Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

When I think of a quick and flavorful meal, Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas immediately comes to mind. It’s like a culinary hug after a long day; vibrant bell peppers, tender chicken, and a medley of spices come together in a delightful dance of flavors. I remember the first time I made these fajitas for my family. The aroma filled the house, and there was an excited buzz in the air. Everyone gathered around the table, eager to dig in. The best part? It all came together in my trusty Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze. If you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special, you’ve found it!

What Goes Into Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

When it comes to the ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, it’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The key players in this dish are the fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and tender chicken, which create a vibrant and satisfying meal. Each component plays a vital role in the overall experience, making each bite a delicious treat.

• 1.5 lbs of chicken breast – Lean and protein-packed, this is the main feature of our fajitas, providing a juicy base that absorbs all the flavors.
• 1 red bell pepper – Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of color.
• 1 green bell pepper – Contributes a slightly bitter contrast that balances the sweetness of the red pepper.
• 1 orange bell pepper – Offers a beautiful visual and a hint of citrusy sweetness.
• 1 medium sweet onion – Provides depth and sweetness to the dish.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – Essential for cooking and bringing all the flavors together.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the chicken.
• ¼ teaspoon chili pepper – Gives a slight kick without overpowering the dish.
• 1.4 teaspoons ground paprika – Contributes color and a mild sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle spice.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Brightens the flavor profile and adds acidity.

Step by Step Guide for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Cooking Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas is a breeze, thanks to the straightforward process. Let’s take it step by step to ensure you get the best results. The combination of flavors and textures creates a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili pepper. This mixture will serve as a marinade for your chicken.
2. Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. If it’s not in place, the cooking process won’t work correctly.
3. Add the chicken strips to the insert. Be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
4. Pour the oil and seasoning mixture over the chicken. Use metal tongs to gently toss the chicken until it’s well coated in the marinade.
5. Wash, core, and thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. These will be layered on top of the chicken.
6. Layer the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken in the Instant Pot. This method allows the vegetables to steam and become tender.
7. Add ½ cup of water to the insert. This is crucial as it helps the Instant Pot come to pressure.
8. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. This step ensures no steam escapes during cooking.
9. Press the manual button on your Instant Pot and ensure it’s set to high pressure. Adjust the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will beep a few seconds after you set it.
10. Once it comes to pressure, the timer will start. You’ll hear a gentle hissing sound, which is normal.
11. When the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep again. Press the cancel/off button.
12. Carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release the pressure quickly. Always do this away from your face to avoid burns.
13. When the metal part of the valve drops, carefully open the lid away from your face to release any remaining steam.
14. Serve the chicken and peppers in flour tortillas. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and sprinkle with crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Recipe Variations about Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations on your Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas. Each twist adds a unique flavor profile, ensuring you’ll never tire of this dish.

• Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor and juicier texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add more chili pepper or toss in sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based meal.
• Fajita Bowls: Serve the filling over rice or quinoa for a hearty bowl meal.
• Wrap It Up: Use the same mixture as a filling for burritos or enchiladas for a different dinner option.
• Grilled Version: After cooking, you can broil the fajitas for a few minutes to get a nice char on the veggies and chicken.

What to Serve Alongside Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

When it comes to serving Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas, there are plenty of delicious options to consider. These pairings enhance the meal and create a delightful dining experience.

• Refried Beans: Serve alongside warm refried beans for a classic accompaniment that complements the flavors.
• Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice adds a comforting and filling element to the meal.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole enhances the flavor of the fajitas and adds a velvety texture.
• Salsa: Fresh salsa can brighten your plate with its zesty flavors and colorful presentation.
• Chips: Tortilla chips are perfect for dipping and add a satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette can balance the meal and add freshness.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Grilled or sautéed seasonal veggies can create a colorful and nutritious side.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas combine the ease of cooking with vibrant flavors that everyone will love. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it! Gather your family, customize your fajitas, and enjoy a fun dinner together.

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

The ultimate comfort food, Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas combine juicy chicken and vibrant vegetables in a flavorful spice mix. This easy weeknight dinner is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with fresh flavors!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Instant Pot

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 orange bell pepper
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon chili pepper
• 1.4 teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, ground paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili pepper. This mixture will serve as a marinade for your chicken.
• Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. If it’s not in place, the cooking process won’t work correctly.
• Add the chicken strips to the insert. Be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Pour the oil and seasoning mixture over the chicken. Use metal tongs to gently toss the chicken until it's well coated in the marinade.
• Wash, core, and thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. These will be layered on top of the chicken.
• Layer the sliced bell peppers and onion on top of the chicken in the Instant Pot. This method allows the vegetables to steam and become tender.
• Add ½ cup of water to the insert. This is crucial as it helps the Instant Pot come to pressure.
• Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position. This step ensures no steam escapes during cooking.
• Press the manual button on your Instant Pot and ensure it's set to high pressure. Adjust the timer to 10 minutes. The Instant Pot will beep a few seconds after you set it.
• Once it comes to pressure, the timer will start. You'll hear a gentle hissing sound, which is normal.
• When the cooking time is up, the Instant Pot will beep again. Press the cancel/off button.
• Carefully switch the valve to the venting position to release the pressure quickly. Always do this away from your face to avoid burns.
• When the metal part of the valve drops, carefully open the lid away from your face to release any remaining steam.
• Serve the chicken and peppers in flour tortillas. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and sprinkle with crushed red pepper for an extra kick.

Notes

This recipe calls for ½ cup of water, as that is the manufacturer's recommended and required amount of liquid so your Instant Pot can come to pressure. I received comments from readers who made this recipe and didn't like the "soupy" texture. To prevent that, you can add the water to the bottom of the pot and set the chicken and veggies on a trivet. You can also remove the chicken and peppers after cooking, set on a baking sheet and broil, like you would for carnitas. You can use chicken thighs if that's what you have on hand. I recommend buying the thinly sliced chicken breast (it has way less sodium than the thick breasts) and cutting it into thin strips. You can add the oil and seasoning mixture along with the sliced chicken to a ziploc bag and freezing or storing in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking the fajitas. You can skip the seasoning selection from this recipe and use a packet of fajita or even taco seasoning. Serve fajitas with rice and black beans.

Keyword chicken fajitas recipe, easy fajitas, instant pot fajitas, Weeknight Dinner

Previous PostOne Pan Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Next Post Mushroom Chicken Foil Packets

Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.