Instant Pot Chicken

Tex Mex Instant Pot Chicken

March 7, 2025

Just like my favorite 20 Minute Taco Chili recipe, the key ingredient for this Tex Mex Instant Pot Chicken is taco seasoning. Such a simple and quick ingredient but so powerful in adding flavor. Sometimes I change up the brand of packet I purchase and other times I stick to my large Costco sized container of taco seasoning that stays in the pantry above the stovetop. Taco seasonings is for sure a staple in my house.

This recipe is similar to my approach to making chicken fajitas but has more of a stew feel to me than fajita meat because it uses more salsa and a higher liquid content.

Keeping moisture in meats

This recipe is very easy to get together and the pressure cooker helps to not only make it quickly, but maintain moisture as well as flavor.

Many bariatric surgery patients will complain that meat feels too dry. It is true, keeping moisture in your meets is key to enjoying your foods. It is also very important to make sure your bite sizes are staying small. When a dense protein like chicken hits the opening to your post-op pouch and the bite was too large, it will hit heavy and make you feel like it was because of the meat.

Tex Mex Instant Pot Chicken

Recipe by: Steph Wagner (Bariatric Food Coach)
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook Time: 20 mins; Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 red bell pepper cut into 1 inch strips
  • 1 green bell pepper cut into 1 inch strips
  • 1.5 cups salsa of choice

Directions

  1. Using kitchen shears or a serrated knife, trim chicken and cut into strips. Toss with taco seasoning. Add to bowl of pressure cooker.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to the cooker, bell pepper strips and salsa.
  3. Place lid on top and close. Move sealing valve to closed. Select Manual Pressure for four minutes. Allow to natural release for 10 minutes, then release pressure and serve.
  4. Sprinkle reduced fat cheese, cilantro or plain Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutritional Info

Calories 189; Carbohydrates 15 grams; Fat 3 grams; Protein 26 grams

Check out more from Steph of Bariatric Food Coach on ObesityHelp!

Instant Pot chicken
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steph Wagner MS, RDN has worked as a dietitian and food coach to bariatric patients since 2009. She is the co-founder Bariatricfoodcoach.com with her husband Kevin, a web developer. Together they've built an extensive, user-friendly website and community for post-op patients. Steph also has a published cookbook “Best Fork Forward: Everyday Dinners After Weight-Loss Surgery.” Read more articles by Steph!
Recipe Disclaimer: If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies or a nutrition plan that you are following, make sure to read the ingredient list prior to consumption. All information on ObesityHelp.com is intended for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact a medical professional with any questions and concerns.