Instant Pot Chicken Taco Bowl Recipe

My First Taco Night

My grandson invented this recipe with me. He loves taco night. One Tuesday, we were out of taco shells. I still laugh at that. We looked in the pantry and saw rice and beans. We decided to put everything in one pot.

The result was this cozy bowl. It is now our favorite meal. It reminds me that the best dinners are often happy accidents. What is your favorite oops, I forgot something meal you created?

Why This Bowl is So Good

This meal is more than just food. It brings everyone to the table. The smell of the spices fills the whole house. Doesnt that smell amazing? It tells your family that something good is waiting for them.

It also makes clean-up a dream. You only have one pot to wash. This matters because it gives you more time to sit and talk. Good food should not mean a big mess.

Lets Talk Toppings

The toppings are the fun part. They make each bowl special. My grandson piles on the cheese. I love a big spoonful of cool sour cream. The green onions add a nice little crunch.

You can use what you have. Got an avocado? Slice it on top. Have some fresh cilantro? Sprinkle it over everything. What is your must-have taco topping?

The Most Important Step

After the pot beeps, you must let the rice rest. This is the secret to perfect rice. Just put the lid back on for five minutes. I know it is hard to wait. But trust me, it is worth it.

This step lets the rice soak up all the flavors. It makes every grain separate and fluffy. Good things come to those who wait, even in cooking.

A Little Food History

Bowls of food are popular everywhere. In Mexico, they have wonderful rice and bean dishes. This recipe is like a cozy hug from south of the border.

Fun fact: The word taco is pretty new. It first showed up in Mexico about 100 years ago. It meant light lunch for miners. Now it means a delicious dinner for all of us.

Making It Your Own

The best recipes are the ones you change. You can make this bowl your own. Try using different beans. Or use a different colored salsa. It is your kitchen adventure.

I love hearing how you change my recipes. It makes me smile. Will you try this bowl with chicken, or do you have another idea? Tell me what you think.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Low-sodium chicken broth	1 1/2 cups	Divided
Boneless skinless chicken breasts	1 pound
Taco seasoning	1 packet
Black beans	15 ounce can	Rinsed and drained
Corn	1 cup
Salsa	1 1/2 cups
Long grain white rice	1 1/4 cups	Rinsed and drained

My Cozy Chicken Taco Bowl

I love a meal that feels like a warm hug. This one reminds me of my grandson’s soccer nights. Everyone is hungry and in a hurry. This bowl saves the day. It all cooks together in one pot. Your kitchen will smell like a fiesta. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?

Let’s get everything into the pot. First, give the pot a quick spray. Then pour in that first half-cup of broth. It keeps things from sticking. Now, lay your chicken breasts right in there. Sprinkle the taco seasoning all over them. It looks so pretty, like fallen leaves.

• Step 1: Spray the bottom of your Instant Pot. Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth. This little bit of liquid is very important. It helps create the steam we need. I learned this the hard way!
• Step 2: Place the chicken in the pot. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over it. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. It gives the whole dish its flavor. My grandkids love the colorful specks.
• Step 3: Now for the fun part. Dump in the rinsed black beans and the corn. Then add your favorite salsa. I like a chunky kind. It adds so much goodness. This is where the magic starts.
• Step 4: Add the rinsed rice next. Pour the last cup of broth over everything. Now, press the rice down gently with a spoon. You want it to be under the liquid. (This is my hard-learned tip for perfect, fluffy rice!).
• Step 5: Seal the lid and set the valve. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. The pot will beep and hiss. It always makes me think of a little train. What’s your favorite sound in the kitchen? Share below!
• Step 6: Let the pressure come down on its own for 12 minutes. Then carefully quick release the rest. Open the lid away from your face. The smell is absolutely amazing. It fills the whole house with joy.
• Step 7: Use a fork to fluff the rice. Do not stir it! Just lift and fluff. Put the lid back on for 5 minutes. The rice will finish getting perfect. This is a good time to find the chicken.
• Step 8: Move the rice aside to find the chicken. Shred it with two forks. It will be so tender. Mix it back into the bowl. Now you are ready to eat. I still laugh at how easy this is.

Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus pressure time)
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings
Category: Dinner, Instant Pot

Let’s Shake Things Up!

The basic recipe is a family favorite. But sometimes, you want to play with your food. I do it all the time. Here are a few fun twists you can try. They are all so simple and tasty.

• Spicy Fiesta: Use a hot salsa. Add a chopped jalapeño right in with the corn. It will give you a nice little kick. Perfect for a cold night.
• Summer Garden: Swap the chicken for a can of drained chickpeas. Use fresh, chopped tomatoes instead of salsa. It tastes like sunshine in a bowl.
• Cheesy Dream: After fluffing the rice, stir in a whole cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt all through the rice. My grandson invented this one. It is deliciously gooey.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Finish

Now for the best part, the toppings! I set up a little topping bar on the counter. Everyone can build their own perfect bowl. It makes dinner feel special. I love seeing what everyone creates.

Don’t forget the sliced avocado and a dollop of cool sour cream. Chopped green onions add a nice crunch. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro makes it smell so fresh. Serve it with warm tortillas on the side. You can scoop it up like a little burrito.

For a drink, a cold glass of limeade is perfect. The tangy lime cuts through the rich flavors. For the grown-ups, a light lager beer is a classic choice. It is crisp and refreshing. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Taco Bowls Tasty for Later

Let’s talk about storing this delicious meal. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days. Just pop it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for a quick future dinner.

I love making a double batch for the freezer. It saves so much time on busy nights. This is why batch cooking matters. It gives your future self a wonderful gift.

To reheat, add a splash of broth or water. Warm it on the stove or in the microwave. I once reheated it without liquid. The rice got a little dry. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Is your rice a bit mushy? You might have stirred it after cooking. Always fluff rice with a fork instead. This keeps the grains separate and perfect.

Does the chicken seem dry? Make sure you use natural release for 12 minutes. I remember when I did a quick release right away. The chicken was a bit tough. Getting the timing right matters for tender, juicy chicken every time.

Not enough flavor? Try a different salsa next time. A spicy or smoky salsa can change the whole dish. This is why small tweaks matter. They help you make the recipe your own. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Taco Bowl Questions Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Check your taco seasoning and broth labels. Many brands are naturally gluten-free.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble everything in the pot the night before. Just keep it in the fridge until cooking.

Q: What can I use instead of chicken?
A: Try black beans for a vegetarian version. It is just as hearty and delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Do not double the rice. It needs the right amount of liquid to cook properly.

Q: Any optional tips?
A: Letting the rice rest for five minutes makes it fluffier. Fun fact: Letting rice rest helps the grains absorb the last bit of steam. Which tip will you try first?

Sharing the Table With You

I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen. It is a favorite in my home. I love hearing your stories and seeing your creations.

Your own kitchen adventures make me so happy. Please share your beautiful taco bowl photos with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.