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Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas deliver vibrant Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort and maximum taste. Juicy chicken is perfectly cooked with bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a blend of authentic fajita spices in under 30 minutes, making it a quick, healthy, and family-friendly dinner option with easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables

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

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning mix (chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • Juice of 1 fresh lime
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin, even strips to ensure they cook uniformly and maintain a slight crunch for that signature fajita texture.
  2. Sauté the Veggies: Turn your Instant Pot to the sauté setting, add olive oil, then cook the onions and peppers until softened and slightly charred edges form, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and the fajita seasoning mix, cooking briefly to release the spices’ aromas and coat the vegetables thoroughly.
  4. Add the Chicken and Liquid: Place the chicken breasts or thighs over the sautéed vegetables, then pour in chicken broth or water to assist with pressure cooking and keep the chicken juicy.
  5. Pressure Cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to high pressure for 8-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
  6. Release Pressure and Shred: After natural pressure release, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks, then stir back into the vegetable mixture to combine all the goodness.
  7. Final Touches: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fajitas and season with salt and pepper to taste, brightening and balancing all flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh ingredients to elevate the dish’s flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken; adjust pressure cooking time based on thickness to avoid dryness.
  • Sautéing the vegetables before pressure cooking adds a smoky depth of flavor.
  • Let the shredded chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.
  • Season after cooking to control salt and spice levels perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, Chicken Fajitas, Tex-Mex, Easy Dinner, Gluten Free, Quick Meal, Pressure Cooker