• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Flavor Mosaic logo

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Travel
      • Car Reviews
      • Restaurant Reviews
      • Travel
  • Creative Recipes
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Turkey
      • Vegetarian
      • Dinner in Under 30 Minutes
      • Slow Cooker
    • Desserts
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
      • Grains
      • Legumes
      • Pasta
      • Potatoes
      • Vegetables
    • Soups / Salads
      • Green Salads
      • Pasta Salads
      • Potato Salads
      • Soup
    • Cuisine
      • American
      • Asian
      • Cajun
      • French
      • German
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
    • Seasonal Recipes
      • Christmas
      • Cinco De Mayo
      • Easter Recipes
      • Fall Recipes
      • Game Day
      • Halloween
      • Holiday Baking
      • Holiday Leftover Recipes
      • July 4th
      • Mardi Gras
      • New Years
      • St Patrick’s Day
      • Summer
      • Thanksgiving
      • Thanksgiving Desserts
      • Thanksgiving Sides
      • Winter Recipes
    • Seasoning Mixes
  • Instant Pot Recipes
    • Instant Pot Beef Recipes
    • Instant Pot Chicken Recipes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Southern Recipes
  • Tex-Mex Recipes

Home » Creative Recipes » Main Dishes » Chicken » Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

View of large white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken And Rice topped with chopped cilantro and surrounded by pieces of cilantro on white background with a partial view of another bowl of chicken and rice.

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice

BY: Michele
PUBLISHED: Apr 29, 2021
UPDATED: May 15, 2021
9 Reviews / 4.9 Average
Featured Comment
This is so helpful and easy to make! Thank you so much for this mexican chicken and rice recipe! Loved it!
Allyssa
1 More Comments
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Instant Pot Mexican Chicken and Rice is an easy yet tasty chicken and rice one pot comfort meal.

This Mexican Chicken and Rice is bursting with flavor and is easy to make in the Instant Pot. Use it as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as the base for your Chicken Burrito Bowl or Chicken Taco Bowl or just on its own.

View of large white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken And Rice topped with chopped cilantro and surrounded by pieces of cilantro on white background with a partial view of another bowl of chicken and rice.

We love Instant Pot Recipes, like my Chicken and Dumplings Recipe, and Beef Stew Recipe! This Mexican Chicken and Rice is one of our favorites. It makes an easy, yet flavorful One Pot Meal, like my Instant Pot Taco Soup.

Of course, since we love Mexican Recipes around here, I had to add some Mexican spices in with the chicken and rice. Of course, if you prefer, you can add one of my Seasoning Mix Recipes, like Homemade Fajita Seasoning, or Taco Seasoning.

I have made it many times since I first bought my Instant Pot and have been tweaking the recipe ever since.

Jump to:
  • Why You’ll Love Mexican Chicken And Rice
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • How To Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
  • Recipe Tips
  • Recipe Variation – Optional Add-Ins
  • What Toppings Can I Use for Chicken And Rice
  • What To Make With Leftover Chicken And Rice
  • What To Serve With Mexican Chicken And Rice
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • More Recipes You’ll Love
  • Recipe
  • ⭐ Reviews

Why You’ll Love Mexican Chicken And Rice

  • Easy. This Chicken and Rice recipe is easy to make. Other than sautéing the onion, it is a dump and go recipe. It is easy when the chicken and rice can cook together. The Instant Pot does all the work.
  • Delicious. This chicken rice is bursting with Mexican flavor from the Mexican seasonings, and it infuses the chicken and rice with flavor as it pressure cooks in the pressure cooker.
  • One Pot Meal. This means that you have fewer dishes to wash after dinner! The whole recipe is made in the Instant Pot.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Dump and Go Meal. Since everything is done in one pot and it all cooks together, it is pretty much a dump-and-go meal. It makes it easy and reduces the risk of any mistake if you were cooking in several pots.
  • Few Simple Steps. It is a simple recipe with just a few steps. That makes it easier. Nothing is complicated.
  • Step By Step Photos. This recipe includes step-by-step photos, along with detailed instructions, to help make the recipe easier to follow.
  • Homemade Seasoning. With chili powder, cumin, garlic, and more, your chicken and rice will have that wonderful Mexican flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

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 Duo60 6-Qt – This is the model of Instant Pot that I use and love. It is a medium-sized model and is one of the best-selling models.
  • Chef’s Knife – This knife is a highly rated, moderately priced knife.
  • Cutting Board – A very popular and highly rated bamboo cutting board that is similar to one I use.

Ingredients

Below I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions in case you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, be sure to 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.

  • Oil – Use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or your oil of choice.
  • Onion – You can use any onion, white, yellow, Vidalia, etc. Just be sure and dice the onions.
  • Garlic – This recipe needs 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • Chicken breast – You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Chicken stock – I use low sodium chicken stock. However, if you use store-bought regular chicken stock or chicken broth, you may need to reduce the amount of salt that you add to the recipe.
  • Rice – I used long grain, white rice. I don’t recommend brown rice in this recipe because that has to cook longer and the chicken may get overcooked if you cook it with brown rice.
  • Tomato paste – You only need 1-1/2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
  • Salt and Pepper – Add salt and pepper to taste. However, remember, if you use regular chicken stock or broth, you may need to reduce the amount of salt that you would normally add.
  • Chili powder – I like to use this brand of chili powder, but you can use any brand.
  • Cumin – This spice gives it a deep, earthy, smoky flavor.
  • Dried oregano – Preferably Mexican oregano, but feel free to use any type of dried oregano that you have on hand.
  • Cilantro – Chop up some fresh cilantro to use for garnish (optional).

Directions

For more detailed instructions, 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, as well as detailed step by step directions.

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Step by Step Process Photo Collage
  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic in oil in the Instant Pot. After sautéing the onions and garlic, scrape the bottom of the instant with a wooden spoon to remove bits of onion and garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  2. Add the chicken.
  3. Add the chicken stock.
  4. Add the Mexican seasonings and salt and pepper.
  5. Add the rice.
  6. Add the tomato paste. Always add the tomato paste last because you don’t want it at the bottom of the Instant Pot, because it could burn if it is on the bottom.
  7. Pressure Cook The Chicken And Rice.
    • Pressure Cook on “Manual, High Pressure” for 8 minutes.
  8. Natural Release
    • Let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
    • Turn the lid to “Venting”, and let the steam escape before removing the lid.
  9. Garnish.
    • Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

Recipe Tips

  • Deglaze the Pot. This means to scrape the bottom of the pot after the onions and garlic have been sautéed to remove any bits of onion or garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This adds more flavor to the chicken and helps to prevent receiving a burn notice from the Instant Pot.
  • Order of Adding Ingredients. The order in which you add ingredients is important. You can sauté onions, and if you want, the chicken. Then you need to add the thin liquid, in this case, chicken stock or broth, next. This is important so all ingredients cook evenly and no food sticks to the bottom and burns.
  • Salt. If you use regular, store-bought chicken broth, you may want to reduce the amount of salt that you add to this dish to compensate for the salt that is already in the chicken broth.
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. I recommend using reduced sodium chicken stock or broth because that allows you to have more control over how much salt is added to the dish.
  • Use long-grain white rice. I don’t recommend using brown rice for this recipe because it requires a longer cooking time than the chicken does. If you cooked both the chicken and brown rice together, the chicken would likely be overcooked.
Overhead view of Chicken and Rice topped with chopped cilantro inside an instant pot.

Recipe Variation – Optional Add-Ins

  • Vegetables – To vary it up and add some color, try adding chopped red, green, and orange bell peppers and sauté them when you sauté the onions. They can be pressure cooked with all the other ingredients.
  • Beans and Corn – As one of the last ingredients , add a can of rinsed and drained black beans and a can of drained corn, and then pressure cook per instructions.
  • Chilies – Add your favorite Chile peppers, such as diced jalapeños, green chilies, or red chilies.
  • Salsa – After you have added other ingredients and just before pressure cooking, add a cup of your favorite red or green salsa. Do not stir, and then pressure cook per instructions.

What Toppings Can I Use for Chicken And Rice

  • Chopped Cilantro
  • Chopped Tomatoes
  • Sliced Jalapeños
  • Chopped Avocados or Guacamole
  • Sour Cream
  • Shredded Cheese

What To Make With Leftover Chicken And Rice

  • Chicken Burrito Bowls or Taco Bowls.
    • Add some black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes and chilies to turn into a burrito bowl.
    • Top with sour cream, cheese, and your favorite toppings.

What To Serve With Mexican Chicken And Rice

  • Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
  • Cucumber Tomato Salad (with a Mexican Twist)
  • Mexican Cabbage Slaw
  • Instant Pot Charro Beans
2 white bowls filled with Instant Pot Chicken and Rice topped with chopped cilantro with white napkin next to the bowls and pieces of chopped cilantro sprinkled around the bowl with a partial view of an Instant Pot in the background.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
    • Yes, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days and reheat it later on the stove or in the microwave. However, if you can I recommend making it shortly before serving.
  • How Do I Store Leftovers?
    • Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Can I Freeze This Recipe?
    • Yes. Place the Chicken and Rice in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freezer for up to 3 months.

More Recipes You’ll Love

  • Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken And Rice Casserole
  • Instant Pot Chicken And Wild Rice Soup
  • Instant Pot Mexican Rice Pudding (Arroz Con Leche)
  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Instant Pot White Chicken Chili
  • Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole

If you like this recipe or make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment, rate the recipe, and follow us on:

Email | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Recipe

View of large white bowl of Instant Pot Chicken And Rice topped with chopped cilantro and surrounded by pieces of cilantro on white background with a partial view of another bowl of chicken and rice.
Print Pin Save Saved!
4.89 from 9 votes

Instant Pot Chicken And Rice

Mexican Chicken and Rice is bursting with flavor and is easy to make in the Instant Pot. Use it as a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or as the base for your Chicken Burrito Bowl or Chicken Taco Bowl or just on its own.
Course Appetizers
Cuisine American, Mexican
Keyword Chicken and Rice, Instant Pot Chicken And Rice, Instant Pot Mexican Chicken And Rice, Mexican Chicken and Rice
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Pressurization 25 minutes
Total Time 44 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 324kcal
Author Michele @ Flavor Mosaic

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into large cubes
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1.5 cups long-grain rice
  • 1.5 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 0.5 teaspoon each salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 tablespoons fresh cilantro,chopped (optional for garnish)
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions 

  • Turn the Instant Pot on “Saute” and wait for it to heat up. Stir in the onion and garlic, and saute for 1 minute. Press “Cancel”.
  • Add the chicken, chicken stock, rice, tomato paste, salt, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, and black pepper.
  • Cover the Instant Pot, setting the lid to “Sealing”. Cook on “Manual, High Pressure” for 8 minutes. Let the Instant Pot do a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Turn the lid to “Venting”, and let the steam escape before removing the lid.
  • Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

  • Deglaze the Pot.  This means to scrape the bottom of the pot after the onions and garlic have been sautéed to remove any bits of onion or garlic from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This adds more flavor to the chicken and helps to prevent receiving a burn notice from the Instant Pot.
  • Order of Adding Ingredients. The order in which you add ingredients is important. You can sauté onions, and if you want, the chicken. Then you need to add the thin liquid, in this case, chicken stock or broth, next. This is important so all ingredients cook evenly and no food sticks to the bottom and burns.
  • Salt. If you use regular, store-bought chicken broth, you may want to reduce the amount of salt that you add to this dish to compensate for the salt that is already in the chicken broth.
  • Chicken Stock or Broth. I recommend using reduced sodium chicken stock or broth because that allows you to have more control over how much salt is added to the dish.
  • Use long-grain white rice. I don’t recommend using brown rice for this recipe because it requires a longer cooking time than the chicken does. If you cooked both the chicken and brown rice together, the chicken would likely be overcooked.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 334mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 175IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 1mg

Filed Under: Chicken, Dinner, Fall Recipes, Instant Pot Chicken Recipes, Main Dishes, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Winter 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, recipe developer, and photographer. I share fast, easy, flavorful recipes with bold flavors, featuring Instant Pot recipes and Southern and Mexican cuisines.

Comments

  1. Ann says

    August 10, 2021 at 7:38 am

    What an easy and delicious chicken meal! Thank you.

    Reply
  2. Allyssa says

    August 11, 2021 at 7:32 am

    This is so helpful and easy to make! Thank you so much for this mexican chicken and rice recipe! Loved it!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

About Me

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. Read More…

Follow Me

Follow FlavorMosaic on Facebook Follow @FlavorMosaic on Instagram Follow FlavorMosaic on Pinterest Follow @FlavorMosaic on Twitter Subscribe to FlavorMosaic's RSS Feed

Search Flavor Mosaic

Logos of websites that have featured recipes from FlavorMosaic.com

Newest Recipes

  • Lemon Cool Whip Cookies
  • Crispy Corned Beef Hash Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Steak Bites
  • Best French Onion Dip
Copyright © 2023 Flavor Mosaic · All Rights Reserved