Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Quick, Flavorful, and Perfect for Busy Nights
Need a dinner that comes together in no time but still delivers BIG flavor?
These Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas are the answer! In just 9 minutes, you’ll have tender chicken and crispy veggies bursting with zesty, homemade fajita seasoning.
It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s healthy, tasty, and so easy to make.
Whether you’re rushing home from work or need something quick for the family, this recipe is your new go-to!
For Chicken Fajitas:
- Chicken Breasts – Thinly sliced for even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Red Onion – Adds a slight sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper – Brings a vibrant color and mild sweetness.
- Yellow Bell Pepper – Another sweet pepper to balance the dish with its mild flavor.
- Green Bell Pepper – Completes the trio of peppers with a crisp and slightly tangy taste.
- Olive Oil – For a light coating to help the fajita mixture cook perfectly.
- Lime – Both the zest and juice bring a refreshing tang to brighten up the dish.
- Water or Chicken Broth – Keeps everything moist while pressure cooking.
For Fajita Seasoning:
- Chili Powder – Provides a warm, earthy heat to the dish.
- Cumin – Adds a rich, slightly smoky flavor.
- Garlic Powder – A bit of savory depth.
- Paprika – Gives a mild smokiness and color.
- Dried Oregano – Brings a herby aroma and flavor.
- Salt – For seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- Pepper – To enhance all the ingredients with a little kick.
Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
This Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients combined with a homemade fajita seasoning blend to create a flavorful, healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Fajitas:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
For the Fajita Seasoning:
- ½ tbsp chili powder
- ½ tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the bell peppers and onion into 1/2-inch slices. Cut the chicken into slightly thinner slices to ensure even cooking.
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot: Layer the ingredients into the Instant Pot in this order: onions, bell peppers, chicken, olive oil, lime zest and juice, water (or chicken broth), and fajita seasoning.
- Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the pressure release valve to the sealing position. Press the [Pressure Cook] button and set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.
- Release Pressure: After cooking, quickly release the pressure by turning the release valve to the "venting" position. Once the lid unlocks, give everything a quick toss to mix.
- Serve: Serve the fajita mixture warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Tip for Veggies: If you're concerned about overcooking the vegetables, you can sauté them first, then remove them and cook the chicken separately. Afterward, combine them.
- Liquid Amount: Though only 2 tablespoons of water or broth is added, don’t worry! The veggies will release their own moisture, and the lime juice and olive oil will help create enough liquid for cooking.
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time (around 25 minutes on high pressure). Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety, and you’re good to go! - How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
If you’re worried about the veggies getting too soft, cut them into slightly thicker slices. Or, if you want extra control, sauté the peppers and onions first, remove them, then pressure cook the chicken separately. - Can I skip the chicken broth and just use water?
Definitely! Water works just fine. But if you’ve got some chicken broth hanging around, it’ll give the dish a little extra flavor. It’s up to you! - Can I double the recipe?
You can easily double the recipe! Just make sure not to fill your Instant Pot above the max fill line. The cooking time stays the same, but it might take a bit longer to come to pressure. - How can I adjust the spice level?
You can easily adjust the heat level! For less spice, simply cut back on the chili powder or skip the chipotle. Or, add a dollop of sour cream when serving to tone it down. It’s all about customizing to your taste!
