Go Back
+ servings

Instant Pot Hatch Chile Salsa Chicken Rice Bowl

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: comfort food, Meal Prep, one-pot, quick
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Nick Quintero

Ingredients

For The Salsa Chicken Mixture

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts about 1 pound
  • 1 jar Hatch Chile salsa or any salsa you like, 8 to 12 ounces
  • 1 pack six bean medley drained and rinsed, or kidney beans
  • 1 can corn drained
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional

For Serving

  • ½ cup Cooked brown rice white rice, or jasmine rice
  • Fresh cilantro
  • ¼ ea Avocado
  • 1 tablespoon Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Lime wedges
  • Green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Build The Base

  • Add the salsa, beans, corn, and chicken stock to the Instant Pot.
  • Stir everything together so the beans and corn are evenly distributed. Since the rice is cooked separately in this version, you do not need as much liquid in the Instant Pot.
  • You only need enough liquid to help the chicken cook, keep everything juicy, and create a flavorful sauce for the bowl.

Step 2: Add The Chicken

  • Nestle the whole chicken breasts into the salsa and bean mixture.
  • Leaving the chicken breasts whole helps them stay juicy while they pressure cook. Once they’re done, they’ll shred easily and soak up all that salsa flavor.
  • Sprinkle the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt over the chicken and the bean mixture.
  • No need to overthink this part. Just make sure the seasoning gets spread across the pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

  • Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 12 minutes.
  • Once the cooking time is done, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes. Then carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Because this recipe does not cook rice in the Instant Pot, the cook time stays shorter and the texture is easier to control.

Step 4: Shred And Finish

  • Remove the chicken breasts from the Instant Pot and shred them with two forks.
  • Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir everything together. The chicken will absorb the salsa, broth, and spices as it mixes back in.
  • If using shredded cheddar cheese, stir it in while the mixture is still hot so it melts evenly.
  • Now the filling is ready for bowls, burritos, salads, or whatever version makes sense for your week.

Step 5: Serve

  • Spoon the salsa chicken mixture over cooked rice and add your favorite toppings.
  • I usually keep the rice and chicken mixture separate in storage, then build each bowl when I’m ready to eat. This makes the meal feel fresher and gives you more flexibility throughout the week.
Tried this recipe?Mention @mealpreponfleek or tag #mealpreponfleek!