Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, one-pot meal that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with fluffy long-grain white rice, enriched by aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a comforting and nutritious dinner ready in less than an hour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to ensure fluffy rice.
- Sauté: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, building a flavorful base.
- Season and Brown: Add the chicken to the pot and sprinkle with paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side to give it a golden color without fully cooking it.
- Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the rinsed rice and chicken broth, mixing well to ensure the rice is submerged. Optionally, add extra seasonings as desired.
- Pressure Cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ on high pressure for 8 minutes. It will take about 8-10 minutes to come to pressure before cooking begins.
- Natural Release: When cooking is complete, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for about 10 minutes, then carefully vent any remaining steam by turning the valve to venting.
- Fluff and Serve: Open the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. If using peas and carrots, sprinkle them in now, replace the lid, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch for fluffier results.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for a leaner option.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and nutrients.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content.
- Allowing a natural pressure release prevents rice from sticking or burning.
- For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Keywords: Instant Pot chicken and rice, chicken rice recipe, one-pot chicken dinner, pressure cooker chicken and rice, easy chicken dinner
Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
