a mouth-watering meal ready in less than 30 minutes.
Enhanced Flavor
So, Using the Instant Pot allows the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful dish. The pressure cooking process ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy while absorbing the vibrant flavors of the seasonings.
Nutrient Retention
Pressure cooking preserves more nutrients compared to other cooking methods. This means that your Instant Pot chicken fajitas are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
To make the best Instant Pot chicken fajitas, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step to Making Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Firstly, Start by gathering all your ingredients. Then, Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent. Then, add the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Chicken and Seasonings
So, Add the sliced chicken to the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and the lime juice, ensuring that the liquid covers the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
4. Pressure Cook
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 7 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.
5. Assemble the Fajitas
So, Carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot and give the chicken and vegetables a good stir. Then, Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving dish, leaving behind any excess liquid. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. To assemble the fajitas, place a generous spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla. Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
6. Serve and Enjoy Instant Pot chicken fajitas
Serve the Instant Pot chicken fajitas immediately while they are hot and fresh. Accompany with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will significantly enhance the flavor of your fajitas. Opt for organic chicken and vegetables when possible.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning
While store-bought fajita seasoning is convenient, making your own blend allows you to control the flavors and avoid any unnecessary additives. A simple homemade fajita seasoning can be made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Avoid Overcrowding the Pot
So, Ensure that the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed in the Instant Pot to promote even cooking. Overcrowding the pot can result in unevenly cooked ingredients.
Natural Pressure Release
Allowing the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before performing a quick release helps to retain the moisture and tenderness of the chicken.
Customize Your Fajitas
Firstly, Feel free to customize your fajitas to suit your taste. Add a dash of hot sauce for extra spice, or include additional vegetables such as mushrooms or zucchini for more variety.
Nutritional Information
So, Instant Pot chicken fajitas are not only delicious but also a healthy option for your family. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (without optional toppings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
Instant Pot chicken fajitas: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, you will need to increase the cooking time to 12 minutes and ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Absolutely! Instant Pot chicken fajitas can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the chicken and vegetables in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Chicken fajitas pair well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with Mexican rice, black beans, corn salad, or a simple green salad. Tortilla chips with guacamole or salsa also make excellent accompaniments.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetable mixture. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Instant Pot chicken fajitas: Conclusion
Instant Pot chicken fajitas are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that your whole family will love. The Instant Pot makes the cooking process efficient, while preserving the vibrant flavors and nutrients of the ingredients. With the step-by-step guide provided, you can easily make this delicious dish at home. Customize the fajitas to suit your taste and enjoy a nutritious, satisfying meal in no time.
More Great Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken
- Instant Pot Shrimp And Broccoli
- Instant Pot Hibachi Shrimp
- Instant Pot Cajun Shrimp
- Instant Pot chicken wings
More Chicken recipes
- General Tso’s Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Cutlet Recipe
- Chicken Chow Mein With Best Chow Mein Sauce!
- Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken Fried Rice recipe
- Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Instant Pot chicken fajitas
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers red, green, and yellow, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of fajita seasoning store-bought or homemade
- Juice of 1 lime
- Tortillas flour or corn
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers.
- Mince the garlic.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté setting and add the olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the onions and garlic, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 3-4 minutes.
Add the Chicken and Seasonings:
- Add the sliced chicken to the Instant Pot, spreading it evenly over the sautéed vegetables.
- Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lime juice, ensuring the liquid covers the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
Pressure Cook:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position.
- Select the manual or pressure cook setting and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before performing a quick release.
Assemble the Fajitas:
- Carefully remove the lid of the Instant Pot and stir the chicken and vegetables.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving dish, leaving behind any excess liquid.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- To assemble the fajitas, place a generous spoonful of the chicken and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla.
- Add your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Instant Pot chicken fajitas immediately while they are hot and fresh.
Notes
Nutrition
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