Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas is an easy and quick-cooking dish that’s full of flavor! This classic combination of chicken and veggies is a super versatile meal the whole family will love.
Suitable for gluten free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.
You are going to love making Chicken Fajitas Instant Pot style. This easy recipe comes together in just a few minutes, so it’s perfect for even the busiest weeknights.
Save even more time by prepping and freezing the fajita mix in advance. You can cook it directly from frozen!
Like my Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Rice, This meal is a real crowd-pleaser because everyone can customize their fajitas as they like. Just set out an assortment of toppings and let them have fun building the perfect plate.
You can easily double this recipe to feed more people, or to have leftovers on hand for simple lunches all week long. Just the thing for Cinco de Mayo celebrations too.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick – These easy instant pot fajitas are ready in under 20 minutes!
- Customizable – Provide lots of toppings so everyone can customize their dinner.
- Make-Ahead – The fajita mix can be made and frozen for an even easier meal next time.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken – Use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. You could also use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Chicken Broth – You need liquid for the Instant Pot to function, but don’t worry, the final recipe will not be soupy. You can substitute water, but chicken broth enhances the flavors.
- Fajita Seasoning – Use a store-bought fajita seasoning to add flavor or make your own seasoning blend.
- Bell Peppers – Use an assortment of red, yellow, orange, or green for a variety of colors.
- Onion – Red onion and sweet onion are both tasty options.
- Lime Juice and Zest – Fresh squeezed lime juice adds a bright flavor.
- Tortillas – Use corn or flour tortillas or substitute gluten free tortillas.
How To Make Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Get the full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.
- Add the seasoned chicken and chicken broth to the Instant Pot insert.
- Put the sliced onions and peppers on top of the chicken in an even layer, then add the lime juice and zest.
- Place the lid on, turn the valve to the sealing position, and set it to manual pressure / high pressure for 4 minutes.
- When done, perform a quick pressure release, open the lid, and transfer the fajita mixture to a serving plate. Serve with tortillas and an assortment of toppings.
Tips For Success
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces.
- Season well for lots of flavor.
- For even more flavor, you can sauté the onions and peppers in the bottom of the instant pot before adding the chicken.
- If you decide to sauté the onions and peppers, deglaze the pan before continuing with the recipe.
- The onions and peppers may be more tender than traditionally cooked fajitas, but you will still love this recipe.
- If you prefer shredded chicken fajitas, shred the meat with two forks.
- Cook time listed does not include time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
Variations
- Make It Spicy – Add a bit of cayenne pepper when you add the fajita seasoning. Slice up a poblano pepper or a jalapeno for a bit more heat.
- Make Lettuce Wraps – Serve the fajita mix wrapped in leafy lettuce for an easy wrap or serve as a salad.
- Make a Sandwich – Fill crusty sub rolls with the fajita mix and melt some cheese for a flavorful sandwich.
Budget-Friendly Tips
- Buy Chicken In Bulk – Stock up on chicken when it is on sale or purchase it in bulk for the best price. Freeze leftovers for later use.
- Make Fajita Seasoning – Make your own seasoning mix with spices you already have on hand. Use chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powder, oregano, salt and pepper, or whatever spices you have on hand.
- Add Rice or Beans – Adding rice or beans is an inexpensive way to stretch this meal further.
Prep Ahead and Storage
- Prep Ahead – Prepare the fajita mix in advance by combining all of the ingredients (except for the chicken broth) in freezer-safe containers and freezing for up to three months for an even faster weeknight dinner.
- Store – Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze – Follow the handy tips below for how to freeze these; Pour all of the ingredients except for the tortilla into a freezer bag. Freeze until ready to cook. Dump the frozen chicken mixture into the Instant Pot, add the chicken broth, and cook following the directions. Be sure to add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and allow for a natural release of pressure.
Make Ahead
- Marinate – Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or airtight container with the marinade ingredients, and let it marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and infuse into the chicken.
- Pre-chop the Veggies – You can chop the onions and bell peppers ahead of time and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This will save you time when you’re ready to cook the fajitas.
- Prep the Toppings – Chop any toppings such as cilantro, tomatoes, or avocado ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. This will make it easy to assemble the fajitas when you’re ready to serve.
FAQs
Yes, the fajita mixture is gluten free. And to keep the meal gluten free, serve the chicken fajitas with corn tortillas that do not contain gluten. You can also serve as lettuce wraps.
Topping your fajitas is half the fun! Try some of these toppings:
Shredded Cheese
Avocado
Sour Cream
Pico de Gallo
Shredded Lettuce
Salsa
Chopped Pineapple and Mango
Cilantro
Black Beans
Yes, you can double the recipe for larger servings. However, make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking time if needed, keeping in mind that it may take longer for the pot to come to pressure with a larger quantity of ingredients.
More Recipes You May Like
- Easy Chicken Fajita Casserole.
- Instant Pot Fajita Rice.
- Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta.
- Air Fryer Chicken Nachos.
- Pineapple Salsa.
- Instant Pot Chicken Paprikash.
Serving Suggestions
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice (Chipotle copycat recipe).
- Pineapple Salsa.
- Strawberry Sweet Tea.
Weight Watchers Points
There are 4 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more tasty recipes!
Did you make this recipe? Then I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and star rating below. And I really appreciate you sharing this recipe with your family and friends. Enjoy every mouthful 😊🍲 – Bintu
Get The Chicken Fajitas Instant Pot Recipe:
Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds (1.1kg) boneless and skinless chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fajita seasoning
- 3 bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green or orange), sliced in thicker long slices
- 1 large onion sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- zest of 1 lime
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, parsley, avocado, lime wedges
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into the Instant Pot insert, and in chicken strips and sprinkle with fajita seasoning.
- Place bell peppers and onions on top of the chicken distributed in an even layer.
- Add the lime juice and zest.
- Place the lid on and turn the valve to the sealing position. Set to Manual Pressure / High Pressure for 4 minutes.
- When done, perform a quick pressure release, open the lid and transfer fajita mixture to a serving plate.
- Squeeze some additional lime juice onto the chicken and veggies.
- Serve with tortillas and toppings of your choice.
Video
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C.
- Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces.
- Season well for lots of flavor.
- For even more flavor, you can sauté the onions and peppers in the bottom of the instant pot before adding the chicken.
- If you do sauté the onions and peppers, deglaze the pan before continuing with the recipe.
- The onions and peppers may be more tender than traditionally cooked fajitas, but you will still love this recipe.
- Cook time listed does not include time for the Instant Pot to come up to pressure, or for the pressure to release.
- Storage – keep leftovers in an airtight container inside the fridge for 3 days.
- There are 4 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.
Biana
These Chicken Fajitas look delicious! So healthy with the chicken and veggies.
Traci
So easy and delicious! Chicken fajitas are a must for weeknight cooking. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Michelle
This looks so yummy – can’t wait to try it in my Instant Pot!
Beth
I just love using my instant pot! Can’t wait to make this soon! Looks so delicious and tasty!
Shanna
My family loved these and they are already begging me to make them again. Plus they are so easy to make in the Instant Pot.