• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch of Wellness
  • Breakfast
  • Main Entrees
  • Side Dishes
  • Snacks
  • Desserts
  • Wellness
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Breakfast
  • Main Entrees
  • Snacks
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Wellness
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Main Entrees

    Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    Published: Mar 17, 2020 · Modified: Mar 7, 2022 by Ashlee Welter · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Instant pot chicken fajitas are spicy, flavorful and tender! These easy chicken fajitas are made up of tender chicken breast combined with peppers and onions plus a perfect amount of Mexican seasoning for an easy and delicious meal. This meal takes less than 30 minutes to make!

    chicken fajitas in the instant pot

    Chicken Fajitas in the instant pot is a recipe that requires very effort! It's one of those meals that is perfect for when you want to eat a home cooked meal but don't feel like cooking. All you have to do is put the ingredients in the instant pot, push start and let it cook! So easy you won’t believe it till ya try it!

    What Makes These The Best Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas? 

    These IP (Instant Pot) Chicken Fajitas are a bit different than most instant pot fajita recipes. One of the biggest differences is that the chicken is seasoned and cooked in the instant pot first, and then the peppers and onions are added to the instant pot for the last two minutes.

    Adding the peppers and onions after the chicken cooks prevents them from becoming soggy and overly mushy, while still allowing the juices of the onions to saturate the chicken and create a delicious flavor profile . If you think about your typical fajitas served at Mexican Restaurant, most times the peppers and onions are tender, but still have a bit of a crunch to them. This recipe mimics that style of cooking. 

    Additionally, these are the best instant pot chicken fajitas due to the rich and bold flavor profile that is created with such minimal seasoning. The only seasoning needed is a packet of taco seasoning. This seasoning covers the raw chicken, and when cooked, creates the perfect flavor. 

    easy instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    What Can I Serve With IP Chicken Fajitas?

    Instant pot fajitas can be served on corn or white tortillas, eaten plain, or served on a bed of rice. IP chicken fajitas are considered a Mexican dish and pair well with side dishes from that flavor profile.  Examples of side dishes to pair with the chicken fajitas are Mexcian rice, black beans, refried beans or a salad.   

    Best Toppings for Instant Pot Fajitas

    • Avocado
    • Salsa
    • Sour Cream
    • Pico de Galo
    • Jalapeños
    • Cilantro
    healthy Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas on corn tortillas

    Should I use Fresh or Frozen Chicken?

    Chicken can be cooked from the thawed or frozen state. The directions for this recipe are based on cooking chicken that has been entirely defrosted. If using frozen chicken, the cooking time of the instant pot will increase by a few minutes.    

    How To Cut Raw Chicken For Fajitas

    The chicken should be cut into strips prior to cooking. This creates a more intense flavor, as the marinade will be covering all edges of the chicken strips. Slice the chicken into strips that are about ¾ inch wide by 2 inches long. It’s ok if not all strips are perfect or the same size! 

    Expert TIp: It is easier to slice chicken that is just slightly frozen. If using frozen chicken breast, allow it to defrost in the refrigerator for a day or two. When you notice that the chicken is thawed on the outside but still slightly frozen around the center, this is actually a great time to cut the chicken! Another solution to make slicing the chicken easier is to use a pair of kitchen scissors. 

    Are Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas Healthy?

    Here’s the nutritional break down for these Healthy Instant Pot Fajitas: 

    • These fajitas are a great source of protein. One serving (which is about ⅙th of the total finished recipe) contains 17 grams of protein. The protein source is a lean protein, which doesn’t add a lot of extra fat. 
    • Chicken fajitas made in the instant pot are healthier than if made by frying over a stove with oil.
    • Instant Pot fajitas are also a good source of veggies, which come from the peppers and onions. 
    • The taco seasoning does add extra sodium - use a low sodium and salt free version of taco seasoning if concerned about salt intake
    • Overall, this is a healthy meal option! To make this a balanced meal, consider adding some brown rice to the side or serving with a whole wheat tortilla. You may also serve with fresh fruit on the side! 

    Chicken Fajitas With Frozen Vegetables

    These chicken fajitas can easily be made with frozen vegetables. I recommend using the frozen sliced peppers and onions mix which is sold in the freezer aisle at the store. Any veggie will work, though! Prepare and cook the chicken via Instant Pot, as indicated in the below recipe. While the chicken is cooking, heat the frozen vegetables in the microwave and drain excess water. Once the chicken is finished cooking, add the veggies to the chicken mixture and let sit for 10 minutes to absorb all flavors.

    Can I Freeze Chicken Fajitas? 

    Instant Pot chicken fajitas can be frozen before or after cooking. The quality holds up really well, especially if you freeze them prior to cooking. 

    To freeze fajitas before cooking: Combine sliced chicken, seasoning and olive oil in a freezer safe bag. Combine sliced peppers and onions in a second ziplock bag. Freeze for 3 months prior to cooking. Defrost the chicken in the refrigerator for 1 day prior to cooking. 

    To freeze fajitas after cooking: Place fajitas in a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator for a day prior to serving. Consider placing in smaller sized bags if you are only wanting to defrost enough product for 1-2 days.

    Ingredients Needed for Healthy Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas Ingredients needed
    • Chicken breast: boneless, skinless chicken breasts are needed, as you will be slicing these into strips that are about ¾ inch wide by 2 inch long. Sub the chicken tenderloin cut of meat if desired. This recipe has not been tested with chicken thighs.
    • Taco seasoning: use the standard taco seasoning from grocery stores. Choose a reduced sodium option if watching salt intake. 
    • Olive oil: You will mix the taco seasoning with this. Sub canola oil if desired. 
    • Peppers: any color will work. I choose red, yellow and orange peppers. Use either 3-4 bell peppers or a small bag of mini peppers will also work! 
    • Onion: white onion is recommended as this adds the best flavor. If prefered to use a purple onion, note this will result in a slightly sweeter product.

    How To Make Fajitas In The Instant Pot

    Slice peppers into small strips (slices should be about ¼ inch wide by 1.5-inch long). Repeat with the onion. Set aside. 

    Slice chicken into strips that are about ¾ inch wide by 2 in long. In a small bowl, combine olive oil and taco seasoning. Mix with a fork until combined. 

    how to cut chicken for fajitas

    Place the metal insert into the bottom of the instant pot (important step to keep the fajitas from sticking to the bottom). Layer sliced chicken over the top of the metal insert (layer in opposite direction of insert so they don’t fall through). 

    Spread the oil and taco seasoning mixture evenly over chicken. Move chicken around so that all pieces are evenly coated. Add the water. 

    Close valve on instant pot and set to cook for 10 minutes. Once done cooking, do a quick release and add peppers/onions. Do this very quickly so IP remains hot and chicken doesn’t overcook. 

    Set the IP to cook for another 3 minutes once peppers and onions are added. Once the timer goes off, do a quick release. 

    Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    Remove from IP immediately. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out chicken and peppers if there is a lot of liquid in the bottom. Serve with corn tortillas or white tortillas .

    Learn From My Mistakes: 

    Here’s the bloopers reel, since my brain wasn't working the first couple times I made these. Hope you can learn from my errors!  

    • Mix the taco seasoning with the olive oil. If you don’t, the taco seasoning will clump together on the chicken. 
    • Use the metal rack or spray the bottom of the instant pot to avoid extreme sticking
    • Don’t cook the peppers, onions and chicken all at once. Wait to add the peppers and onions for best quality! 
    • Make sure you put the plastic seal on the IP prior to cooking

    More Easy Dinner Recipes:

    • Teriyaki Salmon Bowls
    • Buffalo Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
    • Low Carb Philly Cheesesteak Skillet
    • GF Sweet and Sour Chicken
    • Skinny Chicken Parm
    Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas on corn tortillas

    Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas

    Ashlee Welter - Pinch of Wellness
    Instant Pot chicken fajitas can be made in less than 30 minutes! This easy, weeknight meal is perfect for the whole family.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 193 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 5 medium raw chicken breasts (about 4 pounds raw)
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ cup water
    • 1 package taco seasoning
    • 4 medium bell peppers any color
    • 1 medium white onion

    Instructions
     

    • Slice peppers and onions into thin strips (about ¼ inch wide by 1 inch long). Set aside.
    • Slice chicken breast into thin strips (about ¾ inch wide by 2 inches long).
    • Place metal rack in bottom of instant pot. Layer chicken on top of metal rack.
    • In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, water and taco seasoning. Pour over the chicken breast.
    • Place lid on instant pot, set valve to sealing position and set as manual cook time to 7 minutes.
    • Once 7 minutes is up, do a quick release and open lid.
    • Add the sliced peppers and onions, close lid, set valve to sealing position and reset manual cook time to 3 minutes.
    • Once 3 minutes is complete, do a quick release and open lid.
    • Remove meat and veggies from Instant Pot using a slotted spoon. Serve on tortillas or over rice.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcal
    Keyword chicken recipes, fajitas, instant pot
    Tried this recipe?Mention @pinchofwellness or tag #pinchofwellness!

    Check Out These Other Easy Recipes!

    • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
    • Crock Pot BBQ Chicken
    instant pot chicken fajitas
    Tweet
    Pin
    Share

    More Main Entree Recipes

    • Asian Turkey Meatballs
    • Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Loaded Mini Pepper Nachos
    • Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

    Subscribe

    to Pinch of Wellness today!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Adriana

      September 17, 2022 at 7:14 pm

      5 stars
      I made these with steak and it was great!

      Reply
      • Ashlee Welter

        September 18, 2022 at 10:32 am

        Sounds amazing!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    ashlee welter pinch of wellness

    Hi, I'm Ashlee! I'm a Registered Dietitian with over 10 years of experience in nutrition, cooking, and health! I am an expert in developing gluten free and healthy recipes!

    More about me!

    as featured in

    Top Healthy Recipes

    • Teriyaki Salmon Bowl
    • Healthy Philly Cheesesteak Skillet (Low Carb)
    • Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
    • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
    • Healthy Gluten Free Sweet and Sour Chicken
    • Healthy Spaghetti Sauce
    • Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Winter Favorites

    • Healthy Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
    • Oven Baked Chicken Quarters
    • Healthy Taco Soup
    • The Best Oven Baked Oranges
    • Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars
    • Air Fryer Butternut Squash

    Popular

    • Chicken Omelet
    • Kefir Overnight Oats
    • Egg White Wraps
    • Honey Chipotle Chicken

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Footer

    as featured in footer 360x200
    • About Me

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclosure
    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Pinch of Wellness LLC

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
     

    Loading Comments...