This Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jewel-Osco. All opinions are 100% mine.
Transform your weekly meal prep with these incredibly flavorful and versatile Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls – a brilliant “cook once, eat twice” solution that simplifies healthy eating for your entire family!
Embrace a Fresh Start: Healthy Meal Prep for the New Year
As we step into a new year, it’s often a time for reflection and setting intentions for healthier habits and smarter living. After the challenges of the past year, many of us are eager for a clean slate, especially when it comes to our diets and routines. This year, let’s commit to a mindset that embraces efficiency, health, and deliciousness, all while saving precious time and money. Forget the stress of last-minute meal decisions and the dread of food waste.
One of my favorite challenges is transforming leftover ingredients or a single cooked component into entirely new, exciting meals that even the pickiest eaters will rave about. This approach isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about culinary creativity and making the most of every ingredient you purchase. The answer to this culinary dilemma, and a cornerstone of smart meal prepping, lies in one incredible recipe: Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls.
This recipe is designed to be a game-changer. You’ll cook a generous batch of tender, flavorful salsa verde chicken once, and then use it as the foundation for two distinctly different yet equally delicious meals. This strategy is fantastic for stretching your grocery budget, elevating simple ingredients, and ensuring your family enjoys diverse, wholesome dishes throughout the week without feeling like they’re eating the same thing over and over again. Get ready to embrace healthier eating, reduce food waste, and enjoy more quality time – doesn’t that sound like the perfect start to the year?
Budget-Friendly & Quality Ingredients with Jewel-Osco
If meal planning on a budget is high on your New Year’s resolution list, then look no further than Jewel-Osco. They are an invaluable partner in making healthy, affordable meals a reality for families. Jewel-Osco, along with the entire Albertsons Companies family of stores – including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME Markets, Randalls, Shaw’s Supermarket, Star Market, Tom Thumb, and Vons – offers an extensive array of exclusive brands that are perfect for creating easy, delicious meals right at home without breaking the bank. You’ll find incredible value and quality in every single aisle, making your grocery shopping experience both efficient and economical.
Beyond great prices, Jewel-Osco provides innovative “time-saving products” that significantly cut down on prep time. For instance, their convenient cauliflower crumbles mean you can bypass the tedious task of grating a whole head of cauliflower, allowing you to get dinner on the table faster. When time is of the essence, these small conveniences make a huge difference.
For this recipe, I specifically sought out the high-quality, 100% USDA-certified organic products from O Organics®. Their commitment to non-GMO ingredients ensures you’re feeding your family the very best. Shopping for these affordable, high-quality products is easy and accessible across all Albertsons Companies stores. You can also utilize their convenient grocery delivery or Drive Up & Go™ services for even more time savings!
Essential Grocery List for Your Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this amazing “cook once, eat twice” meal. I shopped at Jewel-Osco for these items, prioritizing O Organics® for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
For the Vibrant Homemade Salsa Verde:
- Fresh parsley leaves (adds a bright, herbaceous note)
- O Organics® fresh basil (for a sweet, aromatic depth)
- O Organics® fresh chives (mild oniony flavor)
- Fresh tarragon (optional, but highly recommended for its unique anise-like flavor; I sometimes have to omit this if not available at Jewel-Osco, and the salsa is still fantastic)
- Fresh lemon juice and zest (essential for brightness and acidity)
- Garlic cloves (for robust flavor)
- Capers (provide a briny, tangy kick)
- Red pepper flakes, if desired (to add a hint of heat)
- 3/4 cup O Organics® Extra virgin olive oil (the base for a smooth, emulsified sauce)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for perfect seasoning)
For the Tender Salsa Verde Chicken:
- 3 lbs O Organics® Organic Chicken Breasts Boneless Skinless Air Chilled (This generous amount is perfect for both the burrito bowls and the bonus nachos recipe, ensuring you get two meals from one cooking session).
For the Customizable Burrito Bowl Ingredients:
- For the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:
- 1 lb cauliflower crumbles (a fantastic time-saver!)
- 2 containers of fresh cilantro (generous amount for both the rice and garnish)
- 1 lime (for juice and zest, adding a zesty brightness)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (for fresh, juicy bursts of flavor)
- 1 package (12 oz) O Organics® Romaine Hearts (crisp base for your bowls)
- 1 avocado (creamy, healthy fat)
- 1 can O Organics® Organic Black beans (rinsed and drained, for protein and fiber)
- 1 can Signature SELECT™ Whole Kernel Golden Sweet Not Salt Added corn (for sweetness and texture)
- O Organics® Mexican cheese blend, shredded (for creamy, savory goodness)
- For the Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Delicious Meal
Get ready to create a meal that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to meal prepping, these instructions will guide you to a perfect salsa verde chicken every time.
Preparing the Fresh Salsa Verde
The heart of this recipe is the vibrant homemade salsa verde. Its fresh, herbaceous notes perfectly complement the chicken.
Into a food processor, add all the ingredients for the salsa verde: parsley leaves, fresh basil, chives, tarragon (if using), lemon juice and zest, garlic, capers, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Process until the leaves are finely minced and all ingredients are well combined. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of the O Organics® Extra Virgin Olive Oil until the sauce transforms into a beautifully creamy, bright yellow-green color. Taste the salsa verde and adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. You might find it perfectly balanced already!
Cooking the Salsa Verde Chicken (Instant Pot Method)
The Instant Pot makes quick work of this flavorful chicken, ensuring tender, shreddable results in minutes.
Carefully place the O Organics® Organic Chicken Breasts into the Instant Pot. Pour the freshly made salsa verde evenly over the chicken. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, allow a natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes, then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure. Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. The chicken will be incredibly moist and infused with the salsa verde flavor.
Cooking the Salsa Verde Chicken (Slow Cooker Method)
For a hands-off approach, the slow cooker delivers equally delicious, fall-apart tender chicken.
Into your slow cooker, add the O Organics® Organic Chicken Breasts and pour in the salsa verde. Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easily shreddable. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. It will be beautifully tender and flavorful.
Preparing the Refreshing Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
This low-carb alternative is packed with flavor and complements the chicken perfectly.
Into a large skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower crumbles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly softened but still retaining a bit of crunch. Stir in the fresh lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to combine all the vibrant flavors. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat.
Assembling Your Customizable Burrito Bowls
This is where the fun begins! Set out all your prepared ingredients and let your family create their perfect bowl.
Arrange all your delicious toppings buffet-style, allowing everyone to customize their Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls to their liking. My personal go-to includes a generous base of crisp romaine lettuce, a hearty serving of the flavorful salsa verde chicken, tender black beans, a sprinkle of shredded O Organics® Mexican cheese blend, the zesty cauliflower cilantro lime rice, sweet corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado slices. To elevate the experience even further, I also like to offer extra salsa verde, a dollop of sour cream, an additional side of salsa, and a scoop of freshly made guacamole.
Bonus Meal: Speedy Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos
Here’s how to use your extra salsa verde chicken for a second amazing meal – perfect for a quick dinner or game night!
Preheat your broiler to low. On a large sheet pan, spread an even layer of your favorite tortilla chips. Top generously with shredded O Organics® Mexican cheese blend. Place the sheet pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! Once melted, remove from the broiler and top the nachos with warmed salsa verde chicken and any of your favorite burrito bowl toppings, such as extra salsa verde, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. These nachos are an instant crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy your cooked chicken in a whole new form!
Recipe Variations to Suit Every Palate
One of the best things about this recipe is its incredible adaptability. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
- Protein Power: If you prefer, swap out chicken breasts for juicy chicken thighs, or even explore other lean proteins like a pork loin or pork shoulder. For a vegetarian twist, consider using seasoned black beans, lentils, or a hearty plant-based crumble in place of chicken.
- Spice It Up: If you crave extra heat, finely dice some fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers and add them to your salsa verde or sprinkle them over your finished bowl. A dash of your favorite hot sauce is also a great option.
- Veggie Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and texture by adding other vegetables such as sautéed bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), sliced black olives, finely diced red onions, or even roasted sweet potato cubes.
- Creamy Indulgence: For those who love a rich and decadent touch, a drizzle of warm queso cheese or a generous scoop of guacamole can take your burrito bowl to the next level.
- Grain Alternatives: While cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option, feel free to use traditional white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or any other grain you prefer as the base for your bowl.
Common Questions for Effortless Meal Prep
Planning ahead often brings up practical questions. Here are answers to some frequent queries to help you master this recipe.
- Can I freeze the cooked salsa verde chicken?
- Absolutely! Cooked salsa verde chicken freezes beautifully, making it an excellent component for future meal prep. Simply place the shredded, cooled chicken into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Don’t forget to label the bag with the date you placed it in the freezer or the “use by” date (3 months from cooking). Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I use traditional rice instead of cauliflower rice?
- Of course! While cauliflower rice offers a lighter, low-carb alternative, traditional rice is perfectly acceptable and delicious. Feel free to use white rice, brown rice, quinoa, or any type of grain you prefer. Just make sure your chosen grain is fully cooked according to package directions before incorporating it into your burrito bowls. You can then stir in the lime juice, zest, cilantro, and salt for that signature flavor.
- How long does the salsa verde chicken last in the refrigerator?
- Cooked salsa verde chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it ideal for weekday lunches or dinners.
Smart Meal Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Week
Effective meal planning is the secret weapon of busy families. Here are some expanded tips to help you succeed:
- Inventory Your Pantry First: Before heading to the grocery store, always take a quick inventory of your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. You’d be surprised how many times you already have ingredients on hand that can be incorporated into your meal plan, saving you money and reducing waste. This also prevents buying duplicates!
- Be Precise with Your List: A well-organized grocery list is key. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made multiple trips to the grocery store in a week simply because I forgot a crucial item. Slow down while making your list, double-check your recipes, and organize your list by aisle to make your shopping trip more efficient.
- Involve the Family: Get your family’s input on what they’re craving for the upcoming week. When everyone has a say, they’re more likely to be excited about the meals, reducing complaints and making mealtime more enjoyable for everyone.
- Theme Nights: Consider implementing theme nights, like “Taco Tuesday” or “Pasta Wednesday.” This can simplify meal planning by narrowing down options and making it easier to rotate recipes.
- Cook in Batches: Similar to this “cook once, eat twice” concept, look for opportunities to cook larger quantities of versatile ingredients (like grains, roasted vegetables, or proteins) that can be used in different ways throughout the week.
- Utilize Sales: Plan your meals around what’s on sale at your local grocery store. If chicken is on special, plan more chicken-based meals. This is a huge money-saver!
For these two fantastic recipes – Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls and Salsa Verde Chicken Nachos – to feed a family of four, I managed to spend just $40*. This breaks down to an incredible $5 per person per meal, which is significantly cheaper (and undoubtedly healthier) than ordering takeout, and much more enjoyable too! (*Full transparency: this cost estimate excludes staple ingredients I already had, such as olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, capers, and a lemon.)
🍲 More Instant Pot Recipes to Love
If you’re loving the convenience and efficiency of your Instant Pot, here are a few more delicious recipes to add to your rotation:
Instant Pot Horseradish Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Molten Lava Cakes
Instant Pot Short Ribs
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls
12 servings
10 minutes
25 minutes
35 minutes
Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls are a make once, eat twice meal that’ll help you meal prep for the week ahead!
Ingredients
- Salsa Verde Ingredients
- 1/4 cup O Organics® fresh basil
- 1/4 cup O Organics® fresh chives
- 1/2 cup O Organics® fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh tarragon (this is the only thing I wasn’t able to purchase at Jewel Osco, however, you can omit)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice + 1 tablespoon zest
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon capers
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, if desired
- 3/4 cup O Organics® Extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, if needed
- Chicken
- 3lbs O Organics® Organic Chicken Breasts Boneless Skinless Air Chilled (This will be used for both meals)
- Burrito Bowl ingredients
- Cauliflower cilantro lime “rice”
- 1lb cauliflower crumbles
- .68oz container Fresh cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 package (12 oz) O Organics® Romaine Hearts
- 1 avocado
- 1 can O Organics® Organic Black beans
- 1 can Signature SELECT™ Whole Kernel Golden Sweet Not Salt Added
- O Organics® Mexican cheese blend, shredded
Instructions
Salsa Verde Directions
Into a food processor, add all the ingredients for the salsa verde and process until leaves are finely minced. With machine running, slowly add in extra virgin olive oil until sauce is a creamy yellow-green color. Check seasoning; adjust with salt and pepper.
Instant Pot Directions
Place chicken breasts into the instant pot. Pour in salsa verde and cook for 20-25 minutes*
When cooked through shred.
Slow Cooker Directions
Into your slow cooker, add chicken and salsa verde. Cook on high for 4 hours or low 8 hours. When cooked through, shred.
Cauliflower Cilantro Lime Rice Directions
Into a large skillet, add olive oil. Add in cauliflower and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in lime juice and zest, cilantro and salt.
Burrito Bowl Assembly
Set out all your toppings so your family can choose which ingredients they’d like for their own bowls.
I like everything so I add romaine, chicken, black beans, shredded cheese, cauliflower cilantro lime rice, corn, tomatoes and avocado.
I also like to set out the extra salsa verde, sour cream, salsa and guacamole.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting my site!
- Ninja BN601 Professional Plus Food Processor 1000-Peak-Watts with Auto-iQ Preset Programs Chop Puree Dough Slice Shred with a 9-Cup Capacity and a Silver Stainless Finish
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus Pressure Cooker 10 in 1, 6 Qt, 48 One Touch Programs
- The Ultimate Instant Pot cookbook: Foolproof, Quick & Easy 800 Instant Pot Recipes for Beginners and Advanced Users (Pressure Cooker Recipes)
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 492Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 116mgSodium: 404mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 6gSugar: 4gProtein: 46g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on strawberryblondiekitchen.com should only be used as a general guideline.
Your Journey to Easier, Healthier Meals Starts Now!
The “cook once, eat twice” philosophy is a powerful tool for weekly meal planning, and I sincerely hope you’ll join me in embracing this efficient approach to cooking this year. Imagine the time saved, the money kept in your pocket, and the delicious, healthy meals waiting for you after a long day. These Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls are more than just a recipe; they’re a gateway to a more organized, flavorful, and less stressful kitchen experience.
I highly encourage you to add these versatile Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Burrito Bowls to your weekly meal plan very soon! And for ultimate convenience, remember to take advantage of Jewel-Osco’s Grocery Delivery and Drive Up & Go™ services. They offer seamless ways to shop for and pick up all the ingredients you need to make your meal planning dreams a delicious reality.