Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

There’s something about the sizzle of fajitas that sticks with you. That warm mix of juicy chicken, colorful bell peppers, and soft, seasoned rice — it’s the kind of meal you crave after a long day.

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This recipe takes all that and pulls it into one pot. No mess, no extra pans, just the Instant Pot doing the heavy lifting. It’s a recipe we’ve made after work, for weekend lunches, and even when friends drop by hungry. You get full flavor without fuss, and it’s easy to double if needed.

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Why This One-Pot Fajita Bowl Hits the Mark

The Instant Pot cooks everything in layers. Chicken stays moist, the peppers soften just enough, and the rice soaks up every bit of seasoning.

There’s no juggling three pans or cleaning up charred bits off the stove. You add the ingredients, stir once, and let it work. Plus, it tastes just as good packed up for lunch the next day.

• Chicken gets tender and holds the spice mix
• Bell peppers add sweetness and color
• Rice cooks directly in broth, locking in flavor
• One pot = fewer dishes and faster cleanup
• Great with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or fresh lime

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What You’ll Need to Make This Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice Bowl

You’re looking at a short list of easy-to-find ingredients, most of which you might already have at home.

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• Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs – Choose your cut based on how rich you want it
• Bell peppers – Go for red, yellow, or green for visual pop
• Onion – Adds depth and balances the heat
• White rice – Absorbs the broth and seasoning perfectly
• Chicken broth – Keeps it moist and flavorful
• Fajita seasoning mix – You can use store-bought or homemade
• Lime juice – Added at the end for brightness

You can also toss in extras like black beans, corn, or chopped jalapeños depending on what you have.

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How to Cook Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls in the Instant Pot

This dish comes together in layers. The Instant Pot steams the rice and protein together, while locking in the smoky, spiced flavor.

• Sauté the Veggies
  Turn on the sauté mode. Cook sliced onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly soft. Remove and set aside.
• Brown the Chicken
  Add the chicken to the pot with oil and cook for a few minutes until lightly seared. This gives it a stronger flavor base.
• Add Rice and Broth
  Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, fajita seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Make sure the rice is evenly spread under the liquid.
• Pressure Cook
  Seal the lid. Set to HIGH for 8 minutes. Let it naturally release for 5 minutes before opening.
• Stir Back the Peppers
  Return the sautéed peppers and onions to the pot. Stir gently and squeeze in fresh lime juice before serving.

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Top It Your Way: Toppings That Work

Once the base is done, you can make it your own. It’s great as-is, but a few toppings take it even further.

• Sliced avocado
• Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Chopped cilantro
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapeños
• Extra lime wedges

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Side Dishes to Pair With Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls

Side Dish	Why It Works
Warm corn tortillas	Great for scooping or turning it into wraps
Black bean salad	Adds more texture and contrast
Grilled street corn	Creamy and bold, perfect pairing
Roasted plantains	Brings a sweet balance to the spice
Fresh mango salsa	Adds zing and a bit of brightness
Crispy tortilla chips	Crunchy and easy to dip
Mexican slaw	Keeps the plate light and colorful

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Storage, Reheating, and FAQs

This bowl-style meal stores well and heats up evenly, making it great for leftovers or weekly meal prep.

• Store: Cool completely, then place in a sealed container for up to 4 days
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months
• Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring back the soft texture

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but increase cook time to 22 minutes and add more broth.

What can I substitute for fajita mix?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder.

Does this recipe work with frozen chicken?
Yes, but add 2–3 minutes to cook time and make sure to slice it after.

Can I add cheese into the pot?
It’s better to stir it in at the end so it melts smoothly and doesn’t burn.

Is it spicy?
Mild as-is. Add hot sauce or jalapeños if you want more heat.