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Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas offer a vibrant, flavor-packed Tex-Mex meal featuring tender, juicy chicken combined with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a blend of classic spices. Ready in under 30 minutes with one-pot convenience, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a quick, satisfying, and customizable dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano blend)

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Sauté the veggies and spices: Begin by heating olive oil on the sauté setting of your Instant Pot, then add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fajita seasoning, letting the spices toast slightly to release their aroma.
  2. Add the chicken and broth: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the sautéed veggies. Pour in the chicken broth to create steam and keep everything moist. Be sure the liquid covers the bottom of the pot to avoid a burn warning.
  3. Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 8 minutes. Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure before opening the pot.
  4. Shred and combine: Remove the chicken and shred it directly in the pot or on a cutting board, then stir it back together with the peppers and onions. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture to brighten up the flavors immediately before serving.

Notes

  • Cut peppers and onions into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.
  • Use natural pressure release to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
  • For best flavor, use fresh or high-quality pre-made fajita seasoning.
  • Sauté veggies first to enhance depth and add caramelized flavor.
  • Let shredded chicken rest in the cooking juices for a minute to maximize flavor absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken Fajitas, Tex-Mex, Quick Dinner, One Pot, Healthy, Gluten Free, Weeknight Meal