📖 Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly in the Instant Pot. Nobody likes unevenly cooked chicken!
2. Sauté Aromatics: Turn on your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' setting. Add olive oil. Once heated, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Keep an eye so the garlic doesn't burn!
3. Add Chicken and Seasonings: Add the cubed chicken to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle with fajita seasoning, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices. This is where all the flavour really begins!
4. Sear the Chicken: Allow the chicken to sear for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's lightly browned on all sides. Searing the chicken adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dish.
5. Add Vegetables: Toss in the sliced bell peppers (I like to use a mix of red, yellow, and green for colour!), and continue to sauté for another 2-3 minutes. The peppers should start to soften slightly.
6. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the rinsed white rice and chicken broth. Stir to ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Make sure no rice is stuck to the bottom of the pot, it can lead to the BURN notice!
7. Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring the vent is sealed. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 5 minutes. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the timer starts counting down.
8. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This prevents the rice from becoming mushy. After 10 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure.
9. Fluff the Rice: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. Fluff the rice with a fork. It should be perfectly cooked and fluffy!
10. Add Lime Juice and Cilantro: Stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. The lime juice adds a zesty freshness, while the cilantro provides a burst of herby flavour.
11. Serve: Serve the Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice Bowls hot. Top with your favorite toppings, such as diced avocado, sour cream, salsa, or shredded cheese. Enjoy!