Hey, foodie friends! Ethan Harris here, your kitchen companion and culinary maestro. Today, we’re diving into a Tex-Mex sensation that’ll make your taste buds dance – Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas! These fajitas are like a flavor explosion without the fuss. No need for a sizzling skillet; your Instant Pot is about to become the star of the fiesta. So, buckle up, because we’re taking a flavor-packed journey through the zesty world of chicken, peppers, and spices. Get ready for a fajita fiesta that’ll have your family and friends shouting,
What is Chicken Fajitas?
Chicken fajitas are a Tex-Mex dish featuring grilled or sautéed chicken strips mixed with bell peppers and onions. The ingredients are seasoned with a blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and others, to create a flavorful and savory filling. This mixture is typically served on warm tortillas and can be garnished with toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese. The dish is known for its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and customizable nature, making it a popular choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Chicken breasts (because we’re protein enthusiasts)
- Bell peppers (a colorful entourage)
- Onion (the unsung hero in many tales of deliciousness)
- Fajita seasoning (the shortcut to flavor town)
- Olive oil (because we’re not just cooking; we’re creating magic)
- Lime juice (for that tangy twist)
- Garlic (because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better)
How To Make The Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Step 1. Prep the Chicken: Slice those chicken breasts into strips.
Step 2.Sauté in Instant Pot: Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the sliced chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This enhances flavor.
Step 4. Pressure Cook: Cancel the “Sauté” mode. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Step 5. Quick Release: Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid and squeeze lime juice over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to combine.
Step 6. Serve in Tortillas Warm the tortillas and serve the Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas in them. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas Recipe
Course: Main, Dinner, LunchCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes13
minutes600
kcalThis Instant Pot recipe prepares a juicy chicken for a classic and authentic Mexican treat.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
3 bell peppers (assorted colors), sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Flour tortillas, for serving
Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Directions
- Slice those chicken breasts into strips.
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode. Add the sliced chicken with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This enhances flavor.
- Cancel the “Sauté” mode. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release. Open the lid and squeeze lime juice over the chicken and vegetables. Toss to combine.
- Warm the tortillas and serve the Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas in them. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, and cilantro..
Notes
- *Rate Recipe: If you’ve tried the recipe, don’t forget to Rate the Recipe in the Comments Section. Thank you!
Serving Suggestions for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Warm Flour Tortillas: Serve the Instant Pot chicken fajitas with warm, soft flour tortillas. You can heat them directly on a griddle or in the oven for a slight crispness.
Top with Fresh Guacamole: Add a dollop of fresh guacamole on top of the chicken fajitas. The creamy avocado goodness complements the savory flavors.
Sour Cream Swirl: Offer a bowl of sour cream for a cool and tangy contrast. Guests can swirl it on top or use it as a dipping sauce.
Shredded Cheese Fiesta: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mexican cheese blend over the chicken fajitas. The melty cheese adds richness to each bite.
Pico de Gallo Perfection: Top the fajitas with vibrant pico de gallo—a fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It adds a burst of freshness.
Crunchy Lettuce Bed: Create a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce on each tortilla before adding the chicken mixture. The crispiness adds a delightful crunch.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Place a basket of tortilla chips with a bowl of salsa on the table for pre-fajita snacking or as an alternative to the tortillas.
Expert Cooking Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
- Ensure even browning of chicken slices for enhanced flavor.
- Add bell peppers and onions after searing to keep them delightfully crisp.
- Sprinkle spices uniformly for a harmonious flavor distribution.
- Use chicken broth to deglaze and prevent potential burn notices.
- Opt for the recommended 5 minutes on high pressure for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Release pressure quickly to maintain chicken tenderness.
- Fine-tune seasoning after opening the lid for personalized flavor.
- Warm tortillas for a delightful wrapping experience.
- Offer a selection of toppings for a creative and personalized touch.
FAQs
How long to cook chicken fajitas in instant pot
The actual cooking time for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas is approximately 8 minutes at high pressure. However, you should also account for the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and the natural release period.
What is the benefit of making Chicken Fajitas in the Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot speeds up the cooking process, resulting in tender and flavorful chicken fajitas in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Can I use frozen chicken for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas?
While it’s possible, it’s recommended to use thawed chicken for more even cooking. If using frozen chicken, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?
Using the recommended amount of chicken broth and not overcooking the chicken helps prevent dryness. Follow the recipe instructions closely for best results.
Can I make Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken fajita mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it when ready to serve and assemble with fresh tortillas and toppings.
What is the natural release time for Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas?
A natural release of about 5 minutes is recommended before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This helps retain the juices in the chicken for a more flavorful result.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, amigos! The Instant Pot has once again proven its culinary prowess with these mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas. A symphony of flavors, a dance of textures—these fajitas are a testament to the magic of pressure cooking.
As you savor each bite of tender chicken, perfectly seasoned with fajita spices, and delight in the colorful medley of peppers and onions, remember that great meals don’t always require hours in the kitchen. The Instant Pot has granted us the gift of time without compromising on taste.
Discover a world of flavors with my other dinner recipes, like the delightful Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Wings. Dive into a fusion of tastes that will transport you to culinary bliss. From the savory embrace of Lasagna to the zesty kick of Orange Chicken, my repertoire ensures your dinner table is a haven of scrumptious delights. Join me on this gastronomic journey!