Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls (Easy High Protein Meal Prep)
These Instant Pot chicken burrito bowls are a dependable weeknight dinner packed with 35+ grams of protein per serving using seasoned chicken thighs, black beans, and rice. The bowl format is customizable, stores beautifully for meal prep, and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, tomatoes, jalapeños, Greek yogurt, salsa, lettuce, lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Set Instant Pot to sauté mode. Heat olive oil until shimmering. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, place skin-side down and sear 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same pot, sauté diced onion for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute.
- Step 3: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release browned bits. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Return chicken to pot, nestling into the liquid.
- Step 4: Close lid and set to high pressure for 12 minutes.
- Step 5: Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully release remaining pressure. Remove chicken and shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Step 6: Return shredded chicken to pot. Add drained black beans and stir gently. Squeeze in lime juice, taste for seasoning, and fold in cilantro if using. Serve over rice with desired toppings.
Notes
Storage: Keep in airtight containers for 4-5 days with components slightly separated so rice doesn't get soggy. Reheat in microwave 2-3 minutes and add fresh toppings. For extra protein, use cauliflower rice, double the black beans, or top with a fried egg. Works with ground turkey or plant-based meat as protein alternatives.