Experience the bold flavors of chipotle chicken combined with the fresh zest of cilantro lime rice. This Instant Pot recipe creates a convenient and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Photos of Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every kitchen. Make sure to pick up chipotles in adobo sauce, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro. These items provide essential, distinctive flavors and textures to the dish.
Ingredients For Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken And Rice Bowls
Garlic: Adds a robust, pungent flavor to the dish
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor
Chipotles in adobo sauce: Adds smoky heat and depth
Water: Aids in blending and cooking
Fresh lime juice: Adds bright acidity
Honey: Balances the heat with sweetness
Ground cumin: Adds earthy warmth
Paprika: Enhances color and flavor
Salt: Enhances overall flavor
Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity
Chicken thighs: Provides a tender, flavorful protein
Long grain white rice: Serves as a fluffy base for the bowl
Cilantro: Adds fresh, citrusy notes
Green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor
Jalapeno pepper: Adds a kick of heat
Cotija cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly texture
Lime wedges: For an extra burst of freshness
One reader, Dud Cathey says:
This Instant Pot chipotle chicken and rice bowls recipe is a game-changer! The chicken is tender and flavorful, and the rice is perfectly cooked. The blend of spices and fresh ingredients creates an amazing dish that's both easy and delicious. Highly recommend for a quick, satisfying meal!
Techniques Required for Making Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
How to blend ingredients: Combine garlic, onion, chipotle peppers, water, lime juice, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. How to use a pressure cooker: Place chicken thighs in the pressure cooker, pour sauce over them, and set the pressure cooker to the correct settings. How to rinse rice: Place rice in a wire mesh strainer and rinse under running water. How to use a steam rack: Nestle a raised steam rack with the chicken in the pressure cooker. How to perform a quick pressure release: Move the pressure release knob from sealing to venting. How to fluff rice: Use a fork to fluff the cooked rice. How to shred chicken: Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
How To Make Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
Rice bowls just like at your favorite restaurants. Because they’re cooked in an Instant Pot, they come out quickly and perfectly each time!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chipotle Chicken:
- 2clovesgarlic
- ½mediumyellow onion
- 2chipotles in adobo sauce,(from a can)
- ⅓cupwater
- ⅓cupfresh lime juice,(from 2 medium limes)
- 1tbsphoney
- 2tspground cumin
- 2tbsppaprika
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspground black pepper
- 2lbschicken thighs,boneless skinless
For Rice:
- 1cuplong grain white rice
- 1cupwater
- ½cupcilantro,chopped
- 2mediumgreen onions,sliced
- 1jalapeno pepper,seeded and minced
- 1tbspfresh lime juice
- ½tspsalt
For Serving:
- 2ozcotija cheese,crumbled
- 12slicesjalapeño pepper,thin
- ½lime cut into 4 wedges
Instructions
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In a blender, combine the garlic, onion, chipotle peppers, water, lime juice, honey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend for about a minute, until it becomes a smooth sauce. If necessary, scrape down the sides of the blender halfway through blending.
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Put the chicken thighs in the pot of a 6-quart or larger electric pressure cooker, then pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to evenly coat the chicken in the sauce.
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Nestle a raised steam rack in with the chicken. Make sure all of its legs are touching the bottom of the pot.
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Place the rice in a wire mesh strainer and rinse under running water. Let it drain for a minute or so, then combine the rice with a cup of water in a small (1 ½-quart) stainless steel mixing bowl.
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Place the bowl of rice and water on top of the steam rack in the pot. The bowl should fit snugly inside the pot; make sure that y the lid of the pressure cooker can still be locked closed.
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Secure the lid on the pressure cooker. Make sure the pressure regulator is set to the “Sealing” position. If using an Instant Pot, select the “Poultry” or “Manual” program, then adjust the time to 15 minutes.
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If pressure cooker does not have a “Poultry” program, set it manually to “High Pressure” for 15 minutes. For stovetop pressure cookers, cook for 12 minutes at high pressure.
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It will take about 15 minutes for pressure cooker to come up to pressure, and then the actual cooking will begin. Total time from the time the pressure cooker is sealed to the end of cooking is about 30 minutes.
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When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for at least 10 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release by moving the pressure release knob from “Sealing” to “Venting.”
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Wearing a pair of heat-proof mitts, remove the bowl of rice and the steam rack from the pot. Fluff the rice with a fork and mix in the cilantro, green onions, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt.
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Working in the pot, shred the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces with two forks.
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Divide the rice between individual bowls and spoon the chicken on top, along with a some of its sauce. Top each bowl with the cotija cheese, sliced jalapeño, and a wedge of lime.
Nutrition
- Calories: 623.46kcal
- Fat: 42.89g
- Saturated Fat: 12.89g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 17.16g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.43g
- Carbohydrates: 18.11g
- Fiber: 3.98g
- Sugar: 9.11g
- Protein: 42.35g
- Cholesterol: 236.44mg
- Sodium: 1091.00mg
- Calcium: 177.72mg
- Potassium: 858.27mg
- Iron: 3.58mg
- Vitamin A: 422.00µg
- Vitamin C: 92.00mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
When blending the sauce, make sure to blend it until completely smooth to ensure even coating and flavor distribution on the chicken. If your blender struggles with the consistency, add a little more water to help it along.
Time-Saving Tips for Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the garlic, onion, and jalapeño ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-cooked rice: Substitute with pre-cooked rice to skip the rice cooking step entirely.
Blend sauce in bulk: Make extra chipotle sauce and freeze it for future use.
Instant pot shortcuts: Utilize the instant pot’s sauté function to quickly brown the chicken thighs before pressure cooking.
Pre-measure spices: Measure out the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in advance to save time during cooking.
Substitute Ingredients For Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic. It provides a similar flavor profile.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a similar texture and flavor, making them a suitable replacement.
chipotles in adobo sauce - Substitute with smoked paprika and hot sauce: Use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a few dashes of hot sauce to mimic the smoky and spicy flavor.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
fresh lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and consistency.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly different flavor but can provide a similar earthy note.
paprika - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Use sparingly as cayenne is much spicier, but it can add a similar color and heat.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a bit of umami flavor.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a similar heat but a slightly different flavor profile.
chicken thighs - Substitute with chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and can be used if you prefer white meat.
long grain white rice - Substitute with basmati rice: Basmati rice has a similar texture and cooking time.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more flavor to the rice.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro.
green onions - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a mild onion flavor that can work well in place of green onions.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with serrano pepper: Serrano peppers are slightly hotter but provide a similar flavor.
fresh lime juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar offers a similar tangy acidity.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity for a similar salty flavor.
cotija cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a similar crumbly texture and salty flavor.
jalapeno pepper - Substitute with pickled jalapenos: Pickled jalapenos provide a similar heat with an added tangy flavor.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon wedges can provide a similar citrusy freshness.
Presentation Ideas for Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the chipotle chicken and rice in elegant, smaller portions to highlight the quality and flavors of each component. Use a ring mold to shape the rice into a neat, compact circle on the plate.
Use decoration: Garnish the dish with finely chopped cilantro and thin slices of jalapeño arranged artfully around the plate. This adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Highlight the sauce: Drizzle some of the chipotle sauce around the rice and chicken to create a visually appealing pattern. Use a squeeze bottle for precision.
Add texture: Crumble cotija cheese over the top of the chicken and rice to add a creamy texture and a touch of saltiness. Ensure the cheese is evenly distributed for a balanced flavor.
Incorporate lime wedges: Place a lime wedge on the side of the plate for an optional burst of citrus. This not only adds a visual element but also allows diners to customize the acidity to their taste.
Use fresh herbs: Top the dish with a sprig of fresh cilantro to enhance the aroma and add a touch of elegance. This simple addition can elevate the overall presentation.
Balance the colors: Ensure there is a balance of colors on the plate. The green from the cilantro and jalapeño, the white from the cotija cheese, and the rich red from the chipotle sauce should all be visible and harmonious.
Consider plate choice: Use a white or neutral-colored plate to make the vibrant colors of the chipotle chicken and rice stand out. The simplicity of the plate will draw attention to the dish itself.
Maintain cleanliness: Ensure the edges of the plate are clean and free from any drips or smudges. This attention to detail is crucial for a professional presentation.
Layer the ingredients: Create layers by placing the rice at the base, followed by the shredded chicken, and then the garnishes. This adds depth to the presentation and makes each bite more interesting.
Storing and Freezing Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
- To store leftovers, allow the chicken and rice to cool completely before transferring them to separate airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- When ready to reheat, microwave the chicken and rice separately until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, place the frozen chicken and rice in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheat the thawed chicken and rice in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a little liquid if needed to maintain moisture.
- When freezing, consider portioning the chicken and rice into individual serving sizes for convenient meal prep and quick reheating.
- Label the storage containers or bags with the date and contents to keep track of your frozen meals.
How To Reheat Leftover Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover chipotle chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the food is heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the dish and prevents the chicken from drying out.
If you have a microwave, you can reheat the chipotle chicken and rice bowls in a microwave-safe container. Cover the container with a damp paper towel to prevent the food from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the food is heated through. Be careful when removing the container from the microwave, as it may be hot.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat the leftover chipotle chicken and rice in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of chicken broth or water to the skillet to prevent the food from sticking and to add moisture. Heat the skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the food is heated through. This method allows you to quickly reheat the food while also adding a slight crispiness to the chicken.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover chipotle chicken and rice bowls. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the food is heated through and slightly crispy. This method is quick and helps to restore some of the texture to the chicken.
For a flavorful twist, you can transform your leftover chipotle chicken and rice into a delicious quesadilla. Place the leftover chicken and rice on a large tortilla, add some shredded cheese, and fold the tortilla in half. Cook the quesadilla in a skillet or on a griddle over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden brown and crispy. Cut the quesadilla into wedges and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Random Fact About Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls
A fun fact about this recipe is that using an Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also helps to infuse the chicken with the rich, smoky flavors of the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
Is Making Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls at Home Cost-Effective?
The instant pot chipotle chicken and rice bowls recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using affordable ingredients like chicken thighs, long grain white rice, and cilantro, it provides a flavorful and nutritious meal. The use of pantry staples like cumin and paprika further reduces costs. Overall, this recipe scores an 8 out of 10 in cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD.
Is This Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe Healthy?
This instant pot chipotle chicken and rice bowls recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the chicken thighs, fiber-rich rice, and various vegetables like onions, garlic, and jalapeños. The use of fresh lime juice and cilantro adds a burst of flavor and nutrients. However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components, such as the honey and cotija cheese, which can contribute to added sugar and saturated fat intake.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for skinless chicken thighs or replace them with chicken breasts to reduce the overall fat content
- Reduce the amount of honey used in the sauce or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Use brown rice instead of white rice to increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients
- Increase the variety of vegetables by adding bell peppers, tomatoes, or corn to the rice mixture
- Replace the cotija cheese with a lower-fat alternative like reduced-fat feta or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the added saturated fat
- Serve the bowls with a side salad or extra vegetables to boost the overall nutrient density of the meal
Editor's Opinion on This Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe
This recipe for Instant Pot chipotle chicken and rice bowls is a fantastic blend of flavors and convenience. The chipotle sauce adds a smoky heat that complements the tender chicken thighs perfectly. Cooking the rice simultaneously with the chicken is a smart use of the Instant Pot, saving time and effort. The addition of fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño to the rice provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chicken. Topping the bowls with cotija cheese and lime wedges adds a delightful finishing touch. Overall, it's a well-balanced, flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken and Rice Bowls Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try because it combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers with the zesty freshness of lime juice. The chicken thighs are cooked to perfection in an Instant Pot, ensuring they are tender and flavorful. The rice is infused with cilantro and green onions, adding a burst of freshness to each bite. Topped with cotija cheese and jalapeño slices, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Trust this recipe for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal.
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