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Home » Creative Recipes » Main Dishes » Chicken » Instant Pot Achiote Chicken (Pollo Pibil)

Instant Pot Achiote Chicken (Pollo Pibil)

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Aug 8, 2021
UPDATED: Apr 24, 2025
5 Reviews / 5 Average
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Bring the Yucatan to your table with Instant Pot Achiote Chicken, also known as Pollo Pibil, a saucy chicken dish with a slightly sweet and peppery sauce.

While Achiote Chicken, or Pollo en Achiote in Spanish, is often slow cooked for hours, we are instead making it in the Instant Pot to transform it from a slow cooked meal to a quick and easy dinner!

Orange Plate with 2 pieces of Achiote Chicken (or pollo pibil) covered with sauce with cilantro lime rice.

I was introduced to this saucy Achiote Chicken by a friend who used to live in the Yucatan and was excited to share her favorite dish with us.

My husband and I both fell in love with this dish! It has become one of our favorite Chicken Recipes! When served with Cilantro Lime Rice, Chicken Pibil makes a fantastic meal. It became one of our go-to recipes as part of our Mexican Recipes collection.

My husband said that I had to get the recipe for that “Yucatan Chicken” and make this at home! My friend taught me how to make it and what substitutes I could use if I couldn’t find certain ingredients. Since then I have made this Instant Pot recipe often and it has become one of our favorite Instant Pot Recipes.

Table of Contents
  • What Is Achiote Chicken?
  • Why You’ll Love Pollo Pibil
  • What Do I Need To Make Achiote Chicken?
  • Pollo Pibil Easy Instructions With Photos
  • Pro Recipe Tips
  • What To Serve With Chicken Pibil
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Recipe
  • Reviews
Saucy Pollo Pibil (AK Achiote Chicken or Chicken Pibil) in an orange bowl covered with achiote sauce.

What Is Achiote Chicken?

Achiote Chicken, or Pollo Pibil, is a chicken dish from the Yucatan that is marinated in an achiote paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked in a “pib” which is an underground oven that is lined in stone and cooks the food with steam and smoke. However, this recipe has been adapted for the Instant Pot, which is perfect for steaming foods.

Achiote paste, or Recado Rojo in Spanish, is made with annatto seeds, which gives the chicken its unique rich flavor that is slightly sweet and peppery and gives the sauce its reddish color.

While traditionally made with banana leaves and bitter orange, both of which may be difficult to find in grocery stores, I have made this achiote chicken recipe optional for the banana leaves and used regular orange juice combined with lime juice instead of bitter orange.

A fork with a bite of pollo pibil held above a dinner plate with the pollo bible and white rice with slice of lemon. A green napkin and a partial view of a and plate of pollo pibil is in the background.

Why You’ll Love Pollo Pibil

  • Flavor. The achiote paste, combined with orange juice, lime juice, and spices adds bold peppery flavor to the chicken and the sauce.
  • Texture. The chicken comes out tender and juicy after pressure cooking, and infused with the flavor of the marinade.
  • Easy. By making it in an Instant Pot, it makes it a hands-off, one-pot meal, that cooks quickly instead of cooking for hours.

What Do I Need To Make Achiote Chicken?

Equipment

The affiliate links below will allow you to see the product on Amazon.com. If you purchase one of the items, I will receive a very small commission on the product, which does not increase the price.

  • Instant Pot – I use this Instant Pot Duo 7 In 1 Pressure cooking for my recipes.
  • Food Processor – This one is a popular, highly rated food processor.
  • Blender – If you prefer to use a more standard counter blender, then this Ninja Blender and food processor is a good option.

Ingredient Notes

Below, I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions if you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

Overhead view of individual bowls of ingredients that are labeled with the ingredient names
  • Achiote Paste – This reddish paste, made from annatto seeds, can be found in most Mexican stores, and in the Mexican aisles at Walmart or on Amazon. This is a key ingredient and a must-have for this recipe.
  • Orange juice – Whether freshly squeezed or from concentrate, use your favorite orange juice.
  • Lime juice – I recommend using freshly squeezed lime juice.
  • Chicken Broth – You can use chicken broth, chicken stock, or water.
  • Mexican oregano – found in the Mexican aisle of most grocery stores or you can use regular oregano.
  • Ground cumin – This robust earthy seasoning is found in most grocery stores. I don’t recommend making any substitutes for this ingredient.
  • Ground cloves – If you don’t have cloves, you could use allspice instead.
  • Onion – I used a white onion. However, you could use a yellow onion, or sweet onion.
  • Tomatoes (not pictured) – I sliced up 2 roma tomatoes. However, you could use the tomatoes that you have on hand even if they are not roma tomatoes.
  • Garlic – Feel free to use whole garlic cloves or pre-minced garlic.
  • Chicken pieces – you can use the leg pieces, or a whole chicken cut up
  • Banana leaves – optional

Pollo Pibil Easy Instructions With Photos

Make The Marinade: 

  • Place the achiote, orange juice, oregano, lime juice, cumin, cloves, and garlic in a food processor or blender. If you are using the habanero, place it in the blender, too.
  • Blend until smooth.

OPTIONAL: Brown The Chicken:

  • Press the Saute Button on High. When hot, add oil, and heat until it is shimmering.
  • Add the chicken pieces in the instant pot.
    • OPTIONAL: If using the banana leaves, follow the directions below.
  • Cook 2 to 3 minutes, and then turn to brown the other side for about 2 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken and set aside.

Deglaze The Pot:

  • Pour about a 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth in the Instant Pot.
  • Using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot to remove the bits of food that might be stuck to the bottom.

Pressure Cook The Chicken:

  • Return the chicken to the Instant Pot.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken. (You can marinate the chicken for a few hours if you want a more intense flavor.)
  • Seal the instant pot and pressure cook for 12 minutes. It will take extra time to build up the pressure.
  • When the chicken has finished cooking, slow release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
  • Serve with Mexican white rice and tortillas. This is also great with sliced cucumber and tomatoes.

Pro Recipe Tips

If you use banana leaves, below are the steps to take:

  • Wash them thoroughly then heat them on a large pan to soften them.
  • Cut them into large pieces  – large enough to wrap a piece of chicken.
  • Brush the chicken with the marinade and place in the banana leaf.
  • Add a slice of onion and fold the banana leaf over the chicken, fold the other ends over to make a package.
  • Place in a large pan and cover with saran wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

What To Serve With Chicken Pibil

  • Mexican Rice
  • Cilantro Rice
  • Mexican Cauliflower Rice
  • Mexican Cabbage Slaw

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long will Achiote Chicken last?

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
  • This can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
serving dish with 2 pieces of pollo pibil with rice and a lime wedge. A second plate with an orange plate and bowl in the background.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice
  • Chicken Empanadas
  • Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

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Recipe

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5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Pollo Pibil Recipe

Bring the Yucatan to your table with this traditional chicken dish. Achiote brings the flavor and color to this inviting meal. Though traditionally made with banana leaves, which may be difficult to find, you can make it without the banana leaves in the instant pot for a quick dinner. Serve with rice and tortillas.
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword Achiote Chicken, Instant Pot Chicken, Pollo Pibil
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
Pressurization: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time 42 minutes minutes
Servings 8
Calories 340kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • 3-1/2 ounces (100 grams) achiote paste
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 roma tomatoes, sliced
  • ½ white onion chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
  • 1 seeded and diced habanero pepper (optional)

Chicken

  • 3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces or 4 whole legs/thighs
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
  • Banana leaves (optional)
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Instructions 

Make The Marinade:

  • Place the achiote, orange juice, oregano, lime juice, cumin, cloves, onion, tomato and garlic in the blender. If you are using the habanero, place it in the blender, too. Blend till smooth.

Brown The Chicken:

  • Press the Saute Button on High. When hot, add oil, and heat until it is shimmering.
  • Add the chicken pieces, skin side down, in the instant pot, or if using the banana leaves, follow the directions below. Cook 2 to 3 minutes, and then turn to brown the other side for about 2 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Deglaze The Pot:

  • Pour about a 1/4 cup of chicken broth in the Instant Pot and using a wooden spoon, scrape the bottom of the pot to remove the bits of food that might be stuck to the bottom.

Pressure Cook The Chicken:

  • Return the browned chicken to the Instant Pot.
  • Pour the marinade over the chicken. (You can marinate the chicken for a few hours if you want a more intense flavor.)
  • Seal the instant pot and pressure cook for 12 minutes. It will take extra time to build up the pressure.
  • When the chicken has finished cooking, slow release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
  • Serve with Mexican white rice and tortillas. This is also great with sliced cucumber and tomatoes.

Instructions If Using Banana Leaves

  • If you can find banana leaves, wash them thoroughly then heat them on a large pan to soften them.
  • Cut them into large pieces – large enough to wrap a piece of chicken.Brush the chicken with the marinade and place in the banana leaf.
  • Add a slice of onion and fold the banana leaf over the chicken, fold the other ends over to make a package.
  • Place in a large pan and cover with saran wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Remove from the refrigerator and place on a trivet in the instant pot.
  • Add a half cup of water to the bottom of the pot and place the lid on the pot. Cook according to directions above.

Video

Notes

  • If you like your food spicy, add a habanero chili to the marinade. It will spice things up!
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
  • This can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 423mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 315IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner Recipes, Evergreen Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Main Dishes, Mexican Recipes

DISCLOSURE: Flavor Mosaic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Please note: This blog may contain affiliate links to products I use and love. I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, to help with blog expenses when you make a purchase through an affiliate link. Thank you for your support!

Reader Interactions

Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic
Michele

Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, wife, and dog Mom, with 20+ years experience as a home cook. I’m the Founder of Flavor Mosaic, as well as the author and content creator. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes and Italian, Southern and Mexican cuisines.  Contact: [email protected].

Comments

  1. Anjali says

    August 8, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    The achiote paste added so much flavor to this marinade, and the instant pot made the chicken perfectly tender! Definitely a dish I will be making again!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Hi Anjali,

      Thanks so much. I’m glad you liked it.

      Michele

      Reply
  2. maryanne says

    August 8, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    My mouth started watering while reading over this recipe! I will be surprising my husband with this dish this week!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:11 am

      Hi Maryanne,

      Wonderful! Yes, drooling over the keyboard as you read it is a risk worth taking, in my opinion! LOL!

      Michele

      Reply
  3. Seema Sriram says

    August 8, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    I am so glad to see the use of banana leaves, I adore the flavours that come from this. The way you have paired it with cilantro lime rice must be so sumptuous.

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Hi Seema,

      Thank you, it is! Thanks for visiting.

      Michele

      Reply
  4. Andrea says

    August 8, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    I can see why it’s a favorite of yours. It looks and sounds marvelous!

    Reply
    • Michele says

      September 26, 2021 at 10:17 am

      Hi Andrea,

      It is marvelous. Thanks for visiting.

      Michele

      Reply
5 from 5 votes

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Michele F - Owner / Founder / Creator / Blogger at Flavor Mosaic

Hi, I’m Michele, a home cook with 20+ years experience. I created Flavor Mosaic as a place to share our favorite fast, easy, and flavorful creative recipes with bold flavors, including Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes.
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