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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice
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Instant Pot Chicken and Rice is a quick, comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy long-grain white rice, and aromatic spices, ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this wholesome dish balances protein, carbs, and veggies while requiring minimal cleanup. Customizable and family-friendly, it offers a delicious and nourishing dinner option that can easily be adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4–6 chicken thighs, bone-in or boneless

Rice & Grains

  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

Liquids

  • 2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)

Oils & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté and Brown the Chicken: Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and warm the olive oil. Pat dry the chicken thighs, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown them on each side until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step locks in flavor and adds a delicious caramelized layer.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Remove the chicken temporarily and sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot until softened and fragrant. This simple base infuses the entire dish with depth and aroma.
  3. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in rinsed long-grain white rice and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any tasty browned bits. Stir to combine everything evenly.
  4. Pressure Cook: Nestle the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture. Seal the Instant Pot lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. This ensures the chicken cooks through while the rice absorbs every bit of savory flavor.
  5. Natural Release and Add Veggies: Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining steam. Stir in frozen peas or your choice of quick-cooking vegetables for freshness and color, letting the residual heat warm them through.

Notes

  • Rice rinse: Rinse rice under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
  • Rest time: Allowing natural pressure release helps rice finish cooking evenly without burning.
  • Don’t skip browning: Searing chicken first adds a savory crust and richer taste.
  • Adjust liquid: If using brown rice or other grains, increase broth quantity accordingly.
  • Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving brightens flavors beautifully.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, chicken and rice, one-pot meal, quick dinner, pressure cooker, easy recipe, family-friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/instant-pot-chicken-and-rice/